Exceptional Family 2011

Family Ky Exceptional

Kentucky Council On Developmental Disabilities

2011

A Kentucky Guidebook for People With Disabilities, Their Families & the Professionals Who Support Them A Speciality Publication of

get

Empowered!

Comprehensive Resource Guide

Best Buddies Program

Become a DDC Member

Family Ky y Ky Family Ky contents

Exceptional

y Ky2011 features

6 Riding For Hope 10 Getting Plugged In 13 IEP Plan 14 Kelly Autism Program 16 Michelle P. Waiver Program 20 Special Needs Adoption 22 Recreation Involvement Fund 24 Primary Care Clinic 26 Future Is Now 28 Daniel’s Care 30 Best Buddies Program 32 Vision Therapy 34 Resource Directory 2

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“All Kentuckians Have Equal Opportunity To Choice & Control In Their Lives.”

-- Mission of The Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities

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Central Kentucky’s Parenting Magazine

Editor.....................John Lynch of Lexington Family Magazine Graphic Artist...Daniel Morgan of Lexington Family Magazine 2011 “Exceptional Family Ky” is published by Lexington Family Magazine, Central Kentucky’s parenting publication.

138 E. Reynolds Rd. # 201 / Lexington, Kentucky 40517 (859) 223-1765 www.lexingtonfamily.com • info@lexingtonfamily.com

Letter M

From The DDC

David Allgood

Kentucky Council on Developmental y name is David Allgood, Disabilities Chairmen and I am the chair of the Kentucky Council on Developmental More than 23% of Kentuckians against negative legislation.

Disabilities.

I want to share my advocacy are people with disabilities – the I have been a long-time advocate experiences with you because I feel largest minority in the state. for disability rights and education. that it is one of the most important If we could get this minority Twenty-eight years ago I injured -- as well as easiest – tasks that aware and active in how legislative myself in a diving accident, which people with disabilities and their policy affects us and how we can left me a quadriplegic and a power influence policy makers, our lives family and friends can do. wheelchair user. could be much improved.

The Council has a wonderful I started advocating for disability feature on its website called Capital All people with disabilities issues while attending the University Impact, which enables users to track would benefit from increased job of Kentucky, where I encountered state and federal legislation that can opportunities; affordable, accessible accessibility public transportation; problems and education attitudinal barriers opportunities; regarding people a diving accident left me a quadriplegic increased community with disabilities. services; accessible & power wheelchair user.

I continued housing, and a myriad I started advocating disability issues while to advocate for of other services. disability issues Please make attending the after graduation an effort to use the and back in my Council’s resources to hometown of Louisville, where I become involved in these meaningful positively or negatively impact the began working as the Community causes and know that we are always disability community.

Advocate for an Independent Living looking for advocates, volunteers and The web site provides contact Center. board members. information for all of your elected That job required me to spend I really appreciate the officials, so you can advocate for laws a great deal of time in Frankfort friendships and opportunities that and regulations relevant to you. working with our legislators to being a member of the Council have You can easily access this introduce laws that would improve afforded me. It is a privilege to work feature by logging onto www. the lives of people with disabilities or kentuckydisability.org and clicking with such dedicated staff and fellow educate and encourage them to vote on the Legislative Action link. board members. t

Twenty-eight years ago

University of Kentucky.

how to become a DDC member

An individual who has a developmental disability and/or a family member or guardian of an individual with a developmental disability may apply to be on the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Council members are expected to attend regularly scheduled quarterly meetings that last two to three days.

A member serves a three-year term and is limited to six consecutive years of service.

Info: www.kcdd.ky.gov or 1-877-367-5332.

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KCDD CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT FUND The Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities has a limited pool of funds we make available as financial assistance for advocates in the developmental disabilities field to participate in conferences and short-term educational programs. The Council provides this support as a method of capacity building for Kentucky.

Through participation in regional and national conferences, Kentucky advocates can share information about local initiatives, and learn from their counterparts in other communities. We believe this exchange helps us grow and work smarter on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities.

You may apply for assistance to attend conferences or educational programs or advocacy by making a written request along with a completed application. Include the conference brochure, dates, and location, along with the amount you are paying and the amount of your request.

Enclose a copy of the conference brochure. *Council travel policy complies with Kentucky State Travel Regulations.

Who Can Apply to the Consumer Involvement Fund?

The Consumer Involvement Fund is designed to assist persons with disabilities, their family members, and their guardians.

In order to receive money from the Consumer Involvement Fund, an applicant must be:

• A person with a disability;

• An immediate family member of a person with a

disability (parent, sibling or child); or

• The guardian for a person with a disability.

FOR MORE INFO:

www.kcdd.ky.gov (502) 564-7842 toll free at 1-877-367-5332.

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Meet the DDC...

Back row (left to right): State Rep. Dave Matheis, Donna Brinkman (Louisville), HDI Rep. Harold Klienert, Eric Wright (Louisville), Donna Koons (Ashland), State Rep. Claudia Johnson.

Middle Row (left to right): Barry Gilbert (Winchester), State Rep. Christel Hockensmith, Missy McKiernan (Louisville), Terri Killian (Richmond), Margaret Reed (Ludlow), Linda Williams (Louisa), Melanie Tyner-Wilson (Lexington), State Rep. Juanita Shackelford.

Front Row (left to right): David Allgood (Louisville), Stephanie Sharp (Owensboro).

The mission of the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities is to create change through visionary leadership and advocacy so that people have choices and control over their own lives.

In 2001, the council began operating under a new five-year plan based on nine areas of emphasis outlined by the Developmental

Disabilities Assistance Act. These areas of emphasis are used to fulfill the purpose and intent of the DDA and the mission and vision of the council.

Beginning in 2002, the council began operating under a new name, the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, to better reflect its role in the commonwealth. t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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riding for

Hope By: Erin Shea

As Winston Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.” Central Kentucky Riding for Hope demonstrates Churchill’s point.

CKRH is a therapeutic riding facility at the Kentucky Horse Park, offering private and group lessons for individuals with disabilities. Lessons are conducted by instructors, certified by North American Riding for the Handicapped and focus on each rider’s individual needs.

In addition to a wide variety of equine therapeutic activities, CKRH also offers hippotherapy sessions, which are physical, occupational or speech therapy strategies that use equine movement.

In 2010, CKRH held a total of 1,132 therapeutic riding sessions. A total of 176 participants regularly attended riding sessions, and another 93 participants took advantage of weekend opportunities or other extra events.

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“It’s wonderful to see the participants looking forward to their sessions,” CKRH Executive Director Pat Kline said.

The non-profit organization is dependent on community support, funded by grants and fundraising events, and is always looking for new volunteers.

True to its motto -- “help unleash the healing power of the horse,” – CKRH and its volunteers have had an especially strong healing power on two riders. These are their stories. t

CKRH

Help Unleash the Healing Power of the Horse

RIDING FOR HOPE CKRH was established in 1981 by Dr. Peter Bosomworth, former Chancellor of the UK Medical Center, and Somerset horse lover Debbie Marcum.

The first classes began that fall at the Bluegrass Riding Stable at the Kentucky Horse Park with four students.

In 1987, CKRH became a nationally accredited riding center by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. A year later, CKRH gained the status of a Premiere Accredited Center by the North American Riding for the Handicapped, making it one of three accredited centers in Kentucky.

M

Martha Calie

artha Calie, a 22-year-old rider from Berea, has been coming for lessons at CKRH since she was 6 years old.

Martha was born with medical problems, which escalated after a cardiac arrest and a high temperature when she was a year old. Martha is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair.

Being one of the more medically complex riders at CKRH, it was hard for Martha to sit up on a horse when she first started her therapeutic riding lessons.

But with the help of her volunteer team, Martha thrived in the program, and her family soon saw an improvement in Martha’s condition.

“The volunteer team really helped her realize that she was part of a team,” Mary Calie, Martha’s mother, said.

“We really saw her address the need to participate. It wasn’t just the volunteers helping her

More than two years ago, CKRH expanded, opening an indoor riding facility that allows riding sessions to have longer seasons.

Currently, CKRH has 176 regular riders, approximately 250 volunteers, four therapist in physical and occupational therapy, two licensed clinical social workers and one recreational therapist. And, of course, 28 horses and minis.

To expose more people to assisted activities and therapies, CKRH recently partnered with Hospice of the Bluegrass, Veterans Administration Hospital, public schools and adult day programs, the U.S. Pony Club, and has worked with local colleges such as the University of Kentucky, Midway College, Eastern Kentucky University and Asbury University.

Because only 15% of CKRH’s revenue comes from student fees, the non-profit organization is mainly funded by grants and fundraising events. Scholarships for therapeutic riding sessions are also offered for qualified participants. t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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riding for hope to do something. Riding showed her that she had her own responsibilities.”

Martha, an animal lover, has channeled her passion into her own business. When she isn’t riding at CKRH, she is baking animal treats in the kitchen for her own company -- Shoot for the Moon Animal Treats.

Therapy at CKRH has helped her in the kitchen by improving her fine motor skills.

Even the riding equipment she uses has helped with her baking. During her lessons Martha rides with a surcingle, a piece of equipment that fastens around the girth of the horse and has a handle for the rider.

This handle was one of the first tools Martha learned to use. Soon, she was holding on to handles of kitchen tools.

Dog treats are Martha’s specialty, but she

O

recently created a horse treat called “Galactic Equine Treats,” which are available through Shoot for the Moon’s Facebook page.

When Martha was younger, her parents didn’t think they would see their daughter with a career. For that – and much more – they’re grateful to CKRH. “I don’t think there is a more perfect place for her,” Mary Calie said. “It’s so important that we know what her interests are – we kept looking for things and we found it.” t

Olivia Miller

livia Miller, a 7-year-old first-grader in Lexington who loves being around animals, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth causing other health issues as well. Her mother, Dixie Miller, adopted Olivia when she was 9 months old and started her in therapy at CKRH when she was 4.

Initially, Olivia was intimidated and nervous to start her therapeutic riding sessions. Her CKRH team was patient when working though her anxiety and helped her become comfortable astride a horse.

Within a month of lessons, Olivia was smiling when riding, her posture had improved, and she experienced a big language boom.

“I was very impressed with the team’s patience and ability to work with her anxiety.

They worked with her until she was ready,” Dixie said.

Besides riding and horsemanship skills, Olivia also works on letter and color recognition in her therapy sessions. Olivia’s therapy has built her confidence and self-esteem.

Already, Olivia has performed at the World Equestrian 8

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Games, and she one day hopes to ride in the Special Olympics.

“She did a demonstration for CKRH at the World Equestrian Games where the whole family came to watch,” Dixie said. “Everyone is just so proud of her.

“I love that Olivia has something that she’s good at and can feel confident doing.” t

ALL Kentuckians Have Equal Opportunity To Choice & Control In Their Lives

The Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 4E-F Frankfort, KY 40601 877.367.5332 • 502.564.7841 • www.kcdd.ky.gov

This council is Governor appointed. To apply please visit http://governer.ky.gov/office/boards.htm or contact our office for an application.

2011 Exceptional Family KY

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Photo by Megan Tibbs at Gypsy Lane Studio

getting plugged in

By April Vernon

W

henever I strike up a conversation with a fellow frequent flyer, the question often comes up, “Are you traveling for work?”

From my cramped window seat, I usually am asked more questions as I explain my meaningful job. With Appelbaum Training Institute, I train child care teachers.

We cover many topics, and one of the Institute’s specialties is giving teachers practical solutions 10

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for working with children who have special needs.

I remember doing a presentation on inclusion during my second pregnancy. As a YouTube video titled “Acceptance” played, I watched compassionately with tear-filled eyes.

In the video, a mother shared her hopes and dreams for her little boy with Down syndrome.

I thought about children I knew with this particular special need. I remembered how they intrigued and captivated me.

I felt a little kick from my

down syndrome unborn son and put my hands on my pregnant belly.

“I wonder if this baby I’m carrying has Down syndrome,” I briefly thought to myself.

A few months later, on a sunny May morning, less than seven hours after my son’s birth, a doctor encouraged my husband and me to have our newborn baby’s blood sent off for testing.

Our baby boy had some physical characteristics typically associated with Down syndrome.

We did no prenatal testing for Down syndrome because that wouldn’t have changed our plans for

Once I knew without a doubt what he had, I could accept it and move forward.

Seven days after his birth, we learned of the test results -- Levi has an extra twenty-first chromosome.

He has Down syndrome.

I immediately started asking questions, “So what do we do? Who do I call to get help for him?”

We were told by his doctor that we would receive that information “when it was time to get plugged in.”

In the doctor’s defense, he is a caring man, and I think he was trying to give us time to process the information.

April Vernon lives in Mount Sterling and travels all over the country two weekends a month giving trainings to child care providers.

She spends the rest of her time at home with Adam, age 2, and Levi, 10 months.

She is married to Wes Vernon, an assistant principal at an elementary school in Bath County. our child.

Still, for several days after his birth, I cried as I wondered what was going on.

Although my husband was sure the doctor’s hunch was right, I wasn’t ready to believe it.

I

wanted to know what made my boy look so unusual. I wanted to know why he was so quiet and weak.

I thought if we knew for sure, then we could start helping him.

About half of children with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects and need surgery.

I craved more information about his condition.

We knew our baby had an extra chromosome in every cell of his body, but we didn’t know what to do about it.

My husband is an assistant principal at an elementary school, and I work with teachers.

We both know the importance of early intervention and were longing to get plugged in.

Online, all I could find were negatives -- lists of possible health

Photo by Tammi Nance

Levi wasn’t eating well and wasn’t gaining weight. The feeding regimen we dedicated ourselves to in order to ensure Levi would breastfeed was grueling.

I wasn’t getting any rest, and I think the doctor didn’t want to overwhelm us, especially since we were about to go directly to the hospital to get an echocardiogram done on our seven-day old baby.

Still I wanted answers.

The echocardiogram showed that Levi had no heart defects, which made us very thankful.

concerns, videos of people making fun of individuals with Down syndrome and hopelessness.

Then I remembered the tote bag given to us by a social worker at the hospital.

It was from DSACK, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky. I went right to the website and sent an email.

Michelle Gilliam of DSACK quickly replied and got me connected in a way that no one else could have.

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down syndrome

Down Syndrome

Association of Central Kentucky (DSACK) is a non-profit organization that serves children and adults with Down syndrome, their families, and interested professionals in the Central Kentucky area.

DSACK provides emotional, educational and social support to families in need through seminars, group meetings, social activities and informational materials.

DSACK is affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society.

DSACK celebrates its loved ones with Down Syndrome as Beautiful~Capable~Loved!

Info: www.dsack.org

We started talking on the phone regularly, and Michelle encouraged me.

She congratulated me on the birth of our special little boy. She didn’t feel sorry for us.

She actually was happy for us and proudly told me about the great things her darling 4-yearold daughter was doing, including reading!

Through DSACK, we learned about “First Steps,” Kentucky’s Early Intervention System for children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays.

We set up a home visit, and 12

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Levi started with physical and occupational therapy through “First Steps” when he was only 4 weeks old. We have had a wonderful experience every step of the way.

Without DSACK, we wouldn’t have known these services were available to us.

I often think of where we’d be right now if we had just sat around and waited for answers to come to us.

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ur pediatrician offered the information we requested at Levi’s four-month

check-up.

By then, Levi already had been in therapy for three months and was right on track developmentally for his age.

I work to get plugged in with his therapists, too. Before they leave, I usually ask, “What is our homework for the week?”

I know that the once-aweek sessions with his occupational therapist and physical therapist, and once-a-month session with his speech therapist are not enough without our follow-through as a family.

We work with the therapists to set goals and work daily with Levi to help him reach those goals as they guide us along the way with their expertise and knowledge.

Even his therapists have commented that they can tell we work with him at home.

I feel certain he wouldn’t be where he is developmentally if we relied solely on the short sessions he receives through “First Steps.”

“First Steps” is a valuable resource, but if I have learned one thing through all of this, I have learned that we have to go above and beyond what is given to us and do work for ourselves, too.

Our friends in DSACK are now guiding us through the process of making sure Levi gets his needs met when he turns 3 and no longer qualifies for “First Steps.”

DSACK was the best resource we have found.

To return the favor, we raised money and participated in the annual Down syndrome “Buddy Walk,” even though Levi was only four months old at the time.

We had 86 walkers on our team and raised $6,500!

We are still in awe of the outpouring of support from our friends, family and neighbors.

Look for Levi’s photo on a billboard in Lexington this summer.

Our baby’s face will help advertise the next Buddy Walk!

I’d say we are pretty plugged in now, wouldn’t you? t

W riti n g I n divid u a li zed Ed u cation Pla n s

eloping re are four main parts to look at in dev Although there are many pages, the their child is be receiving progress notes on how an appropriate IEP. Parents should n. If ool gives out report cards to all childre sch the as en oft as ls goa IEP his on doing et at any time during the year. there is a problem, the team can me s all areas of need

ls should addres 1. Levels of performance: Present leve specifically social/emotional). They should tell (communication, phys­ical, academic, amples: h and what things work for him. Ex what the child is having problems wit Dan can write a simple sentence r: tte Be l. leve de gra ow bel ting wri is Dan Poor: By s with questions and exclamations. ggle stru but ion izat ital cap t rec cor h wit goals. do, we have a place to start to write knowing what Dan can and cannot ectives provide a 2. Goals and objectives: Goals and objand should be making g on road map of what the child is workin These can be academic, social progress on during the coming year. able to measure the goals and and behavioral. The school must be student is making progress. objectives so everyone will know if the eral): Alexis will improve her Examples: Poor (too broad and genabl e to write a five-sentence writing skills. Better: Alexis will be and capitalization. paragraph with correct punctuation team

are all the things the 3. Supports and services: TheseMa ke progress on his annual

thinks the child needs in order to 1) riculum, 3) Participate in goals, 2) Progress in the general cur ivities, 4) Be educated non-academic and extra-curricular act hout disabilities. with and participate with children wit ed on what the student Supports and services should be bas needs, not on what is available.

TIPShas

n If your child a current IEP, make sure you have a copy.

Ask the school if you don’t have one. n Review the information in each section so you are familiar with what your child is working on now. n Think about what needs to be in the next IEP.

INFO , call

For more information and (s) om sro clas and ce, pla 4. Placement: This is the the Kentucky Protection t bes child can 372other school environments, where the Advocacy office at 1-800a e sibl pos ent ext at work on her goals. To the maximum 2988 or visit web pages l era gen in ed cat edu be uld student with disabilities sho www.kypa.net. s. vice ser and ts por sup h wit s om education classro ts and services Removal happens only after all suppor ment. There is not achieve her goals in that environ have been tried, and the student can re , general education classroom, to mo tive tric res t leas the m fro ces pla of a continuum a hospital. special classes, home instruction and ing lud inc , nts me iron env tive tric res

2011 Exceptional Family KY

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autism

Kelly Autism Program at WKU Offers Unique Services for Students

of Support

When Caroline and Chuck Aquadro of Louisville went looking for colleges with their son Peter, they knew they needed to find just the right fit.

In particular, the family was looking for a program that could support Peter, who has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, while he navigates the challenges of college without, as Caroline says, “putting him on a slow road to nowhere.”

Again and again, as the family visited universities they were asked by guidance and admissions 14

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By Laurie Evans program.

KAP, which serves 40 students, provides support and training for adolescents and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders with the goal of increasing independence, productivity and employability.

For children in elementary school, KAP helps with developing IEP’s, tutoring and developing social skills. Middle and high school students are helped with the transition to work.

For college students, the KAP Circle of Support can mean the difference between success and failure.

For the Aquadros, it meant a place where Peter could receive a college education while also getting the support he needed - socially, academically and functionally.

Says Caroline: “This is the best thing for him ever.”

counselors “Have you talked to Western?”

So they did – and discovered the Kelly Autism Program (KAP) he services KAP offers at Western Kentucky University in students is a single dorm Bowling Green. room, study hours at tutoring “This looked like the support tables and mentoring. However, in Peter needed,” Caroline says. reality, KAP offers so much more.

Inspired by their daughter who has autism, John and Linda Kelly of Dr. Marty Boman, Program Bowling Green in 2002 endowed the Director of KAP and Assistant

T

western kentucky university Professor at WKU, can recite a long list of research-based strategies that the program uses to assist students with skills such as executive functioning and social information processing, but she can also boil it down to terms laymen can appreciate.

“The support from KAP provides students with a happier outcome both socially and academically,” Boman says.

Caroline Aquadro says she saw the “happier outcomes” from the very first with Peter, now in his fourth year at WKU, majoring in social work.

At the start of his freshman year he came to his KAP mentor with an assignment to do a research paper but had no idea where to begin.

“His mentor asked him if he knew where the library was, and he didn’t,” said Caroline.

Instead of just pointing the way toward the library, Peter’s mentor said, “Let’s take a walk.” When they reached the library, she asked, “Do you know how to ask for what you need?”

Again, Peter said no.

His mentor discussed with him words he might use to get what he needed, then stood back and let Peter talk with the librarian.

“This was absolutely the help that Peter needed,” his mother says.

M

entors are the heart of KAP. They are fellow WKU undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are studying special education or communication disorders.

They help students with tutoring, with communicating with professors and with managing their schedules.

Caroline and Chuck Aquadro with their children (left to right) Katie, Sara, and Peter.

And they help with life skills as well. A mentor may take a group of students to Wal-Mart to stock up on food and toiletries or accompany students to the first meeting of a club they’d like to join. Mentors are also the first person a homesick freshman might call late at night when the tears start.

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o ensure academic success, KAP requires students to commit three hours a day, four days a week at tutoring tables in their on-campus facility.

For some students, this tutoring help is critical. Others may not need study time as much as social time with fellow KAP members.

“This is their home,” Boman says.

“It gives them a social group. They aren’t going to find the bullying here that they may have found in high school.”

For the Aquadros, this home-

away-from-home is as important to them as it is to Peter.

“I feel like I have eyes on the wall down there,” Caroline says.

Many parents feel that way, says Boman, emphasizing that the program supports the entire family.

In fact, that was the biggest surprise to Boman when she took over as director in 2006.

“I knew I’d be getting the students, but I hadn’t realized I’d be getting the parents, too,” she says.

That’s OK with Boman, though.

Because WKU is one of just a handful of colleges with autism support programs, KAP has welcomed students from 15 states -- so there are more than a few nervous families each fall.

The Aquadros count themselves as lucky to be living so close to WKU. “We are tickled to death that Peter has come so far,” Caroline says.

“The Kelly Autism Program does so much for us.” t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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Living in the Community

A

s a parent of two young children with developmental disabilities, I have been given the privilege and opportunity to share my own personal insight on various supports, programs and services in the Commonwealth.

My two daughters are currently 7 and 4. The oldest, Ella, has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and our younger daughter, Elsie, has 16

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“A Parent’s Perspective�

by Eric W. Wright Angelman Syndrome.

AS is a neuro-genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, seizures, walking and balance disorders, and lack of speech.

AS occurs in 1 in 15,000 births, often is misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism, and those with AS require life-long care.

Additionally, we have a son, Ethan, who is 21 months old.

Needless to say, our house is busy and could be considered chaotic at times.

We are a family who enjoys

being out in the community as much as possible and loves to be around people.

In the past that was nearly impossible because of logistical challenges. Today, we have supports and services that benefit our family immensely.

We adopted our oldest daughter from the Ukraine when she was 17 months old.

We knew very little about her medical history but were told she had a heart defect, was born prematurely (2 pounds, 2

medicaid waiver

The Michelle P. Waiver, with the use of Consumer Directed Options, enables our daughters and family to be in the community.� ounces) and lived in an orphanage throughout her infancy.

Upon our return to the United States, we determined she had no heart defect, but her development was delayed by brain damage later diagnosed as cerebral palsy.

Our second child was a surprise because we had believed we could not have children.

She was born full term, typical birth weight and high on the Apgar Scale.

We grew concerned within the first six months of her birth because we noticed delays.

When she was five months old, she began receiving services via First Steps to help with her early motor skills.

Later we consulted with a pediatric neurologist who ordered genetic testing.

We received the Angelman Syndrome diagnosis when she was 13 months old.

We were in shock, and thank God for all the support we received from family, friends and church members.

I began to look for resources for families who had young children with developmental disabilities.

I thought I would have no problem locating support and services considering my job as a Family Resource Coordinator at

Eric and Debbie Wright with their children (left to right) Elise, Ella and Ethan.

Gutermuth Elementary School in Louisville.

Instead, I was frustrated by the difficulty of connecting with the right people.

In the fall of 2007, I attended a resource fair and met staff from both the Kentucky Developmental Disabilities Council and The ARC of Kentucky.

Each organization reached out to my family and to me as a parent advocate.

I

became involved with both and quickly learned about Medicaid Waiver services and the law suit Michelle P. vs. the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The lawsuit was brought as a class action suit against the state because of the extensive waiting list for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental

disabilities who met Nursing Level of Care.

Additionally, I was educated on an expanding method of service delivery for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities called Consumer Directed Options (CDO).

Through CDO, the individual or his or her representative can help design a care/spending plan (aka: budget) that allows the individual to hire, supervise and, if necessary, fire direct support staff.

A support broker assists in assigning the duties for these workers and determines hours and rates of pay. But the individual or representative has the flexibility to coordinate these services.

The provision of Medicaid Waivers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is vital for individuals to remain in the community and 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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medicaid waiver outside of institutionalized care.

Before we had the Michelle P. Waiver, we were struggling just to leave our house.

Through the CDO program, we now hire community living supports, respite providers and personal care assistants.

In our family, I am our daughter’s representative and manage the spending plan according to her needed supports and services.

The Michelle P. Waiver, with the use of CDO, enables our daughters and family to be in the community.

We hire family, neighbors, school staff, college students, church members (all people we know and trust) to provide support to our daughters.

We have built a plan full of recreation, leisure time, functional development opportunities, social skill development and community awareness.

We have the flexibility to hire,

providers with speech language pathologists, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist and behavior health professionals who can help our daughters gain independence necessary to live in the community.

We have enriched and exposed our daughters through what I call community saturation in an effort for them to expect to be in the community, the community to expect to be part of their lives, and for them to be around people who come to value their role in the community.

We are just at the beginning of this journey, but I am truly thankful for Medicaid Waivers and the concept of Consumer Directed Options. t

“Through the Michellle P. Waiver and CDO program, we now hire community living supports, including family, neighbors, school staff, college students, church members (all people we know and trust) to provide support to our daughters. “ pay a reasonable wage and fire staff as needed.

Additionally, we blend our services to include Michelle P. Waiver

• Ages 5-21 • Fall and Spring seasons at Shillito Park • Financial assistance available.

• Specially built field is accessible to all • Volunteer “Buddies” assist players as needed

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bluegrassmiracleleague.org For more information, contact the YMCA of Central Kentucky at 859-367-7355 or kevin@bluegrassmiracleleague.org.

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Drs. Ditto & Musick Eyecare Center

Daniel’s Care services for infants, children and adolescents diagnosed with a life-threatening illness • assist with links to services • monitor symptoms • facilitate communication within the care team • provide support for decision making and weighing treatment options • offer emotional support

Our Family Serving Yours With...

A. On-Site Full Service Lab B. 2 Hour Service on most glasses & contacts C. More than 1500 frames in stock at substantial savings D. Urgent care available E. Lasik & other refractive surgery consultations and follow up care.

F. Most insurances accepted US 27 Bypass & HWY 169

104 Fairfield Dr. Nicholasville, KY 40356

(859) 887-2441

the

Gift Sight of

(859) 276-5344 (800) 876-6005 www.hospicebg.org

Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital Serving Children & Families with Special Needs Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital 859-254-5701 Home Health Care 859-367-7148 Outpatient Therapy Services 859-367-7125

Adult Day Health 859-254-5701 Pain Institute 859-367-7246 Rehab Unit at UK Good Samaritan 859-226-7700

Outpatient Pediatric Services 859-367-7127

Kentucky’s Leader in Providing Physical Rehabilitation Services to People of All Ages.

www.cardinalhill.org 2011 Exceptional Family KY

19

Room for More...

By Karla Groschelle

Forever Families Means Forever and Ever Dale Graham and Karla Groschelle originally became foster parents to share with teenagers and maybe make a difference in a life.

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nce my husband Dale and I became foster parents 12 years ago, it seemed like we couldn’t stop.

Over that 12-year period, we have been foster parents to many children. My husband and I lost count at 100.

For two years, teenagers came and teenagers went, then 2 a.m. one morning, “Can you take a runaway?” was the call.

Vonda, who had been in the Special Needs Adoption Program, came to stay for four days before she had to return to her past placement.

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Along with her two siblings, Vonda, then 17 years old (she’s now 28), had been in multiple placements and had been in and out of the system since she was 3 years old.

Later that year, another call came, “Would we take Vonda back?”

During her short stay with us, we had discovered a young lady with a beautiful heart and a caring personality.

About four weeks after she returned to us, she asked that we adopt her. We wanted to hear her rationale, since she was a year short of turning 18.

special needs adoption “So I know I always have a place to go,” she said. “A place to call home.”

Naturally, we immediately started the adoption process.

Almost a year later, she and her brother Jon, (then 15 now 26) reunited after several years of being apart, were now adopted and living in the same home – ours.

Once we started adopting, it seemed like we couldn’t stop. We now have five adopted children – Vonda, Jon, plus their cousin Darryl, 23, his sister Leann, 21, and Kale, 15, who is Vonda’s cousin. So all of them are related.

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dopting -- like having a child -- means a forever commitment. As Vonda, Jon, and two of our other adopted children -- Darryl (who is nicknamed Dee) and Leeann – have learned, this was not always the case.

Broken promises cause many emotional and psychology problems that these young people take into adulthood, causing the cycle to continue.

Vonda suffers from bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Jon suffers from PTSD after witnessing domestic violence.

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n the middle of all this excitement came a 5-year-old, Kale, who had many placements and lots of issues – tantrums, selfharm and more.

He might have been a baby with a mother who abused drugs and alcohol while she was pregnant.

Four days after he came to our house, he was identified by Vonda as her cousin.

Dee and Jon knew each other and got along well. We asked Jon and Vonda if we could adopt more.

Dee (23), Leeann (21), Kale (15), pictured three years ago, all found a home with Dale Graham & Karla Groschelle.

They said, “Cool.”

Dee and his sister Leeann had been removed from their halfsiblings and mother because of drugs and neglect, and their father voluntarily terminated his rights because of mental health issues.

Kale, who suffered from Reactive Attachment Disorder and ADHD, waited longer than anyone to be adopted – his adoption became final a year after Dee and Leeann, two years after Jon and Vonda.

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arenting these children has not been easy. Like any family, we have good days and not so good days.

Commitment is crucial, as well as supports from other adoptive parents and Adoption Support of Kentucky, which is linked to the University of Kentucky and serves as a consortium of parent-led adoptive parent support groups throughout the state.

The Recruitment and

Certification Team for foster children and families in the Cumberland Region has played an enormous role in our success.

Still, we face many challenges.

Vonda is 28 and incarcerated, again.

We have custody of her 3-year-old son Connor. His adoption is pending.

Jon, 26, has two children and works laying carpet in another town.

Dee, 23, lives from place to place.

Leeann, 21, graduated from Sullivan University in Lexington, works for Stella’s Deli and now resides in Lexington.

Kale, a freshman at McCreary Central High School, continues to allow others to share his parents.

My husband Dale and I continue to serve as foster parents in hopes of maybe finding another child who needs a home.

Dale Graham is a contemporary sculptor, super dad and works at Kroger.

Karla Groschelle is a therapist in private practice. They live in Whitley City. t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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talking about fitness recreation fund helps family get in shape

By Jennifer Solinger

he last seven years have been emotional and exhausting, yet hopeful and rewarding for my family.

My son, Evan, was a fun baby with lots of personality, but something happened when he was a toddler. He stopped babbling, began screaming at bathtime, refused to wear certain clothing and would spit out even his favorite foods.

My husband, Ted, and I knew something wasn’t right, but when Evan was diagnosed and we heard the word “autism,” we were both shocked and horrified.

When Evan was 3, doctors told us 22

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he would be in the “moderate range” on the autism spectrum and predicted he would be nonverbal for the rest of his life.

After the initial shock of the diagnosis wore off, I became obsessed and fascinated at how the mind of a person with autism works.

Evan was our only child at the time. I focused my energies on transporting him to every kind of therapy known to man, and to research tools and techniques that I could use to survive my daily life as Evan’s Mom. A mom remembers certain milestones in her life. October 11, 2005 is more than a milestone for me – it was my miracle moment.

Evan was now 5, in kindergarten at a special school, in therapies all

over the city, and we were learning basic sign language to communicate with our non-verbal son.

On October 11, Evan and I were at Kroger, buying dinner stuff, checking out at the “You Scan,” when out of the blue, Evan shouts in a very monotone voice, “PLEASE PUT YOUR CHANGE IN THE CHANGE ACCEPTOR BEFORE PUTTING YOUR BILLS IN THE BILL ACCEPTOR.” My “non-verbal” son was barely saying “Mama” just minutes before.

I dropped a jar of Ragu sauce all over the floor and cried as I asked him to repeat it over and over for me.

Evan’s first sentence was a true miracle moment for me.

God has a sense of humor. We

Recreation

Involvement Fund The Recreation Involvement Fund was established to provide inclusive health and recreation opportunities to people with developmental disabilities.

The Recreation Involvement Fund provides assistance to qualified applicants to join local gyms or to participate in other recreational activities. The Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities reimburses memberships up to $773 the first year and $450 the second year.

With help from the Recreation Involvement Fund, Evan Solinger, 10, has worked out at the Louisville YMCA. prayed for our child to speak... then, Evan began speaking nonstop and using words that even I can’t even pronounce (and I am an English teacher).

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ontinued therapies and support have helped Evan mainstream into a regular classroom. We still travel a daily rocky road, but we are making it.

As Evan’s mom, the most important thing I have learned along the way is that I am NOT SuperMom. I cannot do this alone.

Thank goodness, I have family, understanding co-workers, a team of OT friends, a best friend who is a nutritionist, a top-notch pediatrician, a pediatric psychiatrist (and her staff), a Seven Counties worker who manages our Michelle P. Waiver, a behavioral therapist whom I can call day or night, a CLS (Community Living Support) worker who takes Evan places, and teachers who have

more patience than Mother Teresa. Again, I could NOT do this alone.

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nother significant support for Evan is the Recreation Involvement Fund through the state of Kentucky.

One of our amazing OTs recognized that Evan needed exercise and movement to help with his digestive issues and anxiety struggles.

This grant covers a family membership to our local YMCA. Evan is part of a program at the Y that is encouraging a healthy lifestyle for our entire family.

We received the green light for funding for the Recreation Involvement Fund last October and joined the YMCA immediately.

Evan really enjoys his time at the Y and claims that it makes him feel like a grown-up (his little sister has to go to childcare or stay home).

The one-on-one time that Evan

Thus far the Recreation Involvement Fund has had significant success providing opportunities for people across the state. Survey results have been largely positive with participants reporting weight loss and overall increases in healthier lifestyles. And possibly, more importantly, individuals are reporting increases in friendships and social networks.

Info: Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, 100 Fair Oaks Ln 4E-F, Frankfort, KY, 40601 or (877) 367-5332 or http://chfs.ky.gov/kcdd

spends with his dad at the Y has been wonderful for both of them.

Evan just completed the four-week Youth Certification Program at the downtown YMCA. His personal trainer, Miss Annabelle, was amazing. She helped Evan learn all about the opportunities he now has at the Y -- classes (yoga, aerobics, martial arts, Zumba…), sports, equipment, pools, and he is really excited about trying out massage therapy.

Now that we are finished with the YCP, we are planning on exercising three times a week. We already have noticed a huge improvement in Evan’s diet, digestive struggles and overall attitude. t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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s e i l i m a F r e t Fos t Find Care a me o H l a c i d e M Clinic The Taylors: Meagan, Emma (10), Chris & Ben (6)

ylor

By Meagan Ta

y husband, Chris, and I got into foster care in a round about way. When we moved into a larger house in 2007 with our two children, we wanted to add another child to our rocking family.

But we didn’t want to “have” a child the old-fashioned way.

International adoption is shockingly expensive, and U.S. adoption led us to foster care.

While taking a 10-week series of three-hour classes and filling out a mountain of paperwork, I couldn’t fully accept becoming a foster care 24

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parent/family.

I was unsure of how the state could have children removed from their parents’ care and then return them. After our first placement, I understood.

I not only fell in love with the children but also the birth parents.

I really wanted to help them in any way I could to get their children back home. They were not with us for long. Just long enough to fall in love!

In the three years that Chris and I have been foster parents, we have had nine foster kids come through our home. We have had mostly babies and young children (under the age of 5).

All of the children that come through our home have a different story, different background and different reasons as to why they were removed. But every one of them was looking for the same thing. Love.

It soon became clear to me what my life calling was. I quit my job to become a full time, stay-at-home mom. lmost all of the children who have come to us are delayed in at least some small way – whether it is speech or something physical.

Finding a doctor who would accept a foster child with a medical card was

medical card

Thomas H. Pinkstaff Medical Home Clinic A medical home is a place where the staff knows your needs, your history and how to help you stay healthy. For children in foster care, this medical home is hard to find.

The Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, has created a clinic to provide a medical home to children in foster care in central Kentucky.

The Thomas H. Pinkstaff Medical Home Clinic in Lexington provides comprehensive primary care including: Well-child checks, immunizations, developmental assessments, intake physicals for children new to out-ofhome care, referral and coordination of specialty care as needed, and care for common childhood illnesses.

Clinic staff coordinates with providers to limit the number of separate appointments, consolidate doctor visits and studies difficult.

Fortunately, our social worker connected us to The Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs and Children in Foster Care, and its Primary Care Clinic called the Thomas H. Pinkstaff Medical Home Clinic. his place has been a lifesaver.

I truly believe that the women who work there have helped Chris and I continue in our foster care life.

Everyone who works there goes out of their way to help us.

It is such an inviting place to bring kids. Often, our biological kids are tagging along.

The Primary Care Clinic has helped us with everything from well child check-ups to flu to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

With the special health-care needs of our foster children, the Primary Care Clinic has always been

whenever possible.

For families working with a DCBS caseworker, the clinic assists the case worker and family by avoiding fragmentation of medical records and ensuring that the child’s medical passport is kept current.

The Medical Home Clinic serves foster children in Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott and Woodford counties.

This clinic currently serves approximately 250 of Kentucky’s special needs population and out-of-home care children.

Info: Thomas H. Pinkstaff Medical Home Clinic Primary Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs / 333 Waller Ave., Suite 300, Lexington • (859) 252-3270.

helpful in getting us pointed in the right direction.

The Clinic staff has helped us set up appointments with Early Start with Fayette County public schools and First Steps.

First Steps is Kentucky’s early intervention system for children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays.

The majority of our children have benefited greatly from First Steps, which provides services to meet age-appropriate goals with regard to physical, cognitive, language development and social/ emotional development.

Our foster children have received help with such issues as delayed speech/language problems, late walking, failure to thrive, learning to dress and feed oneself, social skills, playing with toys and so on.

Without First Steps and The Primary Care Clinic, we would have been lost.

f anyone out there is considering adoption or becoming a foster parent, I would encourage you to get a support system in place and then, take the plunge!

When Chris and I told our families about our plans to become foster parents, some were less than thrilled. At the time, our children were 3 and 7.

They worried that Emma, our 7-year-old, would not do well emotionally. After all, she was still having a hard time accepting her brother Ben three years later!

I am proud to say that Emma and Ben, now 6 and 10, are very well-adjusted kids. I feel like they have gained incredible perspective on the world around them, showing them there is more to life than having the latest video game or toy.

I believe they truly appreciate both the material things and the people they have in their lives. t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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Scouting Out The

Future

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By David Schmitt, with help from Stacey, William & Johnny

ur family came together in 2002 when Stacey and I began the adoption process of a sibling group with special needs.

First came Ginny, then 12, followed a year later by William, then 11, and Johnny, 8.

I’m an engineer and helped encourage the boys’ interest in cars and things mechanical. In 2003, Stacey became a stay-at-home mom to allow more time with the children but now is a shipping specialist with a local small business.

Ginny, now 21, is living independently outside the home.

William, 20, attends Jefferson Community and Technical College 26

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and works part time.

Johnny, 17, is a sophomore in high school and has been diagnosed as mild to moderately mentally disabled.

Johnny leads a happy and fulfilling life. He is active in Special Olympics and with our church, and is currently pursuing the Boy Scout rank of Eagle Scout.

Our wish for Johnny to continue living a happy and fulfilling life is the reason we decided to attend The Future is Now training classes,

a six-week program to help families develop future plans for their family members with developmental disabilities.

We chose the classes sponsored by The Point ARC (Northern Kentucky) even though it was a 90-minute drive from our home in Louisville.

Stacey attended the first class (the others in the family had other obligations).

Stacey, William, Johnny and I attended the remaining classes.

Despite the long drive, we made the best of it. The drive allowed us to talk and learn more about each other.

We also discussed what we had learned in the classes and listened to Johnny’s thoughts and feelings.

(Everything he said was positive).

Upon my arrival at the second class, I observed that Johnny was the youngest person with a disability in the class. This made me feel comfortable because I realized that our family was planning for Johnny’s future early enough to make good, sound decisions.

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he training sessions typically began with a meal, which allowed everybody to socialize, talk and share their stories. After the meal, we were introduced to the topic for that evening.

Then, those with disabilities went to an adjacent room with two or more trainers who talked with them about the evening’s topic from their point of view. They even had a guest speaker or two.

To me, this was the most

Future Is Now Project The Future is Now Project in Kentucky is a program designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in making future plans for residential, financial and legal plans for their later years.

Families attend a course developed by The Arc of Kentucky to help participants prepare a Letter of Intent that will identify the dreams and plans for the future of the individual with a disability.

The Schmitts: William, Johnny, Stacey and David. beneficial part of the training because it allowed Johnny to see what the lives of his older peers with disabilities are like. He talked and learned from them.

William accompanied Johnny during this portion of the evening and learned more about his brother and his wishes for the future as well as opportunities for him.

I believe that brought them much closer together.

Meanwhile, we caregivers were in a class where members of The Point ARC and The ARC of Kentucky, as well as guest speakers, spoke on a variety of topics that allowed Stacey and me to begin thinking about and planning for Johnny’s future.

The primary goal of these training classes is to write a Letter of Intent. Although Stacey and I already have a Special Needs Trust established, we learned that the trust alone is not enough to help Johnny after we’re gone.

A Letter of Intent documents things beyond what are in the Trust documents. A Letter of Intent documents things like family

Along with a curriculum that includes topics such as Building Relationships, Housing, Postsecondary Education, Work and Retirement, participants have the opportunity to meet with an attorney to discuss issues and answer questions about wills, trusts, estate planning, guardianship, etc.

information, our family’s Participants learn about their rights, the story, schools attended, Americans with Disabilities Act and local church, activities that are advocacy organizations. They also develop an important, what food is action plan to achieve personal goals. favored, etc.

The Future is Now Project is held in four areas In addition, simple of the state with four facilitators per location. things are included that Training sites are Covington, hosted by The Point we as caregivers don’t Arc; Glasgow (Arc of Barren County), London (Arc think to communicate, of Lake Cumberland and the Arc of Cumberland like “My child doesn’t like River), and Lexington (Arc of Central Kentucky.) brussels sprouts, and if served them, undesirable Info: ARC of Kentucky, Frankfort, Ky. (502) 875behavior may result.”

5225 / (800) 281-1272. http://arcofky.org.

To help us learn how to write an effective documents. We will also make sure Letter of Intent, training sessions that the executor of our will has a exposed us to housing opportunities, copy of our Letter of Intent. work opportunities, guardianship, I can’t thank enough The Point available grants and how to apply for ARC of Northern Kentucky, The them and legal aspects.

ARC of Kentucky, those who spoke (Stacey and I also took advantage at our classes, and finally those who of some independent time with one attended the classes. of the lawyers, Chad Levin, who I feel fortunate to have learned came to speak to our group. Thanks so much about what is available to so much Chad).

Johnny in the future, and our early The Letter of Intent that Stacey start will allow us to begin planning and I have prepared (and will for and doing many of these things continue to update) will be part of to allow Johnny to have the life he our future plans, and it will be safely wishes. t kept with our will and other legal 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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Oh Dani, Girl Singing Praises of Girl With SMA

The best and worst of having a child born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy are one in the same, says Beth Pruitt, referring to her 7-year-old daughter, Dani.

“The worst thing is that your child may die at any moment,” said Beth about SMA, an inherited disease characterized by muscle atrophy and loss of motor function. In severe cases, children live no longer than two to three years.

“But that is linked to the best thing, because we know that we have to enjoy all these things we do together while we can.

“Being Dani’s mom is the most purposeful thing I’ll ever do.”

Along with purpose, Dani, a bright, imaginative, engaging girl with a quick wit and an uncanny 28

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Dani with her mother, Beth, & father, Frank.

memory, has transformed her parents’ idea of happiness – which seemed impossible when they received the soul-shaking diagnosis when Dani was 8 months old.

Dani had three to six months to live, they were told.

Crushed and reeling, Beth and Frank spoke with a Richmond mother who told them that her child with SMA was happy.

“I thought she was just trying to make us feel good, but I couldn’t see that,” Frank said. “My idea of happiness was a kid riding a bike.

Dani would never do that.

“But this is the most amazing thing about Dani. That mother was right. Dani is a happy child.

“I never would have thought that, but she has changed my projection of what happiness means.”

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ani spends most of her life prone. Children with SMA have limited movement and difficulty holding their head straight.

Feeding and swallowing are impaired, and reduced strength in the chest muscles results in labored breathing and respiratory infections,

daniel’s care

Hospice of the Bluegrass Daniel’s Care is a special pediatric care program provided by Hospice of the Bluegrass. If your child has been diagnosed with a lifethreatening illness, Daniel’s Care provides diversified assistance.

The two components of Daniel’s Care are palliative care and hospice care. Palliative Care is for children/adolescents diagnosed with a life-threatening condition that may not require the extensive services typically provided by the Daniel’s Care hospice program.

For both programs, a specially trained team of multi-disciplinary professionals works specifically with children who have lifethreatening illnesses. This specialized team cares for anyone from birth to 21 years of age.

Nurses help provide medical care in the home. Social workers and therapists will work with your child and other family members on coping with the illness.

Hospice of the Bluegrass 2312 Alexandria Drive Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 276-5344 or (800) 876-6005 • www.hospicebg.org which could be fatal.

Dani can sit propped up in her motorized wheelchair for up to two hours before fatigue sets in. To aid her labored breathing, she uses a BiPAP mask, a device that helps get more air into the lungs.

A nurse stays with Dani five nights a week from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to monitor her breathing and vital signs while she sleeps.

Beth, the former University of Kentucky softball coach, and Frank, a Lexington engineer, have not had a date night since the diagnosis.

Life with Dani is precarious.

A year ago, when Dani had trouble breathing, Beth and Frank rushed her to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where she spent a month in intensive care.

Still, the Pruitts are an upbeat, happy family, and the source of that joy is Dani.

She knows she is different – the

Pruitts have fielded some difficult questions from their daughter.

“But she doesn’t dwell on it. It doesn’t get her down,” Frank said.

Of course not – she’s got too many interests to pursue.

Dani, a first-grader, loves school.

She is assisted in class by an aid, is popular with her classmates and follows along from home during the flu season through the use of Skype.

Dani also “loves, loves, loves” the plays at the Lexington Children’s Theatre, looks forward to weekend outings with the family, and even a trip to the kitchen displays at Lowe’s is a treat.

For the past three years, Dani has played on the Braves in the Toyota Miracle League, a baseball program for kids with disabilities.

Halloween is a favorite holiday, and in April, she spent a weekend at the Center for Courageous Kids Camp in Scottsville outside of

Bowling Green.

Basically, Dani is up for anything and everything. No wonder Beth and Frank see her as a normal child.

“Intellectually, I know she has a unique look,” Beth said. “But to me, she looks normal, typical, just perfectly fine.”

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ince Dani’s diagnosis, the Pruitts have received help from family, friends, fellow members of OKI Families of SMA, but nothing has matched the assistance offered by Daniel’s Care of Hospice of the Bluegrass.

“It’s a phenomenal program,” said Beth, who rattles off the services – nurses and certified nursing assistants on call 24/7, help with medications and vaccinations, a social worker, parental respite, clergy.

And the biggest gift yet? No medical paperwork. Hospice takes care of it all.

In fact, between private insurance and Medicaid, the Pruitts’ out-of-pocket medical costs are exactly zero.

“In a time of incredible stress, Hospice works very hard to take as much stress out of our lives as possible,” Beth said. “To be released of that burden is a wonderful thing.”

Plus, Hospice workers and volunteers love Dani.

“Within a few weeks, all the Hospice workers fall in love with Dani,” Beth said. “They treat her as a kid, not a disease. They see her the way we see her.”

Hospice has freed up the Pruitts for their most important job – loving Dani, who has changed their lives.

“Now, I don’t feel pity when I see a handicapped kid,” Frank said. “Dani taught me that. She has changed my definition of happiness.” t 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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Best Buddies

Program Rewards Buddies & Volunteers Alike

By Ashley Anderson

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.” -- Bill Withers That song is associated with a dear memory for me as a member of the Best Buddies Kentucky Program, which pairs volunteers with buddies who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

At a karaoke party, a woman in her wheelchair held the microphone tight and belted out the lyrics as the buddies, one by one, left their seats to join hands with each other.

We watched as more than 20 buddies stood around her wheelchair and sang with her. Each word jumped out at me, and the lyrics became the theme for the rest of the party.

Afterward, as I left with my buddy beside me, I felt lucky to be 30

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part of such an uplifting program.

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rowing up as the oldest of four children, I learned that I loved being needed. I was “mommy’s little helper.”

Taking care of my siblings was rewarding and natural for me.

My motherly instincts carried over to the rest of my life.

Babysitting, teaching Sunday school, peer tutoring grew into larger commitments such as teaching swim lessons to disabled children and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

When I read an article on the Best Buddies program, I was interested.

Even though I work full time, attend Western Kentucky University and have an active social and family life, I volunteered for the program.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I met my buddy, but I couldn’t have been matched with a more special person.

His name is Junior Morgan. He is 29, lives in Bowling Green and has Down syndrome.

In five minutes, we knew we were perfect for each other.

I talk to or text Junior at least once a day – that’s as much as I talk to my mom, so that’s a pretty big deal.

We always have a blast together, and over the past seven months we have enjoyed bowling, going to dinner, taking our dogs to the bark park, singing and dancing together, and karaoke.

We attended the Jesus Prom together, and Junior loves to

volunteers

Best Buddies

Kentucky Best Buddies Kentucky is the local chapter of an international, non-profit organization founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. Best Buddies is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, and traumatic brain.

Best Buddies provides social inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities.

Ashley Anderson and her buddy, Junior Morgan, went to the Jesus Prom with Rachel Neuner and her buddy Brittany.

communicate. We talk on the phone, e-mail and Facebook each other all the time.

We have deepened our connection by getting to know each other’s family. I’ve met his sister and have grown close with his mother. He has met my sister, boyfriend and close friends.

Junior has become more than a buddy – he’s like a brother to me, always checking on me, asking about my day, and telling me good night.

From time to time, I wonder how I got so lucky to become part of this amazing program that allows you to build bonds with others.

My “Ah-Ha” moment, as Oprah calls it, came after a particularly bad day for me. Junior listened to me rant, and I asked him how he deals with stress.

“Just laugh and love life,” he said.

I then asked Junior what struggles he had faced because of his disability. His response gave me chills.

“What disability girl? God just made me like this!”

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Best Buddies Kentucky was started in 2009 and has 11 college, one high school and one middle school One-to-One Friendships Programs in place plus Business Buddies, Buddy Ambassadors, eBuddies, and Fairways to Friendship Golf Buddy Program.

Best Buddies has an office in Louisville but has programs throughout Kentucky.

hen Info: Tammy Moloy at tammymoloy@bestbuddies.

Junior org or 502-736-0838 ext. 108. and I took a zumba fitness www.facebook.com/bestbuddies.ky, www.twitter. dance class, I knew com/bestbuddiesky, or www.bestbuddieskentucky. he would dance his org. little heart out.

But he did more than that. hrough the Best Buddies Junior inspired everyone in the program, I gained a friendship class with his contagious smile, and a better sense of myself. positive attitude and his awesome Apparently, it shows and has rubbed dance moves. off on others. My younger sister, He was a real hit. In his words, Whitney, was so impressed with he was a “ladies man.”

Junior, she is helping to launch a He’s a performer and a real Best Buddies program at Eastern crowd-pleaser, so he was beaming Kentucky University. from ear to ear as everyone cheered I’m so excited for her and others and yelled his name as he showed who will become involved. They off his moves on stage. have no idea how their commitment He was a superstar that day, will pay off. and as we walked out he grabbed If you or someone you know my hand and said: is compassionate, caring and “I love you Ashley Anderson. dependable, this could be just the That was the most fun I’ve ever program to improve your life! t had.”

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2011 Exceptional Family KY

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vision therapy

Seeing Is Vision Therapy Helps Cure ADD Without Drugs

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t first, it seems too good to be true. Helping kids with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder without drugs?

Even Dr. Rick Graebe, the Versailles optometrist behind the claim, acknowledges that parents are skeptical.

“Of course, they’re skeptical. It’s understandable,” Dr. Graebe says.

But nearly every day, he hears

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Believing

from parents -- former skeptics all -- who have become believers after Dr. Graebe’s Vision Therapy program transformed their children from classroom strugglers to academic success stories.

One whole wall of Family Eyecare Associates’ spacious office is filled with parent and student testimonials.

“Before the Vision Therapy program,” reads a testimonial from Neil K. Craig, “my daughter would become angry or very emotional when we tried to help with homework or to study with tests.

“Now, she studies without outbursts or crying, and she is beginning to enjoy reading.”

And here’s another testimonial, from Angela Reeves about her son.

“After Vision Therapy, he enjoys reading 100% more and is reading

100% better. His reading level came up four levels,” she writes.

“Reading and staying focused was our biggest problem solved, but better handwriting and selfconfidence came with it.”

Those and other testimonials like them fuel Dr. Graebe’s contagious enthusiasm for his work.

“I’m elated when we get these responses,” he says. “It touches your heart because we truly can change lives with this.”

OK, what is “this?” Here’s the short answer.

Vision therapy -- a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain -- is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for many common visual problems such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and some

vision therapy reading and learning disabilities.

If a 90-minute exam shows that a child has problems with either visual efficiency (how well the eyes and muscles function) or vision processing (how well the brain understands information the eyes transmit), the child embarks on a 30week program consisting of a series of sequenced activities.

And the activities are actually fun for children.

They play pencil and puzzle games, bounce and handle balls, and perform other activities that involve the body.

Bouncing balls and physical activity for ADD? “Most eye doctors deal with just eyesight,” Dr. Graebe explains.

“Vision Therapy deals with the eyes, brain and body, and how they work together.”

In fact, even the initial examination involves games and puzzles.

Kids look forward to an office visit because the “work” seems more like play.

And Kentucky needs this work as badly as any state in the country.

in which the eyes struggle to point and focus together for close-up work such as reading.

The good news? That’s one of the easiest problems for Vision Therapy to fix.

Like a true Kentuckian, Dr. Graebe uses a basketball analogy to characterize his success with convergence insufficiency.

“That’s a slam dunk for us, no harder than a lay-up to fix,” he says.

So, if you’re a skeptic with a struggling student, Dr. Graebe says, it might be time to check out Vision Therapy. t

“After Vision Therapy, my son enjoys reading 100% more and is reading 100% better. His reading level came up four levels.”

Kentucky is one of only four states in which more than 10% of the population 17 years old and younger is diagnosed with ADD. Dr. Rick Graebe Statistics show that Family Eyecare Associates and those with ADD are four Children’s Vision and Learning Center times more likely to have 105 Crossfield Drive, Versailles convergence insufficiency www.myfamilyvision.com / 859.879.3665

Trouble at school?

We can help!

Rick Graebe O.D.,FCOVD Regina Callihan O.D. and Jennifer Vanhook O.D.

FREE Monthly Workshops

Call Today For Information:

859-879-3665

www.myfamilyvision.com 105B Crossfield Drive, Versailles, KY 40383 2011 Exceptional Family KY

33

exceptional family ky Resource List 2011 general Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 4E-F Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (877) 367-5332, (502) 564-7841 www.kcdd.ky.gov.

KCDD’s mission is to create change through visionary leadership and advocacy so that people have choice and control over their lives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana 1519 Gardiner Lane, Suite B Louisville, Ky. 40218 (877) 588-2300, (502) 587-0494 www.BigsWanted.com The mission of BBBS is to help all children reach their full potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Pathways P.O. Box 790 Ashland, KY 41105 (606) 329-8588/ (800) 562-8909 www.pathways-ky.org 34

www.lexingtonfamily.com

ARC of Kentucky 706 East Main Street, Suite A Frankfort, Ky. 40601 (502) 875-5225/ (800) 281-1272 http://arcofky.org/ The ARC of Kentucky believes that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are contributing members of schools, work places, churches, synagogues, neighborhoods and their communities. The ARC values services and supports that enhance the quality of life through interdependence, friendship, choice, and respect for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ARC’s website includes a list of all the Comprehensive Care Centers in Kentucky.

ARC of Barren County P.O. Box 205 Glasgow, Ky., 42142 (270) 659-0802 A.R.H.H.C. of Hardin County P.O. Box 2013, Elizabethtown, KY 42702 (270) 737-1140 ARC of Central Kentucky 624 Dardanelles Dr., Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 278-2233 PLANS – ARC of Christian County P.O. Box 1257 Hopkinsville, Ky., 42241 (270) 348-4837

Henderson County ARC 4642 Highway 145, Corydon, Ky., 42406 (270) 533-6615 ARC of Lake Cumberland 90 Venture Way, Somerset, Ky., 42503 (606) 875-9890 ARC of Logan County 443 Hopkinsville Rd, Russellville, Ky., 42276 (502) 726-7871 Greater Louisville Metro ARC 3713 Fallen Timber Dr., Louisville, Ky., 40241 (502) 339-8690 The ARC of Madison County, Inc. P.O. Box 1863 Richmond, Ky., 40476 (859) 622-2314 The Point/ARC of Northern Kentucky 104 West Pike Street, Covington, Ky., 41011 (859) 491-9191 / Fax: (859) 491-0763 www.thepointarc.org The Point provides educational, residential, social and vocational opportunities for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

The ARC of Owensboro 731 Jackson St, Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 685-2976 The ARC of Warren County 305 Easton Cir, Bowling Green, Ky., 42101

resource guide (270) 796-2051

Eastern Regional Center for the Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network.

Best Buddies Kentucky 1151 South Fourth Street Louisville, Ky.; 40203 (502) 736-0838 - Phone www.bestbuddieskentucky.org Best Buddies Kentucky, founded in 2009, dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, and traumatic brain.

Bluegrass Technology Center 409 Southland Drive, Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 294-4343; (800) 209-7767 www.bluegrass-tech.org BTC is a non-profit, grassroots organization that assists individuals who have disabilities, their families and service providers in connecting with various technologies and services that provide the gateway to greater independence, productivity and quality of life. BTC is a member of the Alliance for Technology Access, The

Center for Accessible Living Louisville Location 305 W. Broadway, Suite 200 Louisville, Ky. 40202; Voice: (502) 589-6620; TTY: (502) 589-6690 / Toll Free: 888-8138497 / Louisville Info@calky.org Murray Location 1051 N. 16th Street, Suite C Murray, Ky. 42071; Voice: (270) 753-7676 TDD: (270) 767-0549; Toll Free: (888) 2616194 / Murray Info@calky.org www.calky.org The Center for Accessible Living is an innovative leader in empowering all people to achieve their goal of independent living while involving the entire community.

Center for Independent Living 624 Eastwood Avenue Bowling Green, Ky. 42103 TTY: (800) 648-6057 (270) 796-5992; TTY: Use Relay Service E-mail: initiative@dri-ky.org

Children’s Home of Cincinnati 5050 Madison Road; Cincinnati, Ohio 45227; (513) 272-2800 Roselawn Offices 1811 Losantiville Road, Suite 250 Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 http://thechildrenshomecinti.org/ The Children’s Home of Cincinnati is a private, non-profit social service agency that improves the lives of children and their families through services in four areas: adoption, early childhood, education and mental health. The Home serves children of all ages and their families, including adoptive children, new parents needing support and guidance, children with special education needs, and children with mental health diagnoses.

The Disabilities Coalition of Northern Kentucky 525 West Fifth Street, Suite 210 Covington, Ky. 41011 / (859) 431-7668; TTY: (800) 648-6057 / FAX: (859) 431-7688 www.dcnky.org Easter Seals Kentucky

Mission:

A statewide organization directed by Kentuckians with disabilities committed to working in partnership with all interested parties to promote equal rights, inclusion, selfadvocacy, support, and education in all realms of life.

BECOMING INVOLVED WITH KENTUCKY SELF-ADVOCATES FOR FREEDOM MEANS: • • • • • •

Knowing and speaking up for your rights and the rights of others Supporting one another to build self-confidence Being actively involved in decisions that impact people with disabilities Providing community education regarding disability issues Working with others to solve problems Advocating for positive change

Kentucky Self-Advocates for Freedom, Inc. P. O. Box 23555 Lexington, KY 40523-3555 Call for membership information:

859-245-0717

Check out our website:

www.kyselfadvocates.com 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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resource guide 2050 Versailles Road Lexington, Ky. 40504 (859) 254-5701; (800) 888-5377 www.cardinalhill.org Easter Seals West Kentucky 801 N. 29th St. Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 444-9687 www.eswky.easterseals.com First Link of the Bluegrass 2480 Fortune Drive, Suite 150 Lexington, Ky., 40509 / (859) 313-5465 www.first-link.org Hospice of the Bluegrass 2312 Alexandria Drive, Lex., Ky., 40504 (859) 276-5344 (800) 876-6005 www.hospicebg.org Hospice of the Bluegrass provides physical, emotional and spiritual care for adult and pediatric patients with life-limiting illness, and their families, at home, in nursing facilities and at Hospice Care Centers. Support and bereavement services extend to family members and anyone in the community experiencing grief. Hospice of the Bluegrass provides care in 32 central, northern and southeastern Kentucky counties.

Human Development Institute University of Kentucky 126 Mineral Industries Building Lexington, Ky. 40506 / (859) 257-1714 http://hdi.uky.edu HDI’s mission is to promote the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families throughout the life span. Established in 1969, HDI is a unit of the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research at the University of Kentucky and part of a nationwide network of University Centers for Excellence. The Centers were established by federal legislation to promote team-based approaches to provide services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

HDI and its sister agencies, the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Kentucky Division of Protection and Advocacy, form the state’s Developmental Disability Network.

The I Believe Foundation PO Box 1123 Ashland, Ky., 41105-1123 36

www.lexingtonfamily.com

(606) 831-8752/(606)922-0702/ Fax (606) 326-2249 www.ibelievefoundation.org I Believe is dedicated to creating a fun, learning and therapeutic environment by adapting everyday activities and sports to include children with special needs and their families.

The foundation was established by Occupational Therapists and provides a variety of life-enriching opportunities where the main goal is to challenge disabilities and create new abilities by fostering independence, help build friendships, build self-esteem and enhance the quality of life for children and their families.

Project SAFE: Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc. P.O. Box 4028; Frankfort, Ky., 40604 (502) 226-2704; afiero@kasap.org KASAP’s mission is to speak with a unified voice against sexual victimization. KASAP is funded in whole or in part with public funds.

Redwood Rehabilitation Center 71 Orphanage Road Ft. Mitchell, Ky. 41017 (859) 331-0880 www.redwoodrehab.org A non-profit organization funded by United Way, Redwood guides children and adults with multiple and severe disabilities to achieve independence and reach their highest potential throughout their lives, by providing enriching educational, therapeutic and vocational services.

Special Needs Adoption Program DCBS/Adoption Branch 275 East Main Street, 3C-E Frankfort, Ky. 40621 (800) 928-4303/ (502) 564-214 http://chfs.ky.gov/snap.htm Special Olympics Kentucky 105 Lakeview Court Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 695-8222; (800) 633-7403 www.soky.org Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

United Way of the Bluegrass 2480 Fortune Drive #250 Lexington, Ky. 40509 / (859) 313-5465

(859) 233-4460/ Fax (859) 259-3397 www.uwbg.org United Way of Kentucky P.O. Box 4653 Louisville, Ky., 40204 (502) 589-6897/ Fax (502) 292-5673 www.uwky.org WHAS Crusade for Children 520 West Chestnut St Louisville, Ky., 40203 (502) 582-7706 www.whas-crusade.org The WHAS Crusade for Children, Inc., established in 1954, raises money for agencies, schools and hospitals to better the lives of children with special needs. An independent board of interdenominational ministers known as the Crusade Advisory Panel decides how donations are distributed each year.

autism The Kelly Autism Program At Western Kentucky University Clinical Education Complex 104 14th St. Bowling Green, Ky., 42101 kellyautismprogram@wku.edu Phone: (270) 745-4KAP (4527) The Kelly Autism Program Wendell Foster Campus 815 Triplett St Owensboro, Ky., 42303 kap.owensboro@wku.edu Phone: (270) 852-1438 Autism Society of the Bluegrass 243 Shady Lane, Lexington, Ky. 40503 (859) 299-9000 / mtyner@email.uky.edu www.asbg.org Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati P.O. Box 43027 Cincinnati, Ohio 45243-0027 (513) 561-2300 http://support.autism-society.org/ ASGC works to promote awareness and education about autism. ASGC provides information packets, support groups for families

resource guide and individuals, newsletters and public speakers.

Autism Society of Kentuckiana P.O. Box 21895 Louisville, Ky 40221-0895 (812) 896-1728; info@ask-lou.org www.ask-lou.org Autism Group at Eastern Ky. Univ.

Rita Brockmeyer; (606) 623-6074 www.psychology.eku.edu/Autism/ Autism Society of Western Kentucky P.O. Box 1647, 230 Second Street, #206 Henderson, Ky. 42419-1647 (270) 826-0510 / /www.familieswithasd.org/ Families for the Effective Treatment of Autism 1100 East Market Street; Louisville, Ky., 40206 (502) 596-1258 www.featoflouisville.org Kentucky Autism Training Center University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development;

Louisville, Ky., 40292 (502) 852-5555; (800) 334-UofL (8635) http://louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining/ www.kyautism.org Turning Point for Autism, Inc. P.O. Box 7721; Louisville, Ky.,40257 (502) 899-9128 www.turningpoint1.org A non-profit organization that provides ABA therapy through the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CA.) with therapists based in the Kentucky area.

down syndrome Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky P.O. Box 910516; Lexington, Ky. 40591-0516 (859) 494-7809; www.dsack.org DSACK exists to celebrate the Down syndrome community, support individuals with Down syndrome and their families, educate the Central Kentucky community and assist in local and national research efforts. DSACK celebrates

that all people are beautiful, capable and loved.

Serves Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati 644 Linn Street Suite 1128 Cincinnati, OH 45203-1734 (513) 761-5400; (888) 796-5504 http://dsagc.com/ By providing families with support, inspiration and information, the Association helps individuals with Down syndrome achieve their maximum potential. Including individuals with Down syndrome in neighborhood schools, community activities and the business world benefits individuals and their respective communities.

Down Syndrome of Louisville, Inc. 4604 Bardstown Road; Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 495 5088 www.downsyndromeoflouisville.org Down Syndrome InfoSource, Inc. P.O. Box 221316 Louisville, Ky. 40252-1316 (502) 412-3759; (888) 999-3759

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resource guide Email: GTLowe@aol.com

epilepsy Epilepsy Council of Greater Cincinnati 895 Central Avenue, Suite 550 Cincinnati, 45202 (513) 721-2905; (877) 804-2241 ecgc@fuse.net http://www.ecgc-ohnky.net/ www.ecgc.net Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana Kosair Charities Centre 982 Eastern Parkway; Louisville, Ky., 40217 (502) 637-4440; (866) 275-1078 www.efky.org

education Kentucky Adult Education Council on Postsecondary Education 1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 250 Frankfort, KY 40601 / www.kyae.ky.gov (502) 573-5114 V/TTY or (800) 928-7323 V/TTY Coalition Reform in Special Education Services (C.R.I.S.E.S) 243 Shady Lane, Lexington, Ky. 40503 (859) 278-4991/ tynerwilso@aol.com Conductive Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati 325 W. 19th Street; Covington, Ky. 41014 (859) 261-2333 http://clcgc.org/ Conductive education is an intensive, multidisciplinary approach to education, training and development for individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other motor challenges.

Creative Learning Center Woodland Early Learning Center 575 Woodland Avenue; Lexington, Ky., 40508 (859) 255-3444 www.cclc.com/center/ky/woodland-earlylearning-center Kentucky Education Agency Rural Representative 38

www.lexingtonfamily.com

Kevin Noland 500 Mero Street, Capitol Plaza Tower, 1st Floor Frankfort, Ky. 40601; (502) 564-4474 www.education.ky.gov Kevin.noland@education.ky.gov Kentucky Education Rights Center 1323 Moores Mill Road; Midway, Ky. 40347 (859) 983-9222; kerc@edrights.com www.edrights.com Kentucky State Department of Education Melissa Terrell 500 Mero St., 6th Floor CPT 502-564-2000 x4605 www.education.ky.gov Music for Life: Music Therapy and Music Education Patricia Guobis, M. M., MT-BC 1815 Deerwood Avenue Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 456-2682; (502) 767-8308 Northern Kentucky University Office of Disability Services Northern Kentucky University Nunn Drive / Highland Heights, Ky. 41099 (859) 572-6373 www.nku.edu/~disability NKU provides learner-centered assistance and resources to students with disabilities in their transition to Northern Kentucky University.

Public School Parent Resource Centers Berea RTC/PRC P.O. Box 159 / 116 Jane Street Berea, Ky.,40403 (859) 986-1929 / (800) 343-2959 Carol Brooks/Andrea Sargent Fayette County PRC 701 E. Main Street, #302, Lexington 40502 (859) 381-4229 / Stella Smith/Anita Jones www.fcps.net/prc Franklin County PRC Hearn Elementary School 300 Copperleaf Blvd. / Frankfort 40601 (502) 352-2425 / Stacy Moore Hopkins County PRC 127 West Broadway, Madisonville, 42431 (270) 825-1981 / Colleen Wiles Jefferson County PRC P.O. Box 34020, Van Hoose Ed. Center 4th, Louisville, 40232 (502) 485-3562 / Mary Brauner/Marsha

Wiseman/Debora Campbell www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/ Jessamine County PRC 2101 Wilmore Road, Nicholasville, 40356 (859) 887-2421 ext 3728 / Vickie Shearer Magoffin County PRC P.O. Box 109, Gardner Trail, Salyersville, 41465 / (606) 349-6117 / Debbie Swiney www.magoffin.kyschools.us/sped/separent.htm Simpson County PRC P.O. Box 467, Franklin, 42701 (270) 586-2008 / Bill Porter Upper Cumberland Coop PRC 116 North 4th Street, Williamsburg, 40769 (606) 549-7001 ext 4411 / Deborah Lawson www.ucsec.org VSA Arts of Kentucky 515 East 10th Street; Bowling Green, Ky. 42103 (270) 781-0872 (V/TTY); (877) 417-9594 vsaky@bellsouth.net or director@vsartsky.org Frankfort: 21st Floor, Capital Plaza Tower Frankfort, 40601 502-564-3775 or 502-564-3472 www.vsartsky.org

schools Academy for Individual Excellence 3101 Bluebird Lane Louisville, Ky. 40299 / (502) 267-6187 www.aiexcellence.com The dePaul School 1925 Duker Avenue; Louisville, Ky., 40205 Telephone (502) 459-6131 www.depaulschool.org The Langsford Center 9402 Towne Square Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 531-7400 2520 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 473-7000 211 Townepark Circle, Middletown, Ky., 40243 www.langsfordcenter.com The Learning Connection “Where the Right Brain is Visited” Catherine Nagle Senn, Director 2233 Alta Ave.; Louisville, KY 40205-1105 (502) 451-8011; Email: naglesenn@aol.com

resource guide The Lexington School’s The Learning Center 1050 Lane Allen Road; Lexington, Ky., 40504 Phone: (859) 278-0501 www.thelexingtonschool.org The Learning Center provides a unique and essential service to children with language-based differences by offering an alternative to traditional classrooms. By creating a teaching environment that eliminates the major obstacles to learning, students are able to close the gap between achievement and their potential. Teacher-student ratios of 1:4 allow for individualized instruction in the core areas of greatest need. In addition, low student teacher ratios will be maintained in other subjects such as science, social studies, computer skills, specials and social skills.

Meredith Dunn School 3023 Melbourne Avenue Louisville, Ky 40220 (502) 456-5819 www.meredithdunnschool.org Pitt Academy 6010 Preston Hwy; Louisville, Ky. 40219; (502) 966-6979; http://pitt.com/ Sharon School 200 Oak Tree Lane, Nicholasville, Ky.,40356 (859) 509-6892 sharonschool@msn.com

Fax: (502) 429-4489 Serving Bullitt, Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Owen, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble counties and statewide Ashland 5850 US 60, Summit Plaza Ashland, Ky 41102; (606) 929-9155 (800) 650-1329; Serving Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Lawrence and Magoffin counties.

Barbourville 110 Johnson Lane, PO Box 1330 Barbourville, Ky. 40906-5330 (606) 546-5109; (800) 348-4279 Serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Laurel, Rockcastle, Knox and Whitley counties.

Bowling Green 495 Three Springs Road Bowling Green, Ky. 42104 (270) 746-7816; (800) 843-5877 Serving Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren counties.

Elizabethtown 580 B Westport Road Elizabethtown, Ky., 42701 (270) 765-6982/ (800) 995-6982/ Fax: (270) 769-5121 Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue,

Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties Hazard 103 Town and Country Ln, Suite M Hazard, Ky., 41701 (606) 435-6167/ (800) 378-3357/ Fax (606) 435-6164 Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties Lexington 333 Waller Ave., Suite 300 Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 252-3170/ (800) 817-3874/ Fax: (859) 225-7155 Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boone, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Kenton, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties Morehead 214 W. First St.; Morehead, Ky., 40351 (606) 783-8610/ (800) 928-3049/ Fax (606) 783-8612 Serving Bath, Bracken, Campbell, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Menifee, Morgan, Montgomery, Pendleton, Robertson, and Rowan counties Owensboro 1600 Breckenridge St.; Owensboro, Ky., 42303 (270) 687-7038/(877) 687-7038/ Fax (270) 687-7040 Serving Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins,

Summit Academy of Louisville 11508 Main Street; Louisville, Ky., 40043 (502) 244-7090 apedersen@summit-academy.org www.summit-academy.org

kentucky resources The Kentucky Administrative Regulations Listed by Title or searchable by keyword http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/KAR/frntpage.htm Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs Central office/ Louisville 310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 200 Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 429-4430/ Toll Free: (800) 232-1160/ 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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resource guide McLean, Muhlenber, Ohio, Union and Webster counties Paducah 400 Park Ave., Bldg. D; Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 443-3651/ (800) 443-3651/ Fax (270) 441-7119 Serving Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, and Trigg counties.

Prestonsburg 5000 KY Route 321; Prestonsburg, Ky., 41653 (606) 889-1761/ (800) 594-7058/ Fax (606) 889-1766 Serving Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties Somerset Professional Plaza 401 Bogle St., Suite 104; Somerset, Ky. 42503; (606) 678-4454; (800) 525-4279 Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor and Wayne counties.

The Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs has received a grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to create Family to Family Health Information Centers throughout the commission offices. The centers will be staffed by mentors who are parents of children with special needs and will provide support to families of individuals with special needs.

Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to connect with another parent or caregiver with a similar situation or special health care need.

KATS (Ky. Assistive Technology Service Network Coordinating Center) Charles McDowell Center 8412 Westport Road; Louisville, Ky. 40242 (502) 429-4484/ (800) 327-5287 www.katsnet.org The KATS Network is the Kentucky Assistive Technology program operating within its lead agency, the Office for the Blind, Education Cabinet. It consists of a statewide network of organizations and individuals connecting to enhance the availability of assistive technology devices and services to improve the productivity and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

In addition to the Coordinating Center located in the McDowell Center in Louisville, there are four regional AT resource centers and two partner satellite centers that are participating members of the KATS Network serving Kentucky.

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www.lexingtonfamily.com

Children’s Law Center 104 East 7th Street; Covington, Ky., 41011 (859) 431-3313 Email: childrenslaw@fuse.net Web: http://www.childrenslawky.org Provides free legal services for children with educational disabilities, and performs research and policy work, training and education in this area.

Kentucky Comprehensive Care Centers www.arcofky.org/compcare Four Rivers Behavioral Health PO Box 7287, Paducah, Ky., 42001 (270) 442-5088; 24-hour Line (800) 5923980 Serving Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Marshall, McCracken Pennyroyal MH / MR Board PO Box 614, Hopkinsville, 42241 (270) 886-5163 or 886-9371 Serving Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Lyon, Muhlenburg, Todd, Trigg River Valley Behavioral Health, Inc. 820 West Third Street, Owensboro, 42301 (270) 689-6879 Serving Davies, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, Webster Lifeskills PO Box 6499, Bowling Green, 42102 (270) 842-0161 Serving Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Warren Communicare, Inc. 1311 North Dixie Highway; Elizabethtown, 42701; (270) 769-3377 Serving Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Washington Seven Counties Services, Inc. 3717 Taylorsville Rd.; Louisville 40220 (502) 459-5292 Serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Shelby, and Trimble counties.

Northern Kentucky MH/MR Board 1201 South Ft. Thomas Ave.; Ft. Thomas 41075 (859) 781-5586 Serving Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen and Pendleton Comprehend, Inc. 741 Kenton Station Road, Maysville, 41056 (606) 759-7161 Serving Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Robertson

Pathway, Inc. PO Box 790, Ashland, 41105 (606) 329-8588 Serving Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan Mountain MH / MR Board 150 South Front Avenue, Prestonburg, 41653; (606) 886-8572 Serving Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, Pike Ky. River Community Care 115 Rockwood Lane, Hazard 41701 (606) 436-5761 Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Wolfe Cumberland River MH / MR Board PO Box 568, Corbin, 40702 (606) 528-7010 Serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley Adanta MH / MR Board 72 Southland Drive, Somerset, 42501 (606) 679-7348 Serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russel, Taylor, Wayne Bluegrass MH / MR Board 250 Elaine Drive, Suite 203; Lexington, 40504 (859) 272-7483 Serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrad, Harrision, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott Kentucky Congress of Parents and Teachers P.O. Box 654, Frankfort, Ky. 40602 (502) 564-4378 kentuckypta@bellsouth.net www.kypta.org Kentucky Council for Children with Behavior Disorders 1985 St. Stephen’s Green; Lexington, Ky. 40503; (859) 223-3243; (859) 624-4586 karen.frohoff@madison.kyschools.us http://ebd.coe.uky.edu/kyccbd/home.html Kentucky Department of Education: Division of Exceptional Services 500 Mero Street; Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-4770 larry.taylor@education.ky.gov Melissa.terrell@education.ky.gov http://education.ky.gov/KDE/ HomePageRepository/Footer/contact+us.htm

resource guide Oversees funding, special education programs, data collection, personnel development, monitoring of school districts, curriculum development and more.

Kentucky Developmental Disabilities Planning Council: Department for Health Services 275 East Main Street; Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-7700/ (877) 367-5332 http://chfs.ky.gov/kcdd/ This council is a group of interested citizens and state employees appointed by the Governor to plan services for and advocate for the rights of people with developmental disabilities. The principal goal is that all persons with disabilities have the opportunity to live as normal a life as possible in an environment that allows each individual to achieve his maximum potential.

(859) 815-1095; (888) 300-8866 Boone Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, Pendleton Gateway District 39 Cedar Creek Drive, P.O. Box 290, Owingsville 40360 (606) 674-3204; (800) 718-0378 Bath, Menifee, Morgan, Montgomery, Rowan Cumberland Valley District P.O. Box 568, Corbin 40702 (606) 523-0229; (800) 509-9559 Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley Pennyrile District 735 North Dr., Hopkinsville 42240 (270) 886-5186; (800) 609-0047

Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenburg, Todd, Trigg Lincoln Trail District 108 New Glendale Rd., P.O. Box 2609, Elizabethtown 42702 (270) 737-5921; (800) 678-1879 Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Washington Buffalo Trace District 611 Forest Ave., Maysville 41056 (606) 759-5510; (800) 335-4249 Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Robertson Big Sandy District 104 S. Frankfort Ave., Prestonsburg 41653 (606) 478-8572; (800) 230-6011 Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, Pike

Kentucky Disabilities Coalition 859 E. Main St., Suite A, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 875-1871 (V/TTY); (800) 977-7505 Disabilities Coalition 525 West 5th Street, Covington, KY 41011 (859) 431-7668; www.dcnky.org Disability Specific Web Resources www.disabilityresources.org The web site has a listing of several services available on the Internet.

Kentucky Education Rights Center, Inc 1323 Moores Mill Road; Midway, Ky. 40347; (859) 983-9222 kerc@edrights.com; www.edrights.com Kentucky First Steps http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/firstSteps/default.htm State Lead Agency 275 E. Main St., HS2W-C, Frankfort, Ky.,40621 (877) 417-8377 Purchase District 425 Broadway, Suite 204, Paducah 42001 (270) 442-5831; (800) 648-6599 Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, McCracken Barren River District P.O. Box 6499, Bowling Green 42102 (270) 746-9941; (800) 643-6233 Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Monroe, Simpson, Warren Northern Kentucky District 401 East 20th St., Covington 41014 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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resource guide Lake Cumberland District 113 Hardin Ln., Somerset 42501 (606) 678-2821; (800) 378-2821 Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, Wayne Green River District 1501 Breckenridge St., Owensboro 42301 (270) 686-5982; (888) 686-1414 Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Ohio, McLean, Union, Webster Kentuckiana District Seven Counties Services, Inc. 3717 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville 40220 (502) 459-0225; (800-442-0087) Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble FIVCO District 5850 U.S. 60, Box 11 Summit Plaza, Ashland 41102 (606) 929-9155/(800) 650-1329 Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup, Lawrence Kentucky River District 115 Rockwood Ln., Hazard 41701 (606) 439-1325; (800) 328-1767

Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Wolfe Bluegrass District 343 Waller Ave., Suite 201, Lexington 40504 (859) 271-9448; (800) 454-2764 Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell,Scott, Woodford First Steps is a statewide intervention system that provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their families. Administered by the Department for Public Health in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, First Steps offers comprehensive services through community agencies and service disciplines.

Children who participate in early intervention have significant improvement in development and learning. Helping to decrease the problems early in a child’s development can reduce or prevent costly educational programs in the future.

Pathways to Careers and Special Programs Capitol Plaza Tower, Room 2113 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Ky. 40601 (502) 564-3775 www.kde.state.ky.us Programs for Children with Disabilities (Ages 3 through 5) Division of Extended Learning Office of Academic and Professional Development 500 Mero Street, Capitol Plaza Tower, 17th Floor; Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 564-7056 www.kde.state.ky.us (Ages Birth through 2) First Steps Program 3717 Taylorsville Road Louisville, KY 40220-1366 (502) 459-0225; (800) 442-0087; (502) 452-9079 (fax) Web: http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/firststeps. htm Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Delays: Ages Birth to 3.

Kentucky Protection and Advocacy

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100 Fair Oaks Lane, Third Floor Frankfort, Ky., 40601; (800) 372-2988/ (502) 564-2967 www.kypa.net/drupal/?q+taxonomy/term/107 Kentucky Self-Advocates For Freedom PO Box 23555, Lexington, 40523 (859) 245-0717 http://kyselfadvocates.com Funded by the Kentucky Council for Developmental Disabilities, KSAFF is a statewide organization directed by Kentuckians with disabilities and committed to working in partnership with all interested parties to promote equal rights, inclusion, self-advocacy, support and education in all realms of life. The goals are: Speak Up: Self-Advocates speak up for themselves and teach, coach and support others to speak up for themselves.

Your Rights: Self-Advocates are encouraged to know and exercise their rights.

Education: Self-Advocates are encouraged to inform and educate the general public about rights, needs and issues regarding people with developmental disabilities.

Involvement: Participate in decision-making forums regarding policies that impact people with developmental disabilities.

Raise Funds: Advocate for funding for services and supports on behalf of people with developmental disabilities.

Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network, Inc (KY-Spin) 10301-B Deering Rd.; Louisville, Ky. 40272 (502) 937-6894/ (800) 525-7746/ Fax (502) 937-6464 www.kyspin.com KY-SPIN, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting programs that enable persons with disabilities and their families to enhance their quality of life. Fully 85% of all program income goes to direct services to families.

State Services for Kentuckians with Disabilities KATS Network Coordinating Center Charles McDowell Center 8412 Westport Rd., Louisville, Ky., 40242 (502) 429-4484/ (800) 327-5287 http://www.katsnet.org/publications/other/ stateservices.html

resource guide United Partners in Kentucky UP in KY is a functional, non-compensated partnership to enhance each others’ work on behalf of children, youth and young adults with disabilities and their families. The intention is to collaborate with each other, reduce duplication of effort and help determine and influence policies. http://www.up-in-ky.com The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation http://ovr.ky.gov/ Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Central Office Cabinet for Human Resources Building 275 E. Main St., Mail Stop 2E-K, Frankfort, Ky., 40621 Bowling Green (270) 746-7489; (800) 443-6055; (800) 2466193 (TTY) Elizabethtown (270) 766-5121; (866) 883-0001 Florence (859) 371-9450; (877) 371-9451; (859) 3710803 (TTY) Bluegrass/Lexington (859) 246-2185; (888) 211-7276; (888) 9009098 (TTY) Middletown/Louisville (502) 254-3195; (866) 304-1958 Whitesburg (606) 633-9332 West Liberty (606) 743-7978: (800) 440-2530 Louisville (502) 595-4173; (800) 456-4334; (866) 8623848 (TTY) Madisonville (270) 824-7549; (888) 640-2713 Owensboro (270) 687-7308; (888) 564-2811; (800) 2415821 (TTY) Paducah (270) 575-7340 Ashland (606) 920-2338 Carl D. Perkins Center (606) 788-7080; (800) 443-2187; (606) 788-7089 (TTY).

Seven Counties Comprehensive Care Services Appointments: (502) 589-1100/ (800) 2648799/ TDD (502) 589-4259/ TDD (877) 589-

4259 www.sevencounties.org A community behavioral health and developmental services center serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties. The vision of Seven Counties Services is that all persons affected by mental illness, developmental disabilities, addictions and abuse live satisfying, productive and valued lives. Website includes a 93-page Resource Book called “Build Your Future.”

learning disabilities Children and Adults with AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Bluegrass Satellite of CHADD Bluegrass CHADD; Lexington, Ky., http://chadd.org; bluegrass@chadd.net Louisville Metro Satellite Local Coordinator: Emilie Wilson (Mail Address Only) 5685 Brandenburg Rd; Brandenburg Ky., 40108 (502) 594-8240 louisville-metro@chadd.org Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky, Inc. 2210 Goldsmith Lane, Suite 118 Louisville, Ky., 40218 (502) 473-1256 / www.LDAofky.org This comprehensive mental health professional program includes the “co-morbid” disorders often found with individuals with learning disabilities, including Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anger Control/Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD. Associated Therapeutics-The Center for Dyslexia – The Reading Room 3306 Clays Mill Road, Suite 203 Lexington, 40503; (859) 899-3343 www.thecuriousedge.com/thereadingroom 859-899-EDGE (3343) Dyslexia Solutions Inc. 3509 South Hurstbourne Parkway Louisville, 40299, (502) 499-2744 cbaumert@readfluent.com www.readfluent.com

Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile 3000 Canton, Suite 4 D, Hopkinsville, Ky., 42240; (270) 885-5804 www.hopkinsvilledyslexia.org LD Online The world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD. www.ldonline.org/ldresources/local_org/kentucky. html Ohio Valley Branch of the International Dyslexia Association 317 East Fifth Street; Cincinnati, 45202 (513) 651-4747 http://cincinnatidyslexia.org/ A non-profit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia. This Branch was formed to increase public awareness of dyslexia in the Southern Ohio, Southeast Indiana, Kentucky, and Huntington, West Virginia areas.

Progressive Educational Program, Inc. 212 Venture Way; Somerset, Kentucky Phone: 606-677-2514 Website: www.WeTeachSpelling.com Email: Progressiveeduprogram@windstream.net Specializing in Tutoring Children with Dyslexia.

Joni Strickland, Director of Tutoring Service and Karen Cress, Certified Dyslexia Tester.

medical Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital In Lexington Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky., 40504 (859) 254.5701 Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Unit at UK HealthCare Samaritan Hospital 310 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Ky. 40508; (859) 226-7700 Cardinal Hill Center for Outpatient Services 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky. 40504; (859) 367-7125 Cardinal Hill Home Care 2050 Versailles Road, Lexington, Ky. 40504; (859) 367-7148 In Louisville Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center/Easter Seals of Louisville 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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resource guide 9810 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville, Ky. 40299; (502) 584-9781 In Northern Ky. Cardinal Hill Specialty Hospital - A Long Term Acute Care Hospital at St. Luke Hospital East 85 N. Grand Avenue, Ft. Thomas, Ky. 41075; (859) 572-3880 Cardinal Hill of Northern Kentucky 31 Spiral Drive, Florence, Ky. 41042 (859) 525-1128 In Carrollton Easter Seals Camp KYSOC 1902 Easterday Road, Carrollton, Ky. 41008; (502) 732-5333 www.cardinalhill.org A leader in providing physical rehabilitation services in Kentucky and the southeast region, Cardinal Hill Healthcare System is dedicated to helping people of all ages regain maximum independence and health.

Charles L. Shedd Kentucky Association 4801 Sherburn Ln. LL1 Louisville, Ky., 40207; (502) 893-0309 SheddTutoring@bellsouth.net http://www.sheddtutoring.org The Shedd Program provides educational remediation through highly structured teaching methods and materials utilizing a multisensory approach and one-to-one instruction.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; MLC 7009 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 (513) 636-4200/ (800) 344-2462/ TTY: (513) 636-4900 www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/c/specialneeds/default.htm Dr. F. Allen Walker Creative Psychiatry P.L.L.C. 9900 Corporate Campus Drive , Suite 3000 Louisville, Ky., 40223; Office: (502) 657-6070 www.louisvilleadhd.com drwalker@louisvilleadhd.com Robert A. Underwood, Ph.D. & Byron White, Psy.D Edelson and Associates, PSC 7511 New LaGrange Rd. Louisville, Ky., 40222 (502) 423-1151 44

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Email: drunderwood@npsych.info edelson@npsych.info Web: http://www.edelsonandassociates.info Neuropsychological, ADHD, Learning Disability, Autism and Psychological Disorder Evaluations.

Horn, Richardson & Associates in Rehabilitation 2412 Greatstone Place, Lexington (859) 224-4081; Fax (859) 224-4082; (859) 224-4261 / http://hornrichardson.com HRA offers assessments and intervention from a multi-disciplinary team including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speechlanguage pathology, psychology, developmental intervention, social work and case management.

HRA provides independent evaluation and intervention services. HRA addresses concerns of the individual, family and referral sources including physicians, schools and other agencies.

Families are encouraged to participate through evaluations and therapy, and a focus is placed on providing services that can generalize into academics, home, community and job settings.

Kentucky Children’s Hospital University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington 40536 (859) 257-1000/ (800) 333-8874 www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/KCH/ Established in 1957, UK HealthCare consists of the medical, nursing, health sciences, public health, dental and pharmacy patient care activities of the University of Kentucky, and in several off-site locations.

The Kidz Club 2100 Gardiner Lane, Suite 107, Louisville, Ky., 40205; (502) 458-5433 www.thekidzclub.cc A pediatric Medical Day Treatment facility.

Julie Kraska, OTR/L Kraska & Associates, Inc. 437 Lewis Hargett Circle Suite 120 Lexington, Ky., 40503 (859) 219-0956 / (859) 219-1186 (fax) Private practice providing occupational and speech therapy services. Family-centered approach. Areas of speciality include sensory integration, sensory processing disorder, fine motor/handwriting, dyspraxia, autism, aspergers, articulation, phonological disorders, reading programs

Safe Kids Fayette County Coalition Kentucky Children’s Hospital 800 Rose St., Lexington 40536 (859) 323-1153 www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/KCH/safekids Safe Kids Fayette County is a program of Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington and one of more than 650 grassroots coalitions in all 50 states and 17 countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that brings together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families. Safe Kids Fayette County Coalition is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Efforts are needed because as many as 90% of accidental injuries can be prevented.

Safe Kids Coalition Kentucky Led by Kentucky Department of Health 333 Waller Ave, Lexington, 40504 (859) 323-6194; www.safekids.org Barren County Barren River District Health Department 318 West Washington, Glasgow 42141 (270) 651-8321 Louisville and Jefferson County Kosair Children’s Hospital 315 E. Broadway, Louisville, 40202 (502) 629-7335 River Cities Communities King’s Daughters Medical Center 2201 Lexington Ave., Ashland, 41101 (606) 408-4151 Square One Specialists in Child and Adolescent Development 6440 Dutchmans Parkway Louisville, Ky., 40205 (502) 896-2606 or Toll-Free (866) 415-3036 www.squareonemd.com info@squareonemd.com Comprehensive Evaluations: Medical, psychological, psychiatric, educational, and speech-language evaluations are offered to help understand differences that impact children’s and adolescents’ development, behaviors, and emotions.

University of Kentucky School Psychology Clinic 641 Maxwelton Ct., Lexington, Ky., 40506 (859) 257-1381

resource guide Psychoeducational assessments, intervention and consultation services to address behavioral, academic, and social-emotional concerns which impact an individual’s learning and development.

University of Louisville Kosair Children’s Hospital 231 E. Chestnut Street, Louisville (502) 629-8000 www.kosairchildrenshospital.com Kosair Children’s Hospital is a 253-bed teaching facility and serves as a referral center for central and western Kentucky, and southern Indiana. The hospital is also the primary pediatric teaching hospital for the University of Louisville health sciences program. Each year there are approximately 8,000 admissions, 50,000 Emergency Department visits and 10,500 outpatient clinic visits. www.karponline.org Dental Care in Northern Kentucky for Special Needs Cedar Lake Campbell County Emergency Fund 7984 New LaGrange Rd., Louisville, Ky.,40222 (859) 292-3838 (502) 425-5323 Donated Dental Services http://www.cedarlake.org/index.html (888) 765-6789 Cedar Lake is a private not-for-profit Health Point Family Care, Covington association that originally incorporated out of (859) 655-8031 common concern for persons with mental www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/c/specialretardation and the lack of adequate residential needs/resources/dental.htm#northern facilities within the geographic area.

Cedar Lake was founded in 1970 by NorthKey Community Louisville-area parents of persons with 502 Farrell Dr. intellectual disabilities. Cedar Lake Lodge began PO Box 2680; Covington, Ky. 41011 providing campus services in 1974, and added (859) 331-3292/ TTY (859) 331-1792/ TTY “community-based” service options, Cedar Toll-Free (877) 889-1792 Lake Residences, in 1989. Collectively, Cedar www.northkey.org Lake operations employ more than 300 staff Serving Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, members and have an annual operating budget Kenton, Owen and Pendleton. in excess of $15 million, providing services to Paving the way to a community healthy in mind approximately 200 individuals with intellectual and spirit -- that’s what NorthKey Community and developmental disabilities.

Care is working toward in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas with a comprehensive Council on Mental Retardation continuum of mental health, developmental 1151 S. 4th Street; Louisville 40203 disability and substance abuse care.

(502) 584-1239; www.councilonmr.org The Council offers a variety of services, including Parent Outreach, Citizen Advocacy, Future Planning, etc.

mental health

The Kentucky Association of Mental Health/Mental Retardation Programs 152 West Zandale Drive, Suite 201 Lexington, Ky., 40503; (859) 272-6700 contactkarp@iglou.com

Ky. Department for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services 100 Fair Oaks Lane 4W-C Frankfort, Ky. 40621-0001 (502) 564-7702; TTY: (502) 564-5777

http://mhmr.ky.gov/MR/ The DMR provides an array of supports for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. This is accomplished through contracting for services through the 14 Regional Mental Retardation Boards and other qualified private providers.

Mental Health Association of Kentucky 120 Sears Avenue, Suite 213, Louisville, 40207 (502) 893-0460; (888) 705-0463 mhaky@kih.net / www.mhaky.org Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky 513 Madison Ave., Covington 41011 (859) 431-1077 www.mhanky.org/mha/asp/home.asp NAMI Kentucky (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) c/o Somerset Community College 808 Monticello St., Somerset 42501 (606) 451-6935 / (606) 451-6936 (800)257-5081 / namiky@bellsouth.net http://ky.nami.org NAMI Nelson County Gary Barr 502-331-9991 garybarr@plasticproductsco.com NAMI Bowling Green Ann Hunt 270-586-6949 annshomeplace@gmail.com NAMI Cumberland River Kelley Coffey 606-256-9105 kcoffey8@aol.com 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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resource guide NAMI Danville Lois Anderson 859-236-3970 namidanville@yahoo.com NAMI Frankfort Sam Campbell 502-320-6277 celticman40601@yahoo.com NAMI Green River Missy Richard 270-384-6377 mrichard239@windstream.net NAMI Hazard Anna Harvey 606-339-6337 anna.harvey@krccnet.com NAMI Heartland Steve Alexander 270-351-3730 steve.alexander@hardin.kyschools.us NAMI Henderson/Webster County Patsy Moore 270-724-2638 wsm652@yahoo.com Beverly Burklow 270-635-1492 southwestaffinity@msn.com NAMI Hopkinsville Marcia and Jerry Bell 270-886-3505 namihopkinsville@bellsouth.net NAMI Lexington Theresa Walton 502-695-5691 theresanwalton@yahoo.com NAMI Louisville Tony Baize 502-245-5287 tony@namilouisville.org NAMI Madisonville Tom Mills 270-821-3670 tmills5@earthlink.net NAMI Morehead Carolyn Miller 606-784-4551 g.miller@morehead-st.edu NAMI Northern Kentucky Kathy Keller 859-261-4080 president.naminky@zoomtown.com NAMI Owensboro John Griffith 270-689-1999 griffdog17@bellsouth.net NAMI Paducah Jennifer Lewis 270-442-2883 namipaducah@yahoo.com NAMI Somerset Charlotte Stogsdill 606-274-4565 cstog@alltel.net NAMI Stanford Debbie Rowe 606-365-9920 namilincolngarrard@yahoo.com NAMI Winchester Rob Love 859-355-5318 rob.love@mhgrp.com Brandenburg 46

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Joann Bruner 270-422-3264 mamajo@bbtel.com Bullitt County (contact NAMI Louisville) 502-957-0414 namilouisville@netzero.net

parent support Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children 207 Holmes Street; Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 875-1320 / (800) 369-0533 kpfc@kypartnership.org www.kypartnership.org Parent Outreach: Parents Supporting Parents 1146 S. Third Street, Louisville, 40203 (502) 584-1239 / outreach@councilonmr.org www.councilonmr.org

speech, hearing & language Lexington Hearing and Speech Center 162 N. Ashland Ave, Lexington, 40502 (859) 268-6153 / www.lhscky.org Provides diagnostic, therapeutic and educational services for individuals with hearing, speech and language impairments.

Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 632 Versailles Road, Frankfort, Ky., 40601 (502) 573-2604 (V/TTY); (800) 372-2907 (V/ TTY, in KY only) Email: kcdhh@mail.state.ky.us Web: www.kcdhh.org Kentucky School for the Deaf 303 South Second St., P.O. Box 27 Danville, 40422; (859) 239-7017 http://www.ksd.k12.ky.us/ Ensures that deaf and hard of hearing children and youth have educational opportunities to develop their potential to become educated, lifelong learners and productive citizens.

Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) 838 E. High St., Suite 263, Lexington 40502 1-800-837-2446 www.ksha.info The mission is to enhance the provision of quality services to persons with communication disorders and their families. KSHA provides broad-based education opportunities, public awareness and policy development initiatives, and by supporting professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology by promoting the highest standards for service providers.

St. Rita School for the Deaf 1720 Glendale Milford Rd; Cincinnati, Ohio,

resource guide 45215; (513) 771-7600; (Video Phone): (513) 771-0310; (Fax): (513) 326-8264 http://srsdeaf.org

spina bifida Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky Kosair Charities Centre 982 Eastern Parkway, Box 18, Louisville, 40217 (502) 637-7363; (866) 340-7225 sbak@sbak.org / www.sbak.org SBAK is a resource center that provides free services and programs to children and adults with Spina Bifida and their families. The mission is to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to enhance the lives of all affected. Have you had your recommended daily dose of Folic Acid?

Remember, 400mcg of Folic Acid taken before pregnancy can reduce the risk of having a child with Spina Bifida by 70%.

vision Department for the Blind 275 E. Main St., Frankfort 40601 (502) 564-4754/ (800) 321-6668/ (502) 564-2929 (TTY) / http://blind.ky.gov/ Family Eyecare Associates & Children’s Vision and Learning Center 105 Crossfield Drive, Versailles, 40383 (859) 879-3665/ (855) 686-2020 www.myfamilyvision.com Family Eyecare Associates and Dr. Rick Graebe offer the best available eyecare for the entire family. This includes Computerized exams for children and adults; Quality eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. In addition to general optometric services, Family Eyecare offers unique programs such as Vision Therapy for children experiencing difficulty with reading and/or underachievement at school. Children in these programs average more than a 3-year improvement in performance in 10 to 15 weeks.

Kentucky School for the Blind Division of the Kentucky Department of Education Office of Special Instructional Services 1867 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, 40206 (502) 897-1583 / www.ksb.k12.ky.us/

A K-12 public school serving Kentucky students who are blind and visually impaired, offers Short Course program (1-12 weeks) of specialized instruction available to students throughout the school year. Summer school programs are offered in June and July.

Visually Impaired Preschool Service (VIPS) Greater Louisville 1906 Goldsmith Lane; Louisville, 40218 (502) 636-3207; (502) 636-0024; (888) 6368477 / www.vips.org VIPS-Central Kentucky 161 Burt Road, Suite #4, Lexington, 40503 (859) 276-0335; FAX (859) 276-4379; (888-254-8477) / www.vips.org The Mission of Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc. is to offer appropriate services to infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are visually impaired or blind and to their families; and to maximize each child’s development potential through direct services, advocacy and community education.

VIPS staff includes certified teachers who specialize in early childhood education, visual impairment, O&M, and special education.

Several staff members are also parents of visually impaired children.

other organizations Brain Injury Association of Kentucky 7410 New Lagrange Road, Suite 100 Louisville, Ky. 40222 (502) 493-0609; (800) 592-1117 (in Ky.) www.biak.us Central Kentucky Riding for Hope PO Box 13155, Lexington 40511 (859) 231-7066; lauriston@ckrh.org / www.ckrh.org The program is operated at the Kentucky Horse Park, which consists of 1,000 acres of rolling countryside. Under the guidance of trained teachers, volunteers and medical people, disabilities are challenged and new abilities are created. The program has proved successful in helping people with a wide range of disabilities develop self-esteem, confidence, coordination and a sense of achievement while learning

horsemanship and track riding principles.

Cerebral Palsy K.I.D.S. Center 982 Eastern Parkway, Louisville 40217 (502) 635-6397 http://www.firstgiving.com/kidscenter The K.I.D.S. Center is an outpatient treatment facility that offers physical, occupational and speech therapy services; community referral and resource information; parent/guardian support group; family support, activities and education; orthopedic clinic; wheelchair and seating assessments; casting and splinting; therapeutic horseback riding programs; sensory motor gym; pediatric therapy equipment; and a physical fitness gym.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Kentucky Chapter P.O. Box 573, Prospect 40059 / (646) 6232620 / Kentucky@ccfa.org www.ccfa.org/chapters/kentucky/ Tourette Syndrome Association Lexington Support Group – 859-276-0835/ r.gorton@insightbb.com Louisville Support Group – 502-852-7528/ ermark01@louisville.edu www.tsa-usa.org Jordans’ Gait Stables 515 Dry Ridge Road, Eastview, 42732 (270) 862-2290; (270) 862-2290 jordans_gait_stables@yahoo.com A 501C(3) non-profit center providing free therapeutic horseback riding to the mentally and physically challenged.

Milestones 12372 Riggs Road, Independence, 41051 (859) 694-PONY (7669) http://milestonesinc.org/ The mission is to improve cognitive, physical, and psychological function, and to nurture the emotional health of members through therapeutic horseback riding activities.

Artwork by Dani Pruitt.

(Please see Page 28) 2011 Exceptional Family KY

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