Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities

04/02/2026

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04/01/2026

04/01/2026

HB 164, which expands coverage for pediatric hearing aids, has passed both the House and Senate. It will go to the governor for his signature and is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Learn more about the bill here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb164.html

Thank you to parent and board member Jennifer Hughes and to audiologist Dr. Shelley Moats for leading this effort!

04/01/2026

🧡 Safety starts with preparation — and you don't have to figure it out alone.

If you've ever felt unsure about how to prevent elopement or wandering for an autistic student you support, this training is for you.

Our recorded training, Elopement and Wandering Prevention: A Guide for Educational Staff and IEP Teams, is a practical, compassionate resource built for the real people doing this important work every day — teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and IEP teams.

🎯 You'll walk away knowing how to:
✅ Understand why elopement happens and how common it is
✅ Identify risk factors for the autistic individuals you support
✅ Build individualized safety plans that actually work
✅ Use visual supports and communication strategies to reduce risk
✅ Partner with families and law enforcement before a crisis occurs

Because the best safety plan is the one that's already in place. 💙

▶️ Watch the free recording here:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhZtuUAiVc4

Share this with a colleague who could use it — because every school team deserves to feel confident and prepared.

03/31/2026

With National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers 🎉

03/31/2026

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is requesting information supporting the creation of a state, local, territory and tribal (SLTT) emergency management toolkit.

Electronic comments and information must be submitted by 11:59 EDT on April 3, 2026 via email to NCD Senior Attorney Advisor Amy Nicholas at anicholas@ncd.gov. Late comments will not be considered.
Learn more at

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2026 WASHINGTON–The National Council on Disability (NCD) is requesting information supporting the creation of a state, local, territory and tribal (SLTT) emergency management toolkit. The toolkit will provide promising practices and guidance on how to create an emerg...

03/26/2026

Join the movement! Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with us and raise your voice for a more inclusive future, because every individual deserves to be seen and heard.

03/25/2026

Council members Jake Cruz and Andrea Strassburg joined other disability advocates in Washington D.C. They attended the Disability Policy Seminar and met with legislators at the Capitol.

03/25/2026

Adaptive Mountain Bike Workshop

Looking for a fun and supportive way to get outdoors and try something new? Join us for our Adaptive Mountain Bike Clinic on Sunday April 26, 2026 – No experience required!
What to Expect:
• Professional Equipment Fitting
Catalyst Sports team members will be on-site to help fit adaptive riders and safety equipment (you’re welcome to bring your own).
• Choose Your Session
Morning and afternoon sessions available - ride when it works best for you.
• Lunch is on us!
Refuel, relax, and connect with fellow riders between sessions.
Whether you’re trying adaptive mountain biking for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, get moving, connect with others, and have fun.
Sign up today!

03/24/2026

Don’t miss this opportunity, the deadline is tomorrow!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLJpKKUr4nFqZ9BA652B7p1M4eyfhXTyx_BXBicr2mjTf5YA/viewform

03/24/2026

This event is held by the Kentucky Employment First Council and Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers (ISAW.) The quarterly conversations build upon the short videos shared monthly to learn more and engage in discussion with other employers and employment support providers on topics around increa...