Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities

11/05/2025

HDI is partnering with the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities to provide a second year of training for child care providers on the importance of work-related play to school and job preparation.

This is a free, virtual, one hour, one TRIS credit training.
There are two dates left in November for participants to benefit from this series.
Thursday 11/13: 9-10 a.m. CST / 10-11 a.m. EST
Saturday 11/15: 9-10 a.m. CST / 10-11 a.m. EST

Reserve your spot today: https://hdi-l.com/7s

Presented by Child Care Aware of Kentucky, UK Human Development Institute and the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities

10/30/2025

10/30/2025

Disability advocates don't miss these meetings in November! Click here for links and specifics:
https://legislature.ky.gov/Committees/Pages/default.aspx

Monday, Nov. 3rd – Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) 2:00 – 4:00 pm ET

Tuesday, Nov. 4th – Testimony on Proposed MH/SUD Parity Bill at the Banking & Insurance Joint Committee 9:00 am ET

Wednesday, Nov. 5th – BR Subcommittee on Health & Family Services / Appropriations & Revenue Joint Committee 10:30 am / 1:00 pm ET

Wednesday, Nov. 12th – Medicaid Oversight & Advisory Board (MOAB) 9:00 am ET

Thursday, Nov. 13th – Behavioral Health Technical Advisory Committee (BH TAC) 2:00 – 4:00 pm ET

10/30/2025

If you are a part of the disability community in Lexington you know Jason Jones. We are sad to learn of his passing and will be thinking of his family and friends as they celebrate his life. Thank you Jason for all of your contributions to our community.

Explore Jason Jones's digital memorial and tribute page. Contribute photos, recollections, or videos, extend your condolences, and assist in preserving their legacy.

10/23/2025

Have you visited our Events page to sign up for our Fall activities? There are lots of opportunities for inclusive fun 🤩 Hope to see you there!

🎃 Pumpkin Painting Party 4pm-6pm, Tuesday, October 21
👹 Monster Bash Fundraiser with DJ Red 12pm-3pm, Saturday, November 1
🦃 Friendsgiving Monday, 5:30pm-7:30pm, November 24
🎁 Makerspace Event - Holiday Arts & Crafts, make gifts for friends and family! Thursday, December 18 https://www.buildinclusion.org/events

All are welcome!

10/23/2025

IMPORTANT NOTICE: SNAP Benefit Update

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to operate during October 2025 and individuals will receive their October benefits as usual.

Because of the federal government shutdown, Kentucky has been told that November 2025 SNAP benefits may be delayed if the shutdown continues. It is not yet known whether November benefits will be loaded on EBT cards on time, or at all, while the shutdown continues.

What SNAP participants should know:

• You will still get your October benefits.
• You can keep using any benefits already on your EBT card.
• This issue does not affect your eligibility for SNAP.
• DCBS offices are open and still taking applications. This includes benefits from the Simplified Assistance for the Elderly (SAFE) and Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) programs.

For the latest updates, visit chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs, check your kynect.ky.gov account, or watch for official DCBS texts or emails.

10/20/2025

Check out this fully accessible home for sale in Lexington:

Welcome home to 301 Ash St. A charming and wheelchair-accessible 2-bedroom, 1-bath property in the heart of downtown Lexington! This home offers comfort, functionality, and thoughtful accessibility throughout. The open floor plan provides easy mobility, with wide doorways and durable tile flooring d...

10/20/2025

CCDD's past policy advisor, Justin Jeter, received The David Allgood Advocacy award last week at the 2025 Advocacy Summit hosted by for Accessible Living in Louisville. Congratulations Justin and good luck in your future endeavors. Thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of Kentuckians who have disabilities and their families!

10/20/2025

In honor of Down syndrome awareness month!

Many solid tumor cancers such as breast cancer and colon cancer are less common in people with Down syndrome compared to people without Down syndrome. One exception is testicular cancer, which is more common in men with Down syndrome than men without Down syndrome.

Differences in incidence of cancers have implications for screening tests such as mammograms and colonoscopies. The risks and benefits of screening tests may not be the same for people with and without Down syndrome. We recommend that individuals with Down syndrome discuss health screening recommendations with their healthcare professionals to make a decision that is appropriate for their circumstances.

Brian Chicoine, MD, discusses factors to consider about screening tests in the article on breast cancer and breast cancer screening linked below.
🔗 https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/breast-cancer-and-breast-cancer-screening-for-women-with-down-syndrome/