Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities

02/23/2026

MONDAY! Between the new state budget and major Medicaid reforms, is getting real. Don’t miss ’s Virtual Advocacy webinar breaking down the latest updates you need. Learn how to make your voice heard and protect what matters. Register now: tinyurl.com/2026ThriveKY

02/18/2026

👮‍♂️📚 Calling All School Resource Officers!

Enhance your skills in supporting autistic students and students with other disabilities with our specialized training!

🎯 FREE Training Available:
• Complete at your own pace online (https://tinyurl.com/SROautism)
__OR__
• Schedule an in-person session (https://bit.ly/afr2526)
• Perfect for both SROs & school administrators

📋 What You'll Learn:
✅ SRO roles & relevant case law
✅ Understanding IDEA disability categories
• Autism
• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• ADHD

💡 Why It Matters:
Better understanding = Better support and outcomes for students!

Ready to strengthen your skills?
Access this FREE training today or request an in-person training!

Learn more at KYAUTISM.org



🤝 Together, we can create safer, more supportive schools for ALL students!

02/16/2026

A one-of-a-kind, 3-day event, with the potential to change the lives of the individuals you serve. Leave with a unique person-centered, life-planning too, The Liberty Plan, and with the mindset that “more is possible” with the appropriate facilitation, support & planning.

Where: Lexington, Kentucky

When: February 24-26, 2026

Who: Case Managers, Support Brokers, Educators, Job Coaches, Special Education Teachers, Administrators, Employment Specialists, Peer Mentors, Rehabilitation Professionals, Social Workers, Community Guides & more

Time: 9am-4pm, lunch included

Investment : $895

https://www.allianceofchange.com/events

02/13/2026

As part of the 2026 Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA), the University of Kentucky’s (UK) Human Development Institute (HDI) is hosting three forum sessions in February and March.

These forums are a chance for the public to share insights, learn about the data that has been gathered, and offer feedback to help ensure our team is on the right track for the 2026 KY OVR CSNA.

Forum sessions dates and times (Eastern Time):
· Wednesday February 25, 2026 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
· Thursday March 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
· Thursday March 12, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Please note: All sessions will cover the same information. You only need to attend one.

To attend, please complete a short registration survey. After registering, you will receive a zoom link for the session you choose.

Register for a forum session by clicking this link:

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

02/13/2026

Do you have an intellectual disability but still have dreams of college? Learn about Kentucky's programs here: https://kshep.hdiuky.org/

The deadline to apply for Fall 2026 semester is April 30, 2026. Visit the link below to apply:
https://kshep.hdiuky.org/uk-college-and-career-studies-fall-2026-application-now-open/

Increasing higher education options, access, and success for Kentucky students with intellectual & developmental disabilities

02/13/2026

The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Leadership Experience Camp.

The Summer Leadership Experience Camp helps transition-aged Office of Vocational Rehabilitation consumers prepare for pursuing post-high school education and training leading to a career. Campers explore college admissions, financial aid, and essential skills for success, all in a supportive, interactive environment.

Camp Dates: July 12-16, 2026

Online application is now open until April 30, 2026.
Find out more and apply at: TINYURL.COM/UKYSLE

Contact Teresa Belluscio with any questions.
Email: Teresa.Belluscio@uky.edu
Phone: 859-257-1714

02/12/2026

02/10/2026

So excited to announce that they have received sponsorships for tickets and can offer free tickets! Just use code BestBuddies for the Lexington or Louisville event when registering.

Louisville and Lexington Kentucky!!!! Please share - you never know who you know that would love to attend this event!

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7594307244569742622?_r=1&_t=ZP-93014FQV5yx&fbclid=IwY2xjawPSZy5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0mflzckure0Fodj5pdUbwbGtrgPMktfQwUishuAj5y-Jinh1uHiTa6WDnqc_aem_Npleoy1BdIW1Aqag_WpXYg

02/10/2026

Council Member David Allgood shares how the weather conditions have affected the daily lives for people with mobility issues.

The Center for Accessible Living is a disability rights and resource center that works with people statewide.

02/09/2026

If you have an interest in disability studies there are 3 opportunities listed below:

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND):
LEND is a one-year, interdisciplinary training program for graduate students, self-advocates with disabilities, and family members of individuals with disabilities who wish to become leaders in clinical services and advocacy for Kentuckians with disabilities. The LEND is a partnership between the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, or the University of Louisville.
• Graduate students in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, medicine, nursing, and other related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students should be enrolled at the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, or the University of Louisville.
• Self-advocates with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities are also encouraged to apply and do not have to be graduate students
• $9,000 stipend offered (contingent upon availability of federal funds)
• Learn more and apply at: LEND – Human Development Institute

Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities:
The Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities is a graduate training program that prepares students and professionals from a broad range of disciplines to provide services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Offered in partnership between the Human Development Institute and College of Education.
• Graduate students and professionals in all disciplines are eligible to apply.
• Learn more and apply at: Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities – Human Development Institute
• Program can be attended virtually, but synchronous course attendance is required
• A stipend is offered (amount to be finalized soon)

Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in Universal Design:
The Certificate in Universal Design is perfect for students interested in creating environments, products, and experiences that are accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. This program prepares students for careers in architecture, product design, occupational therapy, or roles in accessibility consulting and advocacy. Offered in partnership between the Human Development Institute and College of Design.
• The Undergraduate Certificate has historically been offered as an in-person program. Approval for an online and asynchronous program option is anticipated for Fall 2026.
• The Graduate Certificate is a new program. Approval for an online and asynchronous program option is anticipated for Fall 2026.
• Both programs are open to students from all disciplines as well as professionals.
• Stipend funding is available (amount to be finalized soon)
• Learn more and apply at: Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design | University of Kentucky

Students with questions are encouraged to contact the HDI Division Director of Training, Dr. Rachel Womack at rachel.womack@uky.edu.

01/30/2026

🚨 Exciting News for First Responders! 🚨

The Kentucky Autism Training Center is launching The Bridge: First Responders & Autism—a quarterly newsletter created specifically for YOU!

This resource will keep first responders across the Commonwealth up to date with the latest safety information, practical strategies, and evidence-based approaches for supporting autistic individuals in our communities.

Each issue of The Bridge will include:
🔴 Critical Safety Alert
🎓 Training Reminder
🟡 Yellow Dot Program Spotlight
📚 Resource Corner
✨ Request a FREE Training

We are grateful for your ongoing commitment to serving all members of our community with dignity and understanding. Your work matters, and we're honored to support you!

📬 Don't miss the first edition! We'll only produce 2-4 issues per year, so we promise we won't fill up your inbox—just valuable, actionable information when you need it.

Sign up today:
👉 tinyurl.com/KATCMAILING

Questions? Visit us at KYAUTISM.org

Together, we're building bridges of understanding and safety across Kentucky.
💙