Special Programs for Special Learners

At Bluegrass Education, we want to provide as much information as we can to assist parents. Take a look at these great resources for differently-abled students in Kentucky. If you know of other useful web sites, programs, or services, please let us know! We want to pass along the information to others!

I have a resource to share!

Diagnostic Services and Opportunities

• The Curious Edge -- diagnosis, tutoring, college prep, professional development, and more

• The Curious Edge Reading Room-- dyslexia and language processing testing and intervention

• Lexington Hearing & Speech Center-- speech, hearing and autism services

• LexKage-- resource for families with gifted students
• Stratton Eyes--diagnosis and therapy for eye problems that can affect reading.  This is a great place to start in your diagnostic testing so that your child isn't misdiagnosed with other learning disorders.
  

• Western KY University Center for Gifted Studies

In the School System
Public School Help

• B.E. Bloggers Feature Post "Special Education from Both Sides of the Table" by Rebecca Haake
  

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—mandates that students with special needs receive the support required in the public system

• Individualized Education Plan
• Gifted & Unique Programs in Fayette County
• Kentucky Department of Education – Division of Exceptional Children Services

Private Schools (more information about these schools can be found by visiting their web sites or by visiting our private school page.

• Child Development Centers of the Bluegrass

• The Kidz Club

• KORE Academy

• The Lexington School's The Learning Center

• The Sharon School

• Stewart Home School

Help for College Age Students

• SHEP—Supported Higher Education project at the University of Kentucky's Human Development Institute—supports students between the ages of 18 to 26 with disabilities, allows them to attend college when otherwise they might not, assigns mentors

• Higher Education Opportunities Act-- allows students with disabilities to receive financial aid for college

• Think College web site

Advocacy & Financial Help

• Children’s Law Center of Kentucky, Inc.

• CCDD Leadership Development Fund--This program is designed to assist those with disabilities as well as their family members and guardians. You can apply for financial assistance to attend conferences, educational programs, or advocacy.

• Kentucky Client Assistance Program (CAP)

• Kentucky Commission on Human Rights

• Kentucky Protection and Advocacy

• Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center

Local extracurricular activities

• Central Kentucky Riding for Hope

• Legacy Gymnastics, Carousel Kidz, one-on-one gymnastics and dance lessons, small group lessons, aid/assistance program. For more information contact legacycarouselkidz@gmail.com
• Good Acres Sanctuaries, a nonprofit organization that welcomes children with various challenges for visits. Good Acres is a farm animal sanctuary where some of the animals are handicapped themselves but are thriving. These animals can be of inspiration to anyone with a physical or mental ailment. Children with special needs and their families are welcome to visit the farm for free. 

Other Helpful Organizations and Links

• Autism Society of the Bluegrass, 859-299-9000
• First Steps: Kentucky’s Early Intervention System (KEIS)
• Kentucky Parent Information Resource Center

• Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc. located in Frankfort, KY, connects families with families, educates families on partnering, leadership, teamwork, advocacy

• Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN)

• www.uniquelygifted.com, a web site full of valuable information about unique giftedness and special needs. 
• ​​Teacher Resources for Special Needs
• Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child can Thrive
• Legal Resources for Special Needs
• Disability Resources from the Department of Labor
• Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
• Disability and Credit Scores
• Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home​

For another great list of Kentucky resources, please visit the Kidz Club Resource page.

This list is not comprehensive, but we would LOVE to add to the resources listed here.  If you have something to contribute, please let us know!