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!
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.
In the School System
Public School Help
Private Schools (more information about these schools can be found by visiting their web sites or by visiting our private school page.
Public School Help
- B.E. Bloggers Feature Post "Special Education from Both Sides of the Table" by Rebecca Haake
- Individualized Education Plan
- Gifted & Unique Programs in Fayette County
Private Schools (more information about these schools can be found by visiting their web sites or by visiting our private school page.
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
Advocacy & Financial Help
- 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.
Local extracurricular activities
- Allegro Dance Project, offering weekly Adaptive Dance and Adaptive Ballet classes for children and youth with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other specific needs
- Central Kentucky Riding for Hope
- 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
- 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!