State Resources

First Steps  – First Steps Early Intervention System for Kentucky

The Human Development Institute

The Human Development Institute is the University Center in Developmental Disabilities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. HDI’s mission is: To promote the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families throughout life.  We accomplish this through interdisciplinary education, research and development, information sharing and outreach, and leadership and advocacy across the state and nation. Simply put, it is or role to focus the resources of the entire university upon the difficult issues that individuals with disabilities and their families face every day.  We do this in a variety of ways – by training teachers, administrators, and related staff in our schools; by training professionals who work in community agencies serving adults with disabilities; by providing information to and advocating for families; and by collaborative research activities with academic departments at UK.  We also provide assistance to local, state, and national agencies in improving their programs and services for persons with disabilities. HDI Website:  www.hdi.uky.edu

Best Buddies

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual aor developmental disabilities (IDDs). Best Buddies Citizens matches people with IDDs in one-to-one friendships with individuals in the corporate and civic communities. Friends and family are the foundation that help human beings become successful. Without love, support, and friends, our lives would be empty – a life people with IDDs have been forced to live throughout history. Since 1993, volunteers are changing lives by simply sharing their time with a new friend. Find more information at www.bestbuddies.org or contact Best Buddies at info@bestbuddies.org

Courageous Kids

Courageous Kids is a world class medical camping facility in the rolling hills of Scottsville, Kentucky providing a cost-free, safe, and fun camping experience for seriously ill and disabled children and their families.  On Family Weekends the child with disabilities attends Camp with his or her entire family. Parents facing similar challenges immediately bond with each other. Healthy siblings of children living with serious illness know all too well how a childhood medical condition impacts the entire family.  These children will learn they are not alone. The weekend programs are designed for the entire family including parents’ night out and non-stop activity for the children. Adult only sessions with professional experts in the fields of counseling, medicine, and medical financial aid are provided.

Courageous Kids Family Camp Application

Special Olympics – 40 Years of Changing Lives

Special Olympics Kentucky is celebrating 40 Years of Changing Lives in 2010. The program was founded in 1970 and has held statewide competitions since 1972. Throughout that time, Special Olympics Kentucky has been a leading advocate for people with intellectual disabilities in the state. The program currently serves more than 6,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Kentucky and offers year-round sports training and competition in 15 sports. Special Olympics Kentucky also offers health screening opportunities and leadership training programs for athletes and early childhood development programs. Special Olympics has also had great impact on the public perception of individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Part of the Special Olympics purpose is educating people about the dignity and gifts of all people! Through sports Special Olympics fosters an environment of acceptance, tolerance and inclusion. www.soky.org or call 800-633-7403.