A Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) tool to find public schools and school districts, addresses, contact information, principals, and school locations. Includes Kentucky School Report Cards, school performance data, and historical education data.

A searchable directory of autism service providers and resources across Kentucky for Autistic people, families, caregivers, and professionals. Find local and statewide services including medical and therapy providers, speech and language services, assistive technology, education and school supports, support groups, and other autism and disability services.

Kentucky OVR helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Find information about eligibility and applying for services, supported employment, job placement, assistive technology, transition services for students, career training, and other employment supports.

A Kentucky Department of Education directory of statewide organizations that support students with disabilities, families, and schools. Links include autism training, parent support, special education resources, behavior and academic supports, transition and employment services, interpreters, and inclusive education programs.

A Kentucky Department of Education tool for families, students, educators, and professionals to look up public schools and school districts, contact information, principals, school locations, and other school details. It also provides Kentucky School Report Card and historical education data for comparing or learning more about schools, districts, and statewide education.

Kentucky’s statewide early intervention program, formerly called First Steps, for families with children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays, disabilities, or conditions that may affect development. Families can use the site to learn about eligibility, request or make a referral, find their local Point of Entry office, understand evaluations and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and learn about early intervention services such as speech, occupational, physical, and developmental supports.

An online training library for direct support professionals and others who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Courses and videos cover autism, communication, person-centered support, behavior, supported employment, health and medical needs, abuse prevention, consent, sexuality and relationships, self-determination, and other practical support topics; some modules are designed for support staff and people with disabilities to complete together. Access is membership-based.

A sexual health and relationships resource hub from Oregon Health & Science University for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, caregivers, educators, and professionals. Resources cover sexual and reproductive rights, puberty, consent, healthy relationships, sexuality, self-advocacy, accessible sex education, and supporting people with disabilities in making informed choices; some professional trainings also offer continuing education credit.

A national collection from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals. Resources cover dating, healthy relationships, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, sexual self-advocacy, and preventing and responding to sexual assault, with materials created for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The official U.S. Department of Justice website for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Autistic people, families, employers, professionals, and others can use it to learn about disability rights, discrimination, reasonable accommodations, accessible communication, service animals, employment, state and local government services, businesses and public places, and how to file a disability rights complaint.

The official U.S. Department of Education website for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Families, students, educators, and professionals can find information about special education rights, IEPs, evaluations, early intervention, related services, free appropriate public education (FAPE), procedural safeguards, dispute resolution, and how parents can participate in educational decisions.

Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers (ISAW), a project of the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute, provides free autism and employment resources for Autistic workers, employers, employment specialists, and other professionals. The site includes information about interviewing, workplace communication, sensory and executive functioning needs, masking, accommodations, supported employment, hiring, supervision, and retaining Autistic employees, as well as free employer training and consultation.

A neurodiversity-affirming resource for Autistic people, families, educators, and professionals explaining masking, also called camouflaging, why Autistic people may hide or suppress autistic traits and support needs, and how masking can affect mental health, energy, identity, self-esteem, diagnosis, and access to support. It also explains ways to reduce the pressure to mask and create more accepting environments.

Kentucky Department of Education resources for students with disabilities, families, and educators looking for assistive technology and accessible learning materials. The page includes information about accessible digital textbooks, audiobooks, braille and large-print materials, Bookshare, the Kentucky Talking Book Library, and other tools that can help students access reading and schoolwork.

A Kentucky program that helps people with disabilities and their parents or guardians finance assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Loans may be used for AAC and communication devices, hearing aids, computers and tablets, wheelchairs and mobility equipment, modified vehicles, ramps, stair lifts, home modifications, and other technology that supports independence.

Free and low-cost online courses from the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI) about communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Courses cover AAC use across ages, communication access, core vocabulary, simplified signs, classroom supports, and strategies for families, educators, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals.

An Autistic-led, neurodiversity-affirming resource about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for people who use or may benefit from AAC, as well as families, educators, and professionals. Includes information about AAC access, robust communication systems, aided language modeling, presuming competence, communication rights, and links to AAC training and professional development.

A statewide Kentucky resource for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and professionals looking for assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME). KATS can help people find, try, borrow, or obtain equipment for communication/AAC, mobility, computer access, learning, hearing, vision, daily living, work, school, and other needs, including refurbished equipment available at low or no cost through Project CARAT.

Employment planning checklists from the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI) for children and youth with disabilities and their families. Checklists for ages 3–18 help families build skills and plan early for future employment, jobs, and transition to adulthood, with additional tools for creating an employment vision statement.

A Lexington-based provider offering music therapy, equine-assisted music therapy, art therapy, mental health counseling, adaptive music lessons, camps, a homeschool co-op, and inclusive community activities for children and adults with and without disabilities. Services may help with communication, emotional regulation, mental health, motor skills, IEP/504 goals, self-expression, and social connection; some scholarships and insurance options are available.

Trailhouse is a neurodiversity-affirming therapy and community center in Louisville offering speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health support, early intervention, AAC evaluations and communication support, parent coaching, PDA support, and social and special-interest groups. Trailhouse also provides neurodiversity and regulation training for schools, educators, workplaces, and community organizations.

A national resource for Autistic people, families, caregivers, and professionals looking for information about autism, diagnosis, education and IEPs, communication, health care, mental health, employment, housing, safety, legal rights, financial planning, transition to adulthood, and local support services. The site also includes a national helpline, local Autism Society affiliates, and Autism Source™, a searchable directory of services and supports.

A Kentucky resource for people with developmental disabilities and their families who are looking for self-advocacy and leadership opportunities, disability policy and legislative updates, information about rights and services, funded disability projects, and ways to participate in advocacy and systems change.

Kentucky’s Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DDID) provides information and connections to services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Medicaid waivers, community supports, crisis services, employment supports, health and wellness resources, and help finding or applying for services.

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) provides information, training, and support for families of children and youth with disabilities, including special education, IEPs, early intervention, transition to adulthood, health care, disability rights, advocacy, and caregiver support. Many services and programs are Massachusetts-specific, but the website also includes general disability and special education resources.

The Developmental Pediatrics Clinic at Golisano Children’s at UK provides evaluations and treatment recommendations for children with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, global developmental delay, and other neurodevelopmental concerns. A referral from the child’s primary care provider is required.

Use the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) Provider Directory to find behavioral health, mental health, substance use, intellectual disability, and developmental disability service providers across Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) provides specialty medical care, therapy, care coordination, hearing services, equipment, and financial assistance for eligible children and youth under age 21 with special health care needs. To find autism diagnostic and medical clinic contacts: scroll down the page to Clinical Programs, expand the drop-down, then select Autism.

Learn how to apply for Kentucky Medicaid online through kynect, by phone, or in person at a Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. The page also explains Medicaid eligibility, required income and household information, renewals, and where to get help with an application.

A tool created by kynect, Kentucky’s online benefits and services portal, to find a local Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office for help with Medicaid, SNAP, KTAP, child care assistance, public benefits, and family support services.

Kentucky Medicaid’s Division of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) oversees programs for Kentuckians who need ongoing support due to their age, a medical condition, or a disability. This webpage provides information on Medicaid waivers, home- and community-based services, nursing and in-home supports, and other programs for adults who need support.

Kentucky Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Special Services program provides medically necessary health care for Medicaid members under age 21 even when the service is not otherwise covered under Kentucky’s standard state plan. This includes physical health services, behavioral health services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, AAC/speech-generating devices, care coordination, dental, nursing facilities, psychiatric care, medical equipment, and other developmental or specialty services.

The University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI) YouTube channel offers videos and playlists on disability, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, health, community living, and services and supports for people with disabilities and their families.

Kentucky Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) provides information about disability benefits, SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, employment, work incentives, benefits planning, and how working may affect public benefits. The site also includes tools and Kentucky-specific resources for people with disabilities who are working or considering employment.

These programs cover services for individuals who are aged or have a disability and require long-term support to remain living at home or in the community. These include Michelle P. Waiver, Support for Community Living (SCL), Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW), Community Health for Improved Lives and Development (CHILD) Waiver, and others based on age and support needs.

A research and education resource for people with sensory processing differences, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals. Includes information about sensory processing, regulation, treatment, finding trained providers, research, and practical supports across the lifespan; professional courses are available with AOTA continuing education credit

University of Minnesota resource that provides accessible information, stories, videos, and research to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn self-advocacy and speak up for themselves. 

An autism information and resource site featuring perspectives from Autistic people, parents, researchers, and professionals. Covers Autism diagnosis and screening, communication and AAC, parenting, education, employment, mental and physical health, safety, relationships, self-advocacy, high support needs, and identifying autism misinformation.

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) “Inclusive Language Guide incorporates the constructive input and collaborative feedback we received from individuals within and beyond the Association and the field of psychology.”

A UK-based autism organization with extensive information for Autistic people, families, caregivers, educators, employers, and professionals on autism, diagnosis, communication, sensory differences, masking, mental health, relationships, education, transition, and employment. Its general autism information and online peer community can be useful to Kentuckians, but UK-specific laws, services, and school guidance do not apply in Kentucky.

A UK-based autism organization with practical information and toolkits for Autistic children and young people, families, educators, employers, and professionals on diagnosis, mental health, education, transition, employment, workplace support, and self-advocacy. Many general resources can be useful to Kentuckians, but UK-specific laws, services, schools, and employment programs do not apply in Kentucky.

An Autistic-led Australian organization with neurodiversity-affirming resources for Autistic people, families, educators, employers, and professionals. Covers autistic identity, masking, communication, sensory differences, diagnosis, parenting, education, mental health, relationships, and employment; general resources are useful to Kentuckians, but Australia-specific systems and services may not apply.

The Commonwealth’s space for you to connect with Kentucky benefits and assistance with things like food, child care, housing, healthcare, and more.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). guidance on applying for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. Explains what information applicants need, where to get application help, and provides forms and renewal resources.

A national nonprofit that connects families of children with disabilities or special health care needs with trained peer-support parents and resources so no parent feels alone.

Arc’s Kentucky page states that there is no statewide chapter but lists five local chapters that provide information and assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families

Protects and promotes the rights of Kentuckians with disabilities through information, education, referrals, training, and legal advocacy. 

A statewide Kentucky resource for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, youth, and professionals looking for help with special education, IEPs, 504 Plans, advocacy, transition, benefits, and disability services. KY-SPIN also offers one-on-one support, useful publications and videos, and dedicated resources for military families.

Kentucky council focused on advocacy, systems change, and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Offers self-advocacy resources, public policy information, funded projects, training opportunities, and a directory of disability-related resources across Kentucky.

Information, resources, research, and community support for people with disorders of the corpus callosum (DCC), their families, and professionals. Includes guidance across life stages, educational and therapy resources, support groups, events, and research opportunities.

A free, self-paced online training from Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers (ISAW) at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute (HDI). Provides employers and employment professionals with strategies for hiring, supervising, accommodating, supporting, and retaining Autistic employees.

National hub with information for families of children and young adults with disabilities, including special education rights, IEPs, early intervention, transition, health care, and links to local Parent Centers.

Autistic-led organization providing advocacy, community support, and resources for Autistic women, girls, nonbinary people, and others of marginalized genders, as well as families and allies.

Kentucky & Indiana sector of Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN): Nonprofit, Autistic-led disability rights organization. KASA meetings and other supports are announced on this Facebook page.

Nonprofit, Autistic-led disability rights organization offering self-advocacy guides, plain-language resources, policy information, and tools on education, employment, health care, community living, and disability rights.

A play-based early intervention approach that helps young Autistic children build communication, social, learning, and everyday skills through natural interactions with caregivers and professionals.

Free online modules from the University of North Carolina for families, educators, and professionals on evidence-based autism supports, including AAC, visual supports, social communication, self-management, parent-implemented interventions, and behavior support. Modules include videos, step-by-step guides, implementation checklists, and downloadable tools.

Free guides, visual supports, videos, training, and practical tools for families and professionals supporting young children with social-emotional, developmental, and challenging behavior needs. Resources cover emotional regulation, routines, communication, positive behavior support, early intervention, inclusion, and classroom strategies.

Library of free videos on autistic communication, safety, school supports, behavior, and other topics from early childhood and school-age supports to transition and employment. For caregivers, educators, and professionals.

Free printable tools from the Hussman Institute for Autism to help first responders support Autistic people during emergencies. Includes communication boards, visual supports, interaction tips, and suggestions for sensory items such as headphones, sunglasses, and fidgets.

Kentucky-focused autism resources for Autistic people, families, and caregivers covering diagnosis, providers, safety and wandering, sensory and communication needs, school and 504 supports, Medicaid waivers, Social Security, transition to adulthood, employment, driving, and caregiver support.

Free autism resources from Vanderbilt University Medical Center for Autistic people, families, and caregivers, including online trainings, printable guides, communication and behavior supports, mental health, puberty and sexuality, school transition, and planning for adulthood. Some direct services are Tennessee-specific, but many educational resources can be used anywhere.

A U.S. nonprofit led by people with speech-related disabilities that provides resources on AAC, communication access, communication rights, respectful language, and supporting people who cannot rely on speech alone to be understood. It is especially useful for Autistic people, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals learning about nonspeaking communication, presuming competence, autonomy, and access to effective communication.

Free printable learning tools, books, videos, games, and activities about autistic communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction for families, educators, mental health professionals, and speech-language professionals.

Articles, activities, and games for parents and educators to help children ages 4–8 learn about emotions, emotional regulation, coping skills, problem-solving, relationships, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Resources include support for children with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.

An Australian, evidence-based resource for families with practical information about autism, development, diagnosis, communication and AAC, sensory needs, mental and physical health, school, relationships, sexuality, daily living skills, and preparing teens for employment. General information is useful to Kentucky families, but Australian services, benefits, and legal guidance do not apply in Kentucky.

Free developmental milestone handouts from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for families and professionals covering speech, language, hearing, feeding, and swallowing from birth through age 5. The guides can help families know what to expect and when to consider contacting an audiologist or speech-language pathologist; they are not diagnostic or screening tools.

A national resource for parents, caregivers, and professionals with practical information about babies and young children, including developmental milestones, communication, behavior, mental health, trauma, early learning, developmental screening, and early intervention. The site includes articles, checklists, activities, videos, and professional training, with IACET continuing education credits available for some learning events.

Research-based resources from the Florida State University Autism Institute for families and professionals to learn about early social communication, language development, developmental milestones, and early signs of autism or communication delays. Includes free growth charts, the 16 by 16 series, screening tools, and guidance on next steps when concerns arise.

Free resources for families and professionals to track children’s developmental milestones and learn about motor, sensory, communication, feeding, social-emotional, and executive functioning development, including what to do if a delay is suspected. The site also offers activities, videos, checklists, and some healthcare-professional courses with continuing education credit.

Developmental and social-emotional screening tools for children from about 1 month through age 6. Families and professionals can learn about ASQ-3 for communication, motor, problem-solving, and other developmental skills and ASQ:SE-2 for social-emotional development, including when further assessment or support may be needed. Screening does not provide a diagnosis.

Free Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources for families and professionals to track developmental milestones from birth through age 5, recognize possible developmental delays or disabilities, and know what to do when there are concerns. Includes milestone checklists, the Milestone Tracker app, developmental screening information, early intervention guidance, photos and videos, and resources for early childhood educators and healthcare providers.

The official site for the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F), a parent-report autism screening tool for young children. Parents and professionals can access the questionnaire, scoring and follow-up instructions, translations, and guidance about what to do when screening raises concerns; the tool screens for likelihood of autism and does not provide a diagnosis.