“KY-SPIN, Inc. (Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network) is a statewide 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. The mission of KY-SPIN, Inc. is to link families and individuals with disabilities to valuable resources that will enable them to live productive, fulfilling lives.”
KY-SPIN has regional parent educators who can respond to questions in about 24 hours.
Email: spininc@kyspin.com
Phone: (502) 937-6894
Down Syndrome Louisville: Career Solutions [link]
DSL Career Solutions “takes a person-centered approach to supported employment and focuses on a person’s interests and talents and provides the necessary supports to be successfully employed on a long-term basis … Our services are provided both on and off the job site throughout an employee’s career. This program is funded through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and/or Medicaid waivers” and serves people with Down syndrome
DSL also offers classes for youth with Down syndrome who are seeking employment and individuals who are already employed and need more support.
Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky [link]
The Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky staff can answer questions about transition during business hours for families and individuals with spina bifida, and the organization also offers transitioning classes.
Email:sbak@sbak.org
Phone number (Louisville office): (502) 637-7363
Phone number (Lexington office): (859) 268-5798
A #JobCreators Family Interview – The Perez family [link]
The Perez Family discusses the powerful impact self-employment has had on their daughter Zofia.
Youth and Disability Disclosure: The Role of Families and Advocates [link]
Explores the role families and advocates play in helping youth understand the importance of appropriate disability disclosure.
Work Early, Work Often video series [link]
Highlights the importance of work and work-based experiences, particularly for young adults with disabilities.
Understanding Volunteering [link]
Describes the benefits of using volunteering as work experiences for youth with disabilities.
Helping Youth Develop Soft Skills for Job Success: Tips for Parents and Families [link]
This InfoBrief discusses the importance of soft skills and offers strategies parents and families can use to help their child develop skills for employment success.
How to Make SSI Work for You: Simply Said [link]
Youth and families can use the information they learn to plan ahead and apply for the benefits and supports they need after high school.
Website contains helpful information about the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program