Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities

05/27/2026

Congratulations to the Kentucky Partners in Policymaking class of 2026. Shelly Ball, Lianne Guttadauro, Dawn Overton, Vanessa Johnson, Jessica Frye and Davita Gatewood.

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

This project is funded by a grant from CCDD!

Hi friends of the Seekers far and wide!

Next weekend is our second annual Unconference! We’ve titled this years edition: Uninterrupted: Body Autonomy and Privacy!

Please share with your networks! Registration is open now, and the Unconference is free and open to the public. We are asking people to register just so we know how many people to plan for and what accommodations may be needed.

Register at https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/UUCLbNVMjSrez1Q3EAs29w?t=1776197818

Looking forward to seeing y’all there! Keep on being awesome!

- The team at ISP

05/21/2026

Understanding Business Needs Around Disability & Employment

Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States has a disability, yet people with disabilities continue to be far less likely to be employed than those without disabilities. Research consistently shows that many people with disabilities want to work and contribute their skills and talents, but are often an under-utilized part of the talent pipeline.

To better support businesses and strengthen workforce participation, the Training Innovation Project (TIP) is inviting businesses to complete a brief anonymous survey about disability and employment. This input will help us better understand what information, resources, and training are most wanted and needed.

If you are a business, please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below and share it with businesses near and far! The survey will be available until June 30, 2026
National Business Survey 2026: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9HzLRrSMfyDlxs2

Questions or comments? Contact: [email protected]

Kathy Sheppard-Jones, PhD, CRC
Director, Training Innovation Project
Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky

If you would like to be connected to your state vocational rehabilitation agency to support hiring or retaining talent, email [email protected]. To join our email list and receive information about upcoming trainings and resources that can help your business, select this link. https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ekRN9pGtRCn7pFc

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05/18/2026

Proven Practices For Confronting DSP Workforce Issues
5/20/26, 12:30pm – 1:30pm ET/11:30 am - 12:30 pm CT
Register Here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q_M2XNJlQlmLNLQPZVDEBA

DSP Workforce - We all know the issues impacting the direct support professional (DSP) workforce. Recruitment challenges, low retention, high turnover, insufficient wages, a lack of professional development opportunities – the list goes on. So we’re aware of the problems, but what about the solutions? Where do you start? How do you know they’ll have the desired impact? In this presentation, we’re sharing more than a dozen innovative programs that organizations across the country have put in place to confront DSP workforce issues. From introducing creative recruitment strategies, to improving employee retention, and expanding recognition efforts throughout the year, you’ll leave this session with action steps that can produce results. We’ll also present data that demonstrates how investing in your DSPs can improve quality of life for people with disabilities who receive your services

This free webinar is being sponsored by Kentucky DDID. We all know the issues impacting the direct support professional (DSP) workforce. Recruitment challenges, low retention, high turnover, insufficient wages, a lack of professional development opportunities – the list goes on. So we’re aware o...

05/16/2026

The Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services is looking for an individual to join the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC). This person will fill an open position with a term ending June 30, 2028. This position is designated for an individual who is part of a consumer advocacy organization and can represent the interests of elderly Medicaid members. MAC members share the experiences and needs of those who rely on Medicaid, offer suggestions to improve services and better support members, and attend meetings and participate in discussions with the Department.

Applications are open through June 14, 2026.

Apply online: https://buff.ly/Sp9nmds

If you have questions or need help completing or submitting your application, please call 502-564-2155 or email [email protected].