Finding disability resources in Kentucky can feel overwhelming at first. The system involves multiple state agencies, Medicaid waiver programs, community organizations, and nonprofit providers that all work together to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
This guide breaks down the major real-world resources available in Kentucky as accepted by Cedar Lake, how to access them, and where families can turn for help. Cedar Lake is a trusted provider offering residential services, day programs, employment support, and community engagement opportunities.
Start Here: Kentucky’s Main Disability Service System
Most disability services in Kentucky are coordinated through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and its divisions, including:
- Department for Medicaid Services (DMS)
- Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DDID)
- Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
These agencies oversee eligibility, Medicaid, and waiver programs that fund services across the state.
Kentucky Medicaid Waiver Programs
Medicaid waivers are the primary way individuals with disabilities receive long-term support in Kentucky. These programs fund services that help individuals live in the community instead of institutional settings. There are seven Kentucky Medicaid Waivers – Acquired Brain Injury Waiver, Acquired Brain Injury Waiver Long Term Care, Community Health for Improved Lives and Development (CHILD) Waiver, Home and Community Based Waiver, Michelle P. Waiver, Model Waiver II, Supports for Community Living Waiver.
For this article, we will focus on the SCL Waive, Michelle P. Waiver, and Home and Community Based Services Waiver.
- Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver
The SCL Waiver is Kentucky’s primary program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need significant ongoing support.
Services may include:
- Residential support services
- Personal assistance
- Day training
- Behavioral supports
- Transportation assistance
- Community access services
- Employment supports
- Respite care
- Shared living
- Specialized medical equipment and supplies
- Psychological services
Key facts:
- Requires Medicaid eligibility
- Requires meeting “ICF/IID level of care”
- Has a statewide waiting list
- Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)
The Michelle P. Waiver supports individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who can live at home or in the community with assistance.
Services may include:
- Personal care
- Homemaker services
- Respite care
- Day training
- Community living supports
- Behavioral supports
- Supported employment
- Environmental modifications
- Financial management services
- Theapeutic services
Key facts:
- Designed for individuals who do not require full residential services
- Also has a waiting list
- Often used for individuals living with family caregivers
- Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver
The HCB Waiver primarily serves older adults and individuals with physical disabilities.
Services may include:
- Personal care assistance
- Attendant care services
- Home-delivered meals
- Respite (specialized and non-specialized)
- Case managemen
There are four additional Medicaid waiver services available by the State of Kentucky that are not accepted at Cedar Lake. Learn more.
How to Apply for Kentucky Waiver Services
Most waiver applications follow this process:
Step 1: Apply for Medicaid
You must first qualify for Medicaid through:
- KYNECT portal: https://kynect.ky.gov
- DCBS office or phone: (855) 306-8959
Step 2: Submit Waiver Application
Applications can be completed through:
- KYNECT
- Community Mental Health Center
- Aging and Disability Resource Center
Step 3: Level of Care Assessment
A clinical assessment determines whether the individual meets eligibility requirements.
Step 4: Placement on Waiting List
Most waivers in Kentucky currently have waiting lists, and placement depends on urgency and date of application.
Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)
CMHCs are often the first real human contact point for families navigating disability services.
They help with:
- Waiver applications
- Case management
- Behavioral health services
- Crisis supports
- Eligibility documentation
To find your local CMHC:
- https://dbhdid.ky.gov (Kentucky DBHDID provider listings)
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
ADRCs help families understand options and complete applications for services.
They provide:
- Navigation support
- Benefits counseling
- Waiver application assistance
- Referrals to providers
Find location support:
Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
DCBS handles Medicaid eligibility and financial qualification.
They assist with:
- Medicaid applications
- Eligibility redetermination
- Benefit questions
Contact:
- Phone: (855) 306-8959
- Website: https://kynect.ky.gov
Supported Employment Resources in Kentucky
Employment services help individuals with disabilities find and maintain jobs.
Key services include:
- Job coaching
- Workplace accommodations
- Resume and interview support
- Long-term job retention support
Often funded through:
- SCL Waiver
- Michelle P. Waiver
- Vocational Rehabilitation (Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation)
- Acquired Brain Injury Waiver
- Acquired Brain Injury Long Term Care Waiver
Vocational Rehabilitation (KY OVR)
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) supports individuals with disabilities seeking employment.
Services include:
- Career counseling
- Job training
- Assistive technology
- Placement services
Website:
Residential and Community Living Options in Kentucky
Residential supports vary based on level of need:
Common Options:
- Supported living (independent apartments with support)
- Staffed residential homes
- Family Home Provider programs
- Specialized care homes (ICF/IID-level care)
- Community integration housing supports
- Group homes
These services are often funded through SCL Waiver programs and provider agencies.
Day and Community Programs
Day programs provide structured daytime support and community engagement.
Services may include:
- Life skills training
- Social activities
- Arts and recreation
- Volunteer work
- Community outings
These programs are often funded through:
- Michelle P Waiver
- SCL Waiver
- Private pay or provider-supported programming
- Other Medicaid waivers not accepted at Cedar Lake
How Cedar Lake Supports Individuals in Kentucky
For more than 50 years, Cedar Lake has been a leading provider of services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Kentucky.
Cedar Lake services include:
Residential Services
- Supported living
- Staffed residential homes (Ratio 1:3)
- Family Home Provider program (Ratio up to 1:3)
- Specialized care environments
- Group homes (Ratio 1:6 at Cedar Lake, Kentucky regulation is 1:8)
Cedar Lake Enrichment Center
A community-based program focused on:
- Social engagement
- Life skills development
- Volunteer opportunities
- Creative and recreational activities
- Community inclusion experiences
Community Living Supports
Providing individualized support that helps people:
- Build independence
- Participate in community life
- Develop daily living skills
Cedar Lake works alongside Kentucky’s waiver system to help individuals turn services into meaningful daily life experiences.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Kentucky’s disability service system is complex, but it is built around real supports that can significantly improve quality of life.
The most important entry points are:
- Medicaid (KYNECT / DCBS)
- Waiver programs (SCL, Michelle P, HCB)
- CMHCs and ADRCs for navigation support
- Providers like Cedar Lake for services and long-term support
With the right combination of state programs and provider support, individuals with disabilities in Kentucky can access housing, employment, community participation, and lifelong care planning.
Cedar Lake and other providers help translate these systems into real-world support, helping individuals live with dignity, independence, and connection.
