An Exchange with Ashley Henderson
This week on ZEC Exchange we sat down with Behavior Analyst and Founder of the non profit, Education for the Extraordinary Inc., Ashley Henderson.
Previously a special education teacher, Ashley now works with various public school systems and helps provide training to their teachers.
In addition, Ashley works as a contractor for a company that allows her to work under the Michelle P. Waiver and see clients one-on-one for behavior support.
Ashley has extensive experience with not only the education system, but also the stresses and struggles with determining the next steps for children with learning differences.
Her non-profit, Education for the Extraordinary Inc., has the mission to “support individuals with Austism and other EXTRAordinary abilities through education so they can achieve lifelong success.”
In our conversation with her, we discussed the most common roadblocks parents face when exiting the education system, advice on how to plan for your child’s future and the importance on finding a community of people who share similar experiences for support.
We hope you find this exchange helpful.
To learn more about Ashley and Education for the Extraordinary visit:
The Michelle P. Waiver (MPW) is part of Kentucky’s 1915(c) HCBS Medicaid waiver program. MPW provides assistance to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to help them live in the community as independently as possible.
Services:
MPW offers a variety of services to support each participant’s goals and preferences. Services include but are not limited to:
- Behavioral Supports
- Day Training
- Environmental and Minor Home Adaptation
- Personal Care
- Respite
LINK: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/mpw.aspx
The Supports for Community Living (SCL) waiver is part of Kentucky’s 1915(c) HCBS Medicaid waiver program. SCL provides assistance to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability to help them live in the community as independently as possible.
Services:
SCL offers a variety of services to support each participant’s goals and preferences. Services include but are not limited to:
- Environmental Accessibility Adaptation
- Vehicle Adaptation
- Personal Assistance
- Positive Behavior Supports
- Residential Support Services
LINK:https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/scl-waiver.aspx
Vocational Rehab
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence.
LINK: KY Office of Voc Rehab
Supplemental Security Income
If you qualify for SSI, you get monthly payments to help you pay for your basic needs.
LINK: SSI Basics
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that gives monthly payments to people who have worked, paid Social Security taxes, and now have disabilities that limit their ability to work.
LINK: SSDI Basics
ABLE Accounts
A tax-free ABLE account lets people with disabilities save some money without affecting their benefits.
LINK: ABLE Account Basics
ZEC’s Transition Programs focus on collaborating with schools and families to provide a set of activities, services, and individual goals that assist students transitioning from high school to adulthood. Our programs address student’s individual needs and interests to develop skills for employment, independent living, and social communication.
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