In a world where opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can be limited, the KEY Academy unlocks a pathway that allows everyone to achieve their dreams. Founded by Path Forward of Kentucky, the academy offers a transformative two-year program designed to equip students with essential vocational and life skills and provide opportunities for community engagement. Through a personalized approach, the KEY Academy fosters self-advocacy, positivity, and job exploration, which enables graduates to achieve their independence.
“We identified a significant gap in services for individuals with IDD transitioning from high school to further education or employment. Our goal has always been to bridge that gap by helping participants build confidence and independence. This vision was the foundation for creating the KEY Academy. When the program first launched, we focused on young adults coming out of high school. However, we quickly realized there was also strong interest from older individuals who had not previously had opportunities to build independence or move forward in their lives,” said Brittany Knoth, executive director of Path Forward of Kentucky.
Crystal Smith has been working with the program since 2023 as the program coordinator. Recently, she challenged students to choose a recipe and cook their own meals. Though some were just beginning to learn the necessary skills to make this possible, each one did so, and Smith couldn’t be more thrilled with their progress.
“We have a classroom setting and utilize lesson plans,” said Smith. “We also take field trips. Some are for community involvement, and some are specifically for the students’ interests in potential careers, or so they can practice independent living skills. We go to the University of Kentucky Extension Office in Bowling Green to use their commercial kitchens. For some students, this might be the first time they have ever attempted cooking their own food. When we focus on housekeeping skills, we go to ‘The Hive’ and clean a ‘real living room’ and sort laundry in their laundry room!”
The students aren’t the only ones following their dreams. Smith leads this hands-on learning approach, having begun creating all of the lesson plans after completing the necessary waivers and the training required by the state. She graduated from the SkyTeach program at Western Kentucky University in 2012, holds a degree in education, and earned two majors in science. Students are in capable hands, with Smith leading them.
“We provide a service that no other adult day training center offers, and this makes us unique,” said Smith. “We train high school graduates on how to live independently and how to gain and maintain employment. Our students range from 20 to 46, but they aren’t ready for a traditional vocational training program. All of our classes are hands-on. We have a lot of project-based learning to bridge the gap between where they currently are and where they need to be.”
Smith continued, “Our leadership team has over 75 combined years of experience working with people with disabilities in a professional and/or personal capacity. The ‘PFK way’ is built on core values of compassion, education, honesty, integrity, respect, commitment, and rock-solid teamwork. Since people with disabilities are severely under-represented in the workforce, our students go through five main units of study, so they are much better equipped to go out into the world and become productive members of their community. They also learn coping skills and communication skills, which help them in every aspect of their lives.”
When the program first began, a goal was set to gain nine students by the end of the first year. Currently, Smith has 10 students, with two more on the waiting list.
“I would love to see programs like this throughout the state,” said Smith. “People with disabilities are marginalized all over the world, and they shouldn’t be. They can learn as well as anyone else, and they have dreams that they should be given the tools to pursue. Many don’t want to just sit around doing nothing. They want to be out and about. They want to work. They want to help their families. There is no reason why this can’t be a reality.” The skills, confidence, and opportunities gained through the KEY Academy not only transform the lives of the students but also enrich our community as a whole. We invite you to support the KEY Academy in its mission to unlock the potential of every individual. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word, your involvement makes a significant difference in the lives of these remarkable adults.
