The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute in partnership with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) presents the Summer Leadership Experience Camp. The camp takes place annually and is offered in-person and virtually. Kentucky rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities are welcome to apply. Camp takes place on the University of Kentucky campus and includes a four-night stay in a campus residence hall, skill building sessions on subjects including self-advocacy and self-reliance, and interactive sessions about continuing education and career planning. Informational sessions inform students about resources that are available to help them take steps to reach their educational and career goals with confidence and success. To be approved (in-person and virtual), applicants and their families complete an online application and work with the Camp Director and OVR. Check back for registration information for Summer 2027.
For more information, call 859-257-1714 or email Teresa Belluscio at Teresa.Belluscio@uky.edu.
Read more about the Summer Leadership Experience Camp
Rebecca Miller
Life after graduation can be an uncertain time for many high school students, with added barriers for students with disabilities. The University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute’s Summer Leadership Experience (SLE) Camp helps students with disabilities learn about resources for higher education and career planning, work on skill building, and develop community to relieve some of this stress and help students feel more confident in what comes next.
This year, students had the opportunity to learn about higher education options with presentations by representatives from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, UK Undergraduate Admissions, and Eastern Kentucky University. In addition, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority presented about how to use Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) funds to help pay for higher education. Career resources were also presented with a session by Job Corp, along with opportunities to learn about other career paths such as Esports, gaming, and entrepreneurship.
Another highlight of SLE camp is skill building. This year, there was a continued emphasis on learning essential skills, identifying strengths, and self-advocacy. Additionally, campers attended sessions focusing on anger management, cooking, and etiquette which culminated in a banquet to demonstrate some of these newly learned skills.
In addition to learning about all of these essential resources and skills, no camp is complete without some fun. Campers enjoyed a night out at Main Event as well as a magic show with annual favorite Cody Clark. In addition, this year’s camp was highlighted for many with a screening of 23 Blast (2013) which is based on the life of Travis Freeman, a Kentucky high school football player who returned to playing football after losing his sight. After viewing the film, campers were able to attend a presentation by Travis himself, a UK grad, to wrap up the week.
Through this combination of practical learning and memorable experiences, SLE Camp helped students gain confidence as they prepare for life after high school. The week served as a reminder that with the right supports, resources, and encouragement, students with disabilities can explore their goals, build independence, and take meaningful steps toward their futures.