Hazelwood Center is an Intermediate Care Facility dedicated to providing comprehensive residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established in 1972, Hazelwood is set on 52 acres in Louisville, Kentucky, creating an expansive environment where residents can thrive. The center encompasses not only its main facility but also three distinct community Intermediate Care Facilities – Del Maria, Windsong, and Meadows – each designed to offer personalized care and a homelike setting to its residents. Since 2018, Hazelwood Center has been managed with a focus on holistic support and community integration for individuals with IDD.
The center operates with a mission centered on helping individuals develop meaningful skills, cultivate interests, and achieve personal goals for a balanced and fulfilling life. Residents at Hazelwood participate in more than eleven enrichment classes offered throughout the day, fostering personal growth, creativity, and social engagement. Beyond structured classes, residents are actively involved in a community baseball league, participate in faith-based groups, and take part in a variety of Special Olympics events, ensuring opportunities for recreation and community connection.
Hazelwood Center offers robust employment and volunteer programs, both on campus and in the broader community, enabling residents to gain valuable work experience and contribute to society in meaningful ways. The daily life of residents is designed and guided by an interdisciplinary team, ensuring that each individual's unique needs and preferences are honored and their plans are tailored for maximum engagement and progress.
Central to the center’s services is the Hazelwood Specialty Clinic, which delivers exceptionally high standards of medical, dental, and psychiatric care for people with IDD. The clinic’s team has a deep expertise in treating the unique health concerns of IDD patients and values strong lines of communication with families and caregivers. The range of services at the clinic is comprehensive, including primary care, dentistry, psychiatry, neurology, ophthalmology, audiology, and therapeutic supports such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. There is also expertise in psychology and behavior analysis, nutrition counseling, wound care, and assistance with benefits coordination, all tailored specifically for the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hazelwood Center maintains dynamic partnerships with advocacy organizations, universities, and medical specialists to ensure that its treatment approaches reflect best practices and evolving knowledge in the field. The facility frequently hosts continuing education sessions, as well as internships and practicums, supporting both community and professional development. At Hazelwood Center, every aspect of care and programming is informed by a deep commitment to nurturing the independence, dignity, and wellbeing of its residents, supporting them as they build active, rewarding lives.