About Us
The mission of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center is that persons will achieve sustainable competitive integrated employment, maximize independence, and yet gain self-respect through the provision of comprehensive services.
Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center
5659 Main Street
Thelma KY, 41260
606-788-7080 - Phone
606-788-7076 - Fax
1-800-443-2187 Toll Free (Only in KY)
1-866-761-0818 - Deaf Services (Video Phone)
The Perkins Center is a division of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the vast majority of our consumers are referred by OVR Counselors located in several cities and towns across the Commonwealth. The Perkins Center has been in operation since 1973. One of the main reasons for the creation of the Perkins Center was to enable Kentuckians with disabilities to obtain all the services they would need to become employed in one location.
The Perkins Center serves individuals with many types of disabilities that include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, traumatic brain injury, intellectual disability, deaf/hard of hearing, and physical disabilities. The Center currently operates several programs and services that enable consumers to achieve their vocational goals. Our website will give an excellent overview of our many programs and services.
Consumers may live on our campus in dormitory housing or can commute to the Perkins Center each day they are scheduled for classes and/or therapy. An Assisted Living Unit staffed by our nurses is available for persons with physical disabilities who need help with activities of daily living in order to participate in their programs. Transportation services are available for consumers who do not have an available means to come to the Perkins Center to begin their program or to return home at the end of their program.
The Perkins Center's Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF is a private, non-profit organization that promotes quality rehabilitation services through a consultative accreditation process.
Additional Resources
Important Information
Changes in Dormitory Housing Beginning in July 2014
Beginning July 2014, the fifth floor of the dormitory at the Perkins Center will be designated for female consumers while male consumers will continue to be housed on the second floor through fourth floor of the dormitory. The fifth floor of the dormitory has traditionally housed male students. This change is being made to make more dormitory rooms available for female consumers. The availability of these dormitory rooms will greatly reduce the length of time needed for female consumers to be able to enroll at the Perkins Center.
Video cameras will be used to monitor persons entering or leaving the fifth floor. A designated elevator will be programmed to stop only at the dorm lobby and fifth floor. It is a violation of the facility's Behavior Intervention Supports and Techniques program for consumers to be on dormitory floors or in rooms designated for consumers of the other gender.
Important Notice in Regards to Tobacco Usage at the Carl D. Perkins Center
No tobacco products and e-cigarettes in state owned and leased buildings, vehicles, and most state property. As of November 20, 2014 all consumers, staff members, and visitors will not be allowed to use tobacco products in the main/auxiliary buildings, on campus grounds (including parking lots), or while riding in Center vehicles. Smoking cessation is highly encouraged and supported. A new website,
Tobacco Free Kentucky has been created to support the initiative. The website offers answers to frequently asked questions and provides resources for quitting.
Records Retention Policies
Consumer case files maintained by the Perkins Center are subject to the Records Retention Schedule established for the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and incorporated into operational procedures of the Perkins Center.