So you’re interested in pediatric OT?
Rhodes College in Memphis could be worth considering, given their close relationship with St. Jude’s Hospital for shadowing and research opportunities. They also have an educational studies major, with a certificate-track option that includes student teaching, and a non-certificate track that does not. Also a minor. They don’t have a specific special ed degree, but career-wise, you’re not going to do both special ed and OT anyway, and you could lay a foundation that would work for either path. Rhodes has merit scholarships of up to $35K/year.
UNC Asheville seems like it could be a good fit and extremely affordable, but I’m sure that’s on your radar already.
U of Cincinnati (which I realize isn’t as far south as you have in mind, but it’s a stone’s throw from Kentucky so still southern-adjacent) has an OT early assurance program. Excellent program with a relatively affordable sticker price and some generous merit possibilities.