Good To Know

What does Progress do?

Through a variety of programs and services, Progress helps to enable adult individuals with intellectual disabilities to enjoy Happy, Healthy & Safe lives!

What kinds of services does Progress provide?

Progress helps individuals with disabilities live up to their potential through its Residential programs, Supported Employment and Training Services and Community Based Day Supports.

How did Progress get started?

Progress was not always as it is today. Formed in 1971 by a small group of concerned, committed parents who were anxious about the futures of their adult loved ones with intellectual disabilities, Progress' initial focus was on residential services. At that time, this meant group homes for 8 - 10 individuals. Over the years, Progress has embraced a much changed format for residential services. Currently, the typical residential model would be one or two people living in a home of their own with the assistance of a live-in residential companion. Other program services include supported employment and community-based day services.

Who does Progress serve?

Progress serves adults with intellectual disabilities through the Medicaid Waiver Program in the State of Tennessee.

Who qualifies for services?

Progress offers a wide range of services for people of varying needs and abilities. However all people who receive services must have a primary diagnosis of mental retardation or other developmental disability - by definition, a "severe, chronic disability of a person which is attributable to a mental or physical impairment, manifested before the age of 22, and likely to continue indefinitely." The disability must result in a substantial limitation in major life activities such as self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living or economic self-sufficiency. Qualifying disabilities may include but are not necessarily limited to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autism and autism spectrum disorders.

How does someone get services?

Individuals are most often referred to Progress through Tennessee's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). For general information about the services available, contact DIDD at 1-800-654-4839 or (615) 231-5304. An Intake Coordinator will ask you questions to determine eligibility for services. If eligible, you will be assisted through the process necessary to access services. Progress is just one of several agencies that may have the services you need. You have the right to select who will provide your loved one with services. Note that in the State of Tennessee, you may choose to have day and/or residential services provided by the same or by different agencies.

How is Progress funded?

Progress is a nonprofit agency. (Note: there are also for-profit service providers.) Most of the agency's funding comes from various governmental sources including Tennessee's Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the federal government, Medicaid and Medicare. Progress depends on corporate and foundation grants, private donations, and fundraising initiatives to bridge the funding gap.