Fequently Asked Questions

What does Progress do?

Through a variety of programs and services, Progress helps to enable adult individuals with developmental 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 worried about the futures of their adult loved ones with developmental 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 model for residential services. Currently, one or two people supported by Progress live in a home (apartment) of their own with assistance of a residential companion. Other program services include supported employment and community-based day services.

Who does Progress serve?

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

Newly Added Services

In 2008, Progress also began providing in-home assistance through a program referred to as the Elderly & Disabled Waiver.

Who qualifies for services?

Progress offers a wide range of services for people of varying needs and abilities. But all people who receive services must have a primary diagnosis or 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 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 linked up with your services?

Individuals are often referred to Progress through Tennessee Department of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS). For general information about the services available, contact DMRS 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.

Where are you located?

Progress' Administrative offices are located in Metro Nashville, Tennessee. Progress also maintains a satellite division in Ashland City (Cheatham County) for individuals who would prefer a more rural lifestyle. However, the individuals supported by Progress live in more than 70 homes in and around Nashville.

How do people pay for services?

Most services are paid for through the Medicaid Waiver. While it is possible to private pay for services, most find the cost of quality services to be prohibitive. If interested in a private pay situation, please contact Progress directly to set up an appointment to discuss options. Phone: (615)399-3000 or email info@progress-inc.org.

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 the Tennessee Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the federal government, Social Security, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Vocational and Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), Medicaid and Medicare. Progress depends on corporate and foundation grants, private donations, and fundraising initiatives to bridge the funding gap.