Frequently Asked Questions
What does Progress do? Through a variety of programs and services, Progress helps to enable adult individuals with intellectual disabilities and seniors to enjoy Happy, Healthy & Safe lives!
What kinds of services does Progress provide? Progress helps individuals with disabilities and seniors live up to their potential through its Residential programs, Employment services, Community Based Day program, Employment and Community First CHOICES (ECF) services, Senior Services, and a social enterprise Smart Art + Craft Supplies, which sells donated arts and crafts materials while providing employment and training to people with disabilities. Progress staff consist of Direct Support Professionals, Companions, and Senior Care Attendants to deliver services to clients. Click here to view an informative video featuring Progress staff that sheds light on the significant work direct support professionals do.
How did Progress get started? 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 Employment services, community-based day services, Employment and Community First Choices services (ECF) and services to help seniors age in place in their own homes.
Who does Progress serve? Progress serves people with intellectual disabilities and seniors in Middle Tennessee.
Who qualifies for services? Progress offers a wide range of services for people of varying needs and abilities. To receive services through our disability programs, qualifying disabilities may include but are not necessarily limited to: intellectual or developmental disability, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autism and autism spectrum disorders. Senior services programming is available to all older adults in Middle Tennessee.
How does someone get services? For disability 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. For Senior Services, Progress provides private pay services, as well as services through Managed Care Organizations (MCO) offered through your own personal coverage.
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.
What kinds of services does Progress provide? Progress helps individuals with disabilities and seniors live up to their potential through its Residential programs, Employment services, Community Based Day program, Employment and Community First CHOICES (ECF) services, Senior Services, and a social enterprise Smart Art + Craft Supplies, which sells donated arts and crafts materials while providing employment and training to people with disabilities. Progress staff consist of Direct Support Professionals, Companions, and Senior Care Attendants to deliver services to clients. Click here to view an informative video featuring Progress staff that sheds light on the significant work direct support professionals do.
How did Progress get started? 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 Employment services, community-based day services, Employment and Community First Choices services (ECF) and services to help seniors age in place in their own homes.
Who does Progress serve? Progress serves people with intellectual disabilities and seniors in Middle Tennessee.
Who qualifies for services? Progress offers a wide range of services for people of varying needs and abilities. To receive services through our disability programs, qualifying disabilities may include but are not necessarily limited to: intellectual or developmental disability, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autism and autism spectrum disorders. Senior services programming is available to all older adults in Middle Tennessee.
How does someone get services? For disability 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. For Senior Services, Progress provides private pay services, as well as services through Managed Care Organizations (MCO) offered through your own personal coverage.
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.
