Navigating Disability Services in Tennessee
For many, the prospect of beginning to receive services for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Tennessee can be overwhelming. Many programs, many acronyms, and a task list that can seem daunting.
In Tennessee, the first place to start is always the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Department is often referred to as TN DIDD, or just DIDD for short. Their website homepage has an easy starting place, titled “Start Here” in the upper left corner under Community Services.
TN DIDD has four different groupings of services offered, defined by age. The groupings are: Early Child (ages 0 – 4), School (ages 5 – 14), Transition (ages 14 – 18), and Adult (ages 18+). Once you know which category you’ll be inquiring about, you can learn more about services offered in each category.
If you are reading this from out of state, try googling your own state’s Department of Disabilities. Programs vary state by state, so it’s important to connect with the programs offered through your specific state.
Links for the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are below:
TN DIDD: Employment and Community First CHOICES
TN DIDD: TEIS Early Intervention Program
TN DIDD: Katie Beckett Waiver Program
TN DIDD: Family Support Program
TN DIDD: MAPs (Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence)
TN DIDD: Seating and Positioning Clinics
TN DIDD: START Stabilization and Assessment Teams for complex behavioral or mental health needs
Another great resource is the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder. This online tool can help you find resources for more specific needs across the state.
If you have any questions on where to begin, Progress staff are always happy to assist you in getting started. With over 50 years of experience providing services to Tennesseans with disabilities, we offer a wealth of knowledge to help you begin your journey. To chat with someone, please call our main line at 615-399-3000 or email info@progress-inc.org