TLADS
The Tennessee Leadership Academy on Disability Services (TLADS) is a leadership program for state employees. It is run by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. TLADS used to be called the Leadership Academy on Excellence in Disability Services (LAEDS).
Since it's beginning in 2016–17, TLADS has helped train and support the leaders who shape Tennessee's disability service system. The program brings together professionals from many different agencies and organizations. Together, they:
- Build shared knowledge
- Learn practical leadership skills
- Gain a deeper understanding of disability policy, person-centered care, and how to improve the system
At its heart, TLADS is about building a Tennessee where everyone belongs. That means people with disabilities have meaningful choices, real opportunities, and the support they need to live full lives in their communities.
Through hands-on learning, coaching, and real projects, TLADS prepares leaders to create positive change and to support high-quality, equitable and fair services for all Tennesseans with disabilities.
Where Our Graduates Come From
TLADS graduates have included employees from the following agencies and departments:
| Bureau of TennCare | Department of Human Services / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Commission on Children and Youth | Department of Disability and Aging |
| Department of Children's Services | Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services |
| Department of Corrections | Department of Safety and Homeland Security |
| Department of Education | Department of Transportation |
| Department of Environment and Conservation | Department of Veterans Services |
| Department of Health | Office of the Governor |
A First-in-the-Nation Model for Leadership Development
TLADS is the first program of its kind in the country to combine leadership training with disability services across multiple agencies. To see how well it works, researchers surveyed the first 71 graduates to learn about the program's long-term effects.
The results were strong. Graduates reported:
- A much better understanding of disability service systems
- More confidence as leaders
- More confidence in advocacy (speaking up for others)
Graduates often pointed to key skills they gained, such as:
- Valuing differences
- Developing the people who report to them
- Staying flexible within their organizations
- Managing new ideas
They also said that expert-led sessions, learning from peers, and working on projects across agencies helped break down barriers and made it easier for agencies to work together statewide.
These benefits lasted for years after graduation. This shows that the academy makes a lasting difference in building skilled, connected leaders within Tennessee's disability services system.
Learn More
Keisling, B. L., Crispin, S. J., & Cone, A. A. (2024). Leadership academy for excellence in disability services: evaluation of outcomes for state employees. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 70(3), 343–353.
https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2022.2088223