Values and Best Practices

Our core values come from the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. This is the law that created councils like ours in every U.S. state and territory. The DD Act says:

The values of the DD Act were revolutionary when the law first passed in 1970. They are still a beacon for progress today.  Our Council exists to help Tennessee’s system of supports better and better reflect those values.

We’re passionate about several “best practices” that help make our DD Act values a reality. We believe these practices can help our state be a place where all people with disabilities and their families can thrive.

"Individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life… "

These values were revolutionary when the law first passed in 1970. They still guide us today. Our Council is here to help Tennessee's support systems live up to those values; and keep getting better.

We also care deeply about a few "best practices" that bring those values to life. We believe these practices can help make our state a place where all people with disabilities and their families can thrive.

Disability is a natural part of the human experience.

These principles come from the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Here's what they mean in everyday language:

  • People with developmental disabilities can lead full lives. This includes people with the most significant disabilities. They can make their own choices, be independent, be productive, and be part of their communities. Many people need community services, personalized supports, or other help to do this, and that's okay.
  • Everyone has strengths and goals. People with developmental disabilities and their families have skills, abilities, and dreams that should be recognized and encouraged. Any help they receive should fit their unique strengths and needs.
  • People and families make their own decisions. People with developmental disabilities and their families are the ones in charge of the services and supports they receive. This includes choosing where they live. They should also have a say in the policies and programs that affect their lives.
  • Respect matters. Services and supports should honor each person's dignity, personal choices, and cultural background.
  • Equity for underserved communities. There must be real effort to make sure people with developmental disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds  and their families have full and meaningful access to community services and supports.
  • A more diverse workforce. Training, hiring, and leadership in the disability field should bring in more people from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. This helps ensure there are enough skilled professionals, role models, and culturally informed support for our growing, diverse population.
  • Communities are stronger when everyone belongs. With the right education and support, communities can welcome people with developmental disabilities and their families — and be better for it. Everyone benefits when people with disabilities fully take part in community life.
  • Access and connection. People with developmental disabilities should have the support they need to be part of community life, build relationships, live in homes and neighborhoods of their choosing, and contribute to their families, communities, and state.
  • Accountability for community living options. Efforts to keep and grow community-based living options should be tracked. We need to know whether people with developmental disabilities can actually access those options, and whether providers are meeting quality standards.
  • Safe, inclusive child care. Families of children with developmental disabilities need access to safe, welcoming child care and before- and after-school programs in inclusive settings so their children can be active in community life.
  • Public transportation. People with developmental disabilities need access to public transportation so they can be independent and take part in all areas of community life.
  • Recreation and social life. People with developmental disabilities need access to recreation, leisure, and social activities in inclusive settings so they can fully enjoy community life.

Communication is either a barrier or a bridge. We build bridges.

What is plain language, and why does it matter?

Plain language means writing and speaking in a way that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. It's about making sure information is clear and easy to use.

We know that information about disability issues and programs can be confusing. The Council is here to be an information bridge. We help state agencies share important information with you in ways that make sense. And we help you find clear, easy-to-follow information about the issues and services that matter to you.

When policies change, we'll help you understand what they mean for your life. We also help you learn how to speak up and give input on the policies and programs that affect you.

We're leading the way on using plain language so you can get the information you need.

Resources

It's our job to reach the people who are disconnected.

Why does this matter for the Council's work?

Disability touches people of all backgrounds and walks of life. Councils on developmental disabilities exist to make sure the real-life perspectives of people with disabilities and their families are helping shape the policies and practices that affect them. Our job is to make sure those perspectives reflect the full diversity of our disability community. In fact, the DD Act requires that council members reflect the diversity of their state.

Too often, people with disabilities who also belong to other underserved groups face extra barriers to the support and opportunities they need. They also bring unique strengths from their experiences. We're committed to connecting with people in these communities. We know that means building new partnerships, taking the time to earn trust, doing a lot of listening, and seeking out and celebrating the widely diverse stories of people with disabilities across Tennessee.

In recent years, we've put a special focus on learning from and sharing information with rural communities across the state. Our "Stronger Together" publication is one example of that work.

As the DD Act says, "Disability is a natural part of the human experience." We believe in a future where people with disabilities from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life can chase their goals and dreams right here in Tennessee.

A good life is more than services.

What is the Charting the LifeCourse framework?

Charting the LifeCourse is a set of values, ideas, and tools created by people with disabilities and their families. It helps people:

  • Picture what a good life looks like for them
  • Plan and speak up for the supports they need
  • Work through challenges and navigate systems

From 2012 to 2017, the Council took part in a national learning community that developed the LifeCourse framework. Today, it still shapes how we think about what makes a good life for people with disabilities and families, where families can find support, and how policies need to change to better support all families affected by disability.

LifeCourse tools are free and easy to use. You can fill them out online or print them. They can help people, families, and the professionals who support them have better, more organized conversations about the future and the supports they need.

Want to learn more about how your organization can use the LifeCourse framework? Email us at tnddc@tn.gov.

Resources

What we expect of people with disabilities becomes what we see. It's our job to raise the bar.

The DD Act values listed above guide how the Council thinks and talks about disability: disability is a natural part of life, and people with disabilities have gifts, strengths, and talents worth celebrating. Historically, people with disabilities have been undervalued, underestimated, and under-supported. It's our job to help change that.

We know that people who haven't spent much time around people with disabilities may have questions about the "right" words to use or how to interact respectfully. That's okay — we all start somewhere. We've gathered some resources below to help, and you're always welcome to reach out with questions at tnddc@tn.gov.

Resources on Disability Awareness, Etiquette, and Language