TN Leadership Academy on Disability Services

The Tennessee Leadership Academy on Disability Services (TLADS) is a collaborative leadership academy for state employees led by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. TLADS was formerly known as the Leadership Academy on Excellence in Disability Services (LAEDS). Since its beginning in 2016-17, TLADS has strengthened and elevated the leaders who shape Tennessee’s disability service system. TLADS brings together professionals from across agencies and organizations to build shared knowledge, develop practical leadership skills, and deepen their understanding of disability policy, person-centered practices,and system transformation.

At its core, TLADS is about creating a Tennessee rooted in belonging. That means people with disabilities have meaningful choices, real opportunities, and the supports needed to live full lives in their communities. Through collaborative learning, coaching, and real-world application, TLADS equips leaders to drive positive change and promote high-quality, equitable services for all Tennesseans with disabilities.

TLADS graduates have included employees from the following agencies and departments:

  • Bureau of TennCare
  • Commission on Children and Youth
  • Department of Children's Services
  • Department of Corrections
  • Department of Education
  • Department of Environment and Conservation
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Human Services / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Department of Disability and Aging
  • Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
  • Department of Safety and Homeland Security
  • Department of Transportation
  • Department of Veterans Services
  • Office of the Governor

     

A First-in-the-Nation Model for Leadership Development

To measure the impact of the Tennessee Leadership Academy on Disability Services (recognized as the first multi-agency leadership development and disability service program of its kind in the nation), a survey was conducted with the first 71 alumni to better understand the long-term impact of the academy. Findings showed

  • strong and sustained gains in participants’ understanding of disability services systems,
  • increased confidence in leadership, and
  • increased confidence in advocacy.

Alumni consistently highlighted the value of core competencies such as valuing differences, developing direct reports, organizational agility, and innovation management. They also emphasized how expert-led sessions, peer learning, and cross-agency project work broke down silos and strengthened statewide collaboration.  These benefits continued years after graduation, underscoring the academy’s unique and enduring contribution to developing capable, connected leadership within Tennessee’s disability services system. To read the full study, click the link below:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11062272/

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

For questions about TLADS, contact our Director of Leadership Development, Blake Shearer, at Blake.A.Shearer@tn.gov.