Resources for Tennesseans with Disabilities
The Tennessee Department of Human Resources (TDHS) is here to help Tennesseans with disabilities connect with tools, resources and organizations that elevate the independence of these community members. Select an option below to download materials, discover advocacy partners or find videos about TDHS programs for Tennesseans with disabilities.
Programs and Services for Tennesseans with Disabilities
Department of Disability and Aging
TDHS Outreach Materials for Tennesseans with Disabilities
Click the thumbnails below to read, download, print or share flyers, brochures or other materials about TDHS programs and supports for Tennesseans with disabilities.
Vocational Rehabiliation Fact Sheet
A one-page overview of the Vocational Rehabilitation program for workers with disabilities and employers in Tennessee.
Vocational Rehabilitation Fact sheet - English
Vocational Rehabilitation Fact sheet - Spanish
Tennessee WIOA Combined State Plan
A 360-page report on Tennessee’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan to “deliver integrated, job-driven services to job seekers, workers, and employers."
Community Rehabilitation Service Manual
A manual that outlines vocational rehabilitation services provided by Community Rehabilitation Providers and imparts pertinent information regarding partnering with the State of Tennessee to provide such services.
Independent Living Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired Flyer - English
Independent Living Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired Flyer - Spanish
A one-page overview of “Independent Living” services available to eligible individuals of all agers who are blind or have a visual impairment and want to be empowered to care for themselves in their homes and communities.
Job Tax Credit for Employing Persons with Disabilities
A one-page set of instructions for employers who may be eligible to receive a tax credit for hiring employees with disabilities who received vocational rehabilitation services through the Division of Rehabilitation Services at the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Policy Drafts, State Plans and Public Hearings
Drafts of updates for Tennessee’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program Manual (VRPM) and forms for submitting related feedback.
A 36-page guide developed by Transition Tennessee (a partnership between Tennessee Department of Human Services-Vocational Rehabilitation, the Tennessee Department of Education, Vanderbilt University, and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center) that offers a guide to Pre-Employment Transition Services for high-school and college-age students with disabilities Tennessee.
Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Fact Sheet
A one-page overview of services for the the deaf and hard of hearing available through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Tennessee Business Enterprises Fact Sheet
An overview of Tennessee Business Enterprises vocational training and employment opportunities for individuals who are legally blind.
Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at Smyrna Brochure
A four-page outline of the curriculum and opportunities available at Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at Smyrna, a residential career training center that prepares Tennesseans with disabilities to find independence through employment.
Transition School to Work Applications and Forms
Applications and related Pre-ETS Parental Permission Forms for students with disabilities who wish to participate in the Transition School to Work program.
Virtual Pre-ETS Best Practice Guide
A 28-page guide created by Vocational Rehabilitation team and Transition Tennessee that offers general strategies, techniques, tips, and resources for providing Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to high schoolers and young adults with disabilities.
Community Partners that Serve Tennesseans with Disabilities
The Tennessee Department of Human Resources (TDHS) works with partners across the state to help Tennesseans with disabilities find independence and employment. Use the links below to locate partners across the state.
- Client Assistance Program
- Centers for Independent Living:
- Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU)
- Social Security Administration
- Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
- University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Blind and Visually Impaired Resources
- National Federation of the Blind
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
- Tennessee Library for the Blind Catalog
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources
Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Resources
Resources for Educators and Parents:
- Transition Services – Tennessee Department of Human Services
- Transition Tennessee
- Tennessee Department of Children Services
- Tennessee Department of Education
- STEP Tennessee
Legal Rights Resources:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Disability Rights TN
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Legal Aid Society
- U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy
Note: TDHS does not endorse the organizations listed on this page but provides this list as resource for Tennesseans who need information and assistance. Each listed organization should be evaluated on their own merits.