DDA Partners with Trevecca Nazarene University to Launch Academic Behavioral Learning Program for Teachers
Program aims to support students with IDDFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 03, 2025
CONTACT: Cara Kumari
OFFICE: 615-532-6530
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Department of Disability and Aging announced the launch of the Academic and Behavioral Learning Certificate Program for Tennessee Teachers (ABLC), in partnership with Trevecca Nazarene University.
The ABLC program is aimed at equipping Tennessee’s teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to better serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This 12-week program will be offered to all licensed Tennessee teachers at no cost and will provide 90 professional development (PD) hours upon completion.
Through a series of training modules, the ABLC program will teach educators best practices for creating inclusive, supportive classroom environments that promote success for all students.
“By providing free, high-quality training for our teachers, we are enhancing their ability to meet the diverse needs of students and helping to create a more inclusive education system in Tennessee,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner. “We strongly believe the ABLC program will not only benefit students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but all students across the state.”
The ABLC program will highlight topics such as fostering effective co-teaching relationships between classroom teachers and educational assistants (EAs), understanding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), inclusive practices, classroom engagement strategies, and enhancing social-emotional learning.
Learn more about the program and apply here: https://info.trevecca.edu/abs-certificate
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About the Department of Disability and Aging
The Department of Disability and Aging is the state agency responsible for oversight of services and support to 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities. The department is the result of a merger between the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disabilities, effective July 1, 2024. Every day, the department strives to support people to live rewarding and fulfilling lives through Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and a wide range of services and supports for older adults and adults with disabilities. DDA also provides services to infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), and children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs through the Katie Beckett Program. The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.