Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Services

The Tennessee Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services recognizes the unique needs of individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. In 2005, the division established a new unit to provide specialized vocational rehabilitation services to eligible clients who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing. VR Counselors who are specially trained to work and communicate with persons who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing, provide services that enable their clients to enter, retain, or return to competitive employment. Some of these services may be based upon economic need and may require financial participation on the part of the client. These Counselors are located in vocational rehabilitation regional offices across the state. Services are individualized and depending upon a person's needs may include the following:

  • Guidance and Counseling
  • Vocational Training
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Interpreting Services
  • Provision of Hearing Aids and Other Adaptive Devices
  • Personal Adjustment Training
  • Technology Services
  • Job Placement
  • Physical Restoration
  • Information Referral