Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation: Where Ability Means Employability!
At the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), our goal is to ensure Tennesseans of all abilities have the opportunity to reach their full potential as members of our state’s community, workforce and economy. Our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, focuses on connecting Tennesseans with disabilities, their advocates and potential employers with resources that pave pathways to employment and elevated levels of independence.
Who Does Vocational Rehabilitation Serve?
Vocational Rehabilitation serves two groups: 1) Tennesseans with disabilities, including middle and high school age students, who are ready to prepare for independence through employment and 2) Tennessee business owners, leaders and operators who are ready to elevate their business(es) into workspaces that welcome customers and workers with disabilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Tennesseans with Disabilities
Vocational Rehabilitation services are open to Tennesseans with disabilities and the program recognizes each customer as unique. The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programing advocates for employment outcomes that are consistent with each individual’s strengths, resources, abilities, capabilities and informed choice.
Program participants are assigned a team of VR professionals who collaborate with each customer to form an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) according to the customer's career goals. Services are tailored to help each individual enter and succeed in the competitive labor market and may include instruction through the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center-Smyrna, Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, community partners or work-based learning with a local business partner.
Disability Employment Services for Tennessee Businesses
Through the Business Services Unit, Vocational Rehabilitation supports businesses with a wide array of products, services, resources, and solutions related to disability employment. Business owners can find no-cost assistance locating skilled candidates, retaining workers, increasing accessibility and other resources that save time and money. Visit our Business Services page to learn more.
How to Get Started with Vocational Rehabilitation
Learn More
Use the menu to find information on applying for services, eligibility and services. Information for middle and high school students with disabilities is available on the Transition Services page. Businesses can find additional details on disability employment services on the Business Services page.
If you would like to submit a referral for VR services (which help individuals with disabilities get, keep, or advance in a job) for either yourself or someone else, please click the link below.
Other Resources:
CLICK HERE for a vocational rehabilitation fact sheet
CLICK HERE for a vocational rehabilitation fact sheet - Spanish
CLICK HERE for the Tennessee WIOA Combined State Plan
STEP - Support and Training for Exceptional Parents
Job Tax Credit for Employing Persons with Disabilities
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
TN Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Resources
Emergency Preparedness Go Kits Available at Participating Locations
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is partnering with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is to provide 300 free Emergency Go-Kits to Tennesseans who are members of our deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and low vision communities. The keys to effective disaster preparedness – stay informed, make a plan, and build a kit - apply to all of us, but people with access and functional needs or disabilities should approach preparedness planning with additional considerations. The free go-kits will be available until supplies last and distribution will be limited to one requested go-kit per individual or caregiver household.
Emergency Go-Kit Distribution Locations
Center |
Address |
| 2655 Union Avenue Ext. Memphis, TN 38112 P: 901-701-6800 (voice) / 901-612-3416 (VP) |
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| 23 Federal Drive Jackson, TN 38305 P: 731-668-2211 (voice) / 731-256-7026 (VP) |
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| 935 Edgehill Avenue Nashville, TN 37203 P: 615-248-8828 (voice) / 615-290-5147 (VP) |
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| 5600 Brainerd Road Suite E-1 / Eastgate Towne Center Chattanooga, TN 37411 P: 423-697-3842 (voice) / 423-208-9801 (VP) |
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| 9111 Cross Park Drive Suite E 135 Knoxville, TN 37923 P: 865-637-3666 |
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| Lowell Thomas State Office Building 225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 2nd Floor/Room200/Box 15 Jackson, TN 38301 P: 1-833-772-TDHS (8347) |
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| The Langley Building 520 West Summit Hill Drive Suite 301 Knoxville, TN 37902 P: 1-833-772-TDHS (8347) |
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| 727 N. Eastman Road Kingsport, TN 37664 P: 432-224-1900 |
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| 3069 Overlook Drive Suite B Cleveland, TN 37312 P: 1-833-772-TDHS (8347) |
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| 1101 Kermit Drive Suite 700 Nashville, TN 37217 P: 615-266-4030 |
Kits will be available for pick-up during the location’s regular hours of operation. Please contact the location directly with any questions.
Notice of Rulemaking Hearing
The Department recently filed Notices of Rulemaking Hearings for amendments to the Division of Rehabilitation Services rules. These rule hearings will take place statewide and virtually on March 5th, 2024 at 9 AM and 5 PM. If you would like to attend, please note the locations and times for the hearings and plan to attend accordingly. The text of the rules can be found here: https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules_filings/01-08-24.pdf
Contact Information:
Call: 1-833-772-TDHS (8347)
Online: Click Here
Contact a Local Office: Click Here to find a local Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Center or Assistive Technology Center in your region.
