
The following is a list of statewide referral resources. This is not a comprehensive list of all resources in the state. Individual counties or communities will have local resources not listed here. This list is supplied as a starting place to obtain services for children with special needs and families. TNAAP does not endorse any providers or agencies.
Summary of Services: Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a free, statewide, information and referral service for persons with disabilities, family members, and service providers. Pathfinder has phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates. It is a project of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development
After logging on to the website (see web address below), you will see a map of services. Click on the Disability Pathfinder Database. Search the database by county and area of concern.
Peabody Box 74
Edgehill at 21st Avenue South
230 Appleton Place, MRL-407
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone(s): (615) 322-8529 Toll free line: 1-800-640-INFO (4636)
Web: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy/pathfinder/index.html
Summary of Services: Centerstone helps children, adolescents, adults, seniors and their families who suffer from a myriad of behavioral health challenges. This behavioral healthcare organization provides a full range of mental health services, substance abuse treatment and related educational services for people throughout Middle Tennessee.
Summary of Services: Tennessee Early Intervention Services is a statewide program sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Education. It is mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, to provide early intervention services to children eligible under this act. TEIS is a network of nine district offices that provide home-based, early intervention services to young children with special needs (birth to three years) and their families.
Eligibility Guidelines: Children, birth to three years of age, who have developmental delays or have a diagnosed condition which is likely to cause developmental delays.
Department of Education (State Office)
Division of Special Education
5th Fl, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Roberstson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone(s): (615) 741-3537 Toll free line: (800) 852-7157
Web: http://state.tn.us/education/teis/index.shtml
Counties Served: See each district.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Greater Nashville District
Nashville, TN
Phone(s): (615) 837-6868 (fax: 615-832-0384)
Counties Served: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, RobertsonUpper Cumberland District
Cookeville, TN
Phone(s): (931) 372-3561 (fax: 931-372-6360)
Counties Served: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, WilsonSouth Central District
Murfreesboro, TN
Phone(s): (615) 904-3636 (fax: 615-904-3648)
Counties Served: Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, Rutherford, Wayne, Williamson
EAST TENNESSEE
Southeast District
Chattanooga, TN
Phone(s): (423) 624-6344 (fax: 423-697-4920)
Counties Served: Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, SequatchieEast Tennessee District
Knoxville, TN
Phone(s): (865) 579-3099 (fax: 865-579-5033)
Counties Served: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, UnionFirst Tennessee District
Johnson City, TN
Phone(s): (423) 434-4401 (fax: 423-434-4407)
Counties Served: Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington
WEST TENNESSEE
Memphis Delta District
Memphis, TN
Phone(s): (901) 937-6738 (fax: 901-372-2866)
Counties Served: Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby. TiptonNorthwest District
Martin, TN
Phone(s): (731) 881-7114 (fax: 731-881-7206)
Counties Served: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Houston, Humphreys, Lake, Obion, Stewart, WeakleySouthwest District
Jackson, TN
Phone(s): (731) 512-1550 (fax: 731-512-1524)
Counties Served: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McNairy
Summary of Services: The Center for Excellence (COE) assists the state in meeting federally required Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services for children under 21. Their consultation, diagnostic and care plan development services are available to the Department of Children's Services, Department of Health, community providers and Best Practice Network providers involved in the care of children in or at-risk for custody.
Eligibility Guideline: Children who are at-risk for or in state custody.
University of Tennessee, Memphis Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities COE
711 Jefferson Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone(s): (901) 448-3420 Toll free line: (866) 448-3420
Web: www.utmem.edu/bcdd/Regions Served: Shelby County, West, Northwest, & Southwest
Counties Served: (21) Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Weakley
Vanderbilt University Medical Center COE
1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 1100
Village at Vanderbilt
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone(s): (615) 322-8701 Toll free line: (866) COE-VCOE
Web: www.vanderbilt.eduRegions Served: Davidson County, Upper Cumberland, Mid-Cumberland, & South Central
Counties Served: (25) Bedford, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, Wilson
East Tennessee State University COE
P.O. Box 70567
Johnson City, TN 37614
Phone: (423) 439-2227 or (877) 746-6263
Web: www.etsu.edu/coe/excellence/statecustody
Regions Served: Northeast
Counties Served: (8) Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington
Southeast COE
6400 Lee Hwy, Suite 110
P.O. Box 22367
Chattanooga, TN 37422
Phone: (423) 439-2227 or (877) 746-6263
Regions Served: Hamilton County & Southeast
Counties Served: (11) Bledsoe, Bradley, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchee
Cherokee/University of Tennessee Knoxville COE
2018 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: (865)934-6751 Toll Free: (866)440-9182Regions Served: Knox County & East
Counties Served: (16) Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Clayborn, Cocke, Granger, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Rome, Scott, Sevier, Union
Summary of Services: TRIAD provides direct services and consultation for children with autism. It also provides behavior management counseling, social skills assessment and intervention, an autism screening clinic, parent-infant interaction classes, and individual school consultations.
Eligibility Guidelines: Birth to 18 yrs with a diagnosis of Autism
Counties Served: All
TRIAD
Attn: Nicolette Brigham, PhD
1207 18th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone(s): (615) 936-1705
Fax: (615) 936-2763
Web: www.TRIADatVanderbilt.com
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Statewide Autism Resources
This link (below) contains a list of agencies throughout the state of Tennessee that provide information and services specifically dealing with autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Statewide Autism Resources (PDF)
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
(615) 322-8529 or (800) 640-INFO (4636)
Email: tnpathfinder@vanderbilt.edu
Web: www.familypathfinder.org
Asperger's Syndrome Resources
This site includes resource for families of children diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders, educators who teach children with AS, professionals working with individuals diagnosed with AS, and individuals with AS who are seeking support, have access to information. (See article by Karen Williams, Ph.D.)
Web: www.aspergersyndrome.org
Autism and School-Based Programming
This site provides good step-by step tips for working with children with autism.
Web: www.telusplanet.net/public/nremus/homepage.htm
Autism Research Institute
This site is primarily devoted to conducting research and disseminating the results of research on the causes of autism and on methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating autism and other severe behavioral disorders of childhood. Includes information on Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!).
Web: www.autism.com/ari/
Autism Society of America
This organization provides parent support, advocacy, public awareness, research, and information on Autism. This is a good source of credible information about diagnosis and management of autism.
Web: www.autism-society.org
Below are listed regional societies in Tennessee:
Autism Society of Middle TN
480 Craighead Street, Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: (615) 385-2077
Fax: (615) 383-1176
Web: www.autismmidtenn.org
Counties Served: Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dekalb, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson.Autism Society of America, East TN Chapter
7726 Trophy Run Lane
Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: (865) 637-3914
Web: www.asaetc.org
Counties Served: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, WashingtonAutism Society of America, Memphis Chapter
P.O. Box 241054
Memphis, TN 38124
Phone: (901) 360-9407
Counties Served: Shelby
CDC Autism Information Center
This site provides access to information on resources about autism.
Web: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.htm
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Online
This site is aimed at professionals interested in child development and behavior, especially in the medical setting.
Web: www.dbpeds.org
First Signs
Group that advocates early detection of autism, with information about screening tools and treatment information.
Web: www.firstsigns.org
New York State Autism Clinical Practice Guideline
This site contains highly regarded document reviews, as well as access to clinical practice guidelines, evidence for autism treatment, and recommendations.
Web: www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/eip/index.htm
Semantic Pragmatic Disorder
This is an excellent article about children who have difficult with practical aspects of communication, such as social skills, eye contact, and understanding the intentions of others.
Web: www.hyperlexia.org/sp1.html
TEACCH Autism Program
This site provides information on a world renown education-based comprehensive autism program in North Carolina.
Web: www.teacch.com
UCSB Autism Research and Training Center
This site contains information on recent publications and ongoing grant-supported research.
Web: www.education.ucsb.edu/autism/
Tony Attwood
This site provides a guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger's Syndrome, and their partners.
Web: www.tonyattwood.com.au/
TRIAD
This site provides information of the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD), dedicated to improving assessment and treatment services for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families while advancing knowledge and training.
Web: www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/interior.php?mid=302
Yale Child Studies Center Developmental Disabilities Page
This site provides information on a clinical research programs in autism.
Web: www.info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/
Summary of Services: The CDC offers coordination of early intervention services; family education programs for children with challenging behaviors under 6 years of age; positive behavioral supports (ages 2-5); family and adolescent counseling; interdisciplinary diagnostic and evaluation center; and, an Autism screening center, TRIAD.
Eligibility Guidelines: Referral is required from a doctor or parent.
Counties Served: Bedford, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Fentress, Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Montgomery, Rutherford, Sumner, Wayne, Williamson, Wilson
CDC
Suite 426, MCS
2100 Pierce Avenue
Nashville, TN 37232
Phone: (615) 936-0264
Fax: (615) 936-2763
Web: www.VanderbiltChildrens.com/interior.php?mid=342
Summary of Services: The Center for Developmental Disabilities provides (or houses) the following: an Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Evaluation Center; a Developmental Pediatric Clinic; a Reproductive Health Clinic for Adults with Disabilities; a Psychology Clinic (behavioral specialty); a Spina Bifida Clinic; a Feeding/Swallowing Disorder Clinic; the Center of Excellence (COE) for Children in State Custody; and the Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program. Its resources include advocacy services, assistive technology and/or equipment, autism resources, behavior resources, a child care program, a deaf and hard-of-hearing program, an early intervention program for young children, learning disability resources, mental health services, outpatient rehab therapy (OT, PT, &/or ST), parent education, public awareness, community education, and support groups.
Eligibility Guidelines: All ages, all disabilities
Counties Served: Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood, Lauderdale, Madison, Shelby, Tipton
UT Boling, CDD
711 Jefferson Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone(s): (901) 448-6511 (888) 572-2249
Fax: (901) 448-7097
TDD: (901) 448-4677
Web: www.utmem.edu/bcdd
Summary of Services: RIP is an internationally recognized parent implemented program in which parents learn to work directly with their own children. Experienced RIP parents provide training and support to newly enrolled families.
Eligibility Guidelines: Young children 2 to 6 years of age with behavior concerns.
Counties Served: See each region.
Web: www.ripnetwork.org
Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Chattanooga
Family and Children Services
1800 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 697-3801
Fax: (423) 697-3839
Counties Served: HamiltonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Clarksville
Centerstone
511 8th Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 920-7276
Fax: (931) 920-7202
Counties Served: MontgomeryRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Cleveland
Hiwassee Mental Health Center
443 North Ocoee Street
Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: (423) 339-6781
Fax: (423) 728-5680
Counties Served: BradleyRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Columbia
1222 Medical Center Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (931) 490-1556
Fax: (931) 490-1502
Counties Served: Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry, WayneRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Cookeville
1200 South Willow Ave.
Plateau Mental Health Center, PO Box 3165
Cookeville, TN 38502
Phone: (931) 432-1901
Fax: (931) 432-5838
Counties Served: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, WhiteRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Dickson
126 Sylvis St
Dickson, TN 37055
Phone: (615) 441-6074
Fax: (615) 446-7250
Counties Served: DicksonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Franklin
1909 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone: (615) 794-9973
Fax: (615) 595-1362
Counties Served: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Marshall, Maury, Rutherford, WilliamsonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Gallatin
Cumberland Mental Health Center
528 East Main Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 451-9618
Counties Served: SumnerRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Jackson
Pathways, Inc
238 Summar Dr
Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: (731) 935-8284
Fax: (731) 935-8265
Counties Served: MadisonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Johnson City
106 West Watauga
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: (423) 232-4211
Fax: (423) 232-4203
Counties Served: WashingtonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Kingsport
Frontier Health Children & Youth Service
2001 Stonebrook Place
Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 224-1020
Fax: (423) 224-1023
Counties Served: SullivanRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Madison
106 Gallatin Road North
Madison, TN 37115
Phone: (615) 330-7647
Fax: (615) 860-3294
Counties Served: DavidsonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Memphis
Frayser Family Counseling Center
2150 Whitney Ave
Memphis, TN 38127
Phone: (901) 354-7376
Fax: (901) 353-5464
Counties Served: Fayette - Shelby - TiptonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Murfreesboro
Guidance Center-Children's Center
434 East Bell Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 890-4622
Fax: (615) 849-2345
Counties Served: Cannon - RutherfordRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Nashville
3411 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: (615) 963-1177
Fax: (615) 963-1178
Counties Served: Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dekalb, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis, Macon, Perry, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Warren, WilsonRegional Intervention Program (RIP), Knoxville
Helen Ross McNabb Center, Inc
600 Arthur Street
Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: (865) 523-8695
Fax: (865) 523-6827
Counties Served: Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, Union
Summary of Services: Youth Villages provides behavior and mental health services including therapeutic foster care, group homes for adolescents, in-home, family-based treatment, outpatient treatment and residential treatment (with a typical length of stay of 90 days). It provides a treatment program for children with dual diagnosis. There are several sites throughout TN, serving children in West, Middle and East TN.
Eligibility Guidelines: Age: 6 - 21 yrs. Disability: Emotional disturbance or behavior problems Intake: Referral by a professional counselor, teacher or by state youth official.
For TN locations, go to: www.youthvillages.org/tennessee-loc.aspx
Summary of Services: Centerstone provides mental health services including case management and school-based counseling.
Centerstone
P.O. Box 40406
Nashville, TN 37204-0406
Phone: (615) 463-6600
Fax: (615) 463-6603
Web: www.centerstone.org
Summary of Services: Family Voices of Tennessee assists families in navigating public and private health systems and insurance plans, including TennCare and commercial plans; educates families about resources available, how to access them, and how to work with health providers; works with families to promote family-centered health care and medical homes for children with special health care needs.
Eligibility Guidelines: Children with special health care needs including: disability, chronic illness, physical conditions, and mental health conditions.
Counties Served: All
Family Voices of TN
480 Craighead Street, Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone(s): (615) 383-9442
Toll Free Family Line:(888) 643-7811
Web: www.tndisability.org/familyvoices
West Tennessee Family Resource Specialist
Phone: 901-327-4612
Email: FVWest@tndisability.orgMiddle Tennessee Family Resource Specialist
Phone: 931-686-3353
Email: FVMiddle@tndisability.orgEast Tennessee Family Resource Specialist
Phone: 423-234-2334
Email: FVEast@tndisability.org
Summary of Services: Tennessee Voices for Children (TVC) is a not-for-profit statewide advocacy agency for families whose children have emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health issues. They bridge the gap between professionals and family members so that they can work as a team to do what is best for the child and family. Along with advocacy services, they provide behavior resources, parent education, support groups, and respite care.
Eligibility Guideline: Children with severe emotional disturbance birth to 21 yrs.
Counties Served: All
Web:www.tnvoices.org
MIDDLE TN - Main office
701 Bradford Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204
Telephone: 615-269-7751
Fax: 615-269-8914
TN Toll Free: 800-670-9882
E-mail: TVC@tnvoices.orgEAST TN
Knoxville Area:
Telephone: 865-609-2490
Fax: 865-609-2490WEST TN
Jackson Area:
Telephone: 731-984-8599
Fax: 731-984-8575
Summary of Services: Parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys come to the Wrightslaw website for accurate, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Eligibility Guidelines: N/A
Web:www.wrightslaw.com
Summary of Services: This state office is responsible for special education services (Part B if IDEA) in Tennessee. They provide resource booklets including: "Step by Step, A Guide for Parents" and "Rights of Children with Disabilities and Parent Responsibilities". They have compliance consultants available in West, Middle, & East Regions
Eligibility Guidelines: Students with special needs, services for ages 3- 21; can contact prior to age 3.
Counties Served: All
TN Dept. of Education
5th Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone(s): (615) 741-2851 Toll free line: (888) 212-3162
Fax: (615) 532-9412
TDD: (615) 741-2851
Web: www.state.tn.us/education
Summary of Services: STEP is a statewide family-to-family program in Tennessee. They support families by providing free information, advocacy training, and support services to parents of children eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Eligibility Guidelines: Parents or family members of a special education student or a student who may need special help in school (birth through age 22).
Counties Served: See each region.
Executive Director, STEP
712 Professional Plaza
Greeneville, TN 37745
Phone(s): (423) 639-0125 Toll free line: (800) 280-7837
Fax: (423) 636-8217
TDD: (423) 639-8802
Web: www.tnstep.org
West Tennessee:
(901) 726-4334
Email: jenness.roth@tnstep.orgMiddle Tennessee
(615) 463-2310
Email: steven.glowicki@tnstep.orgEast Tennessee
(423) 639-2464
Email: karen.harrison@tnstep.org
Summary of Services: The Department is the state's mental health and developmental disabilities authority and is responsible for system planning, setting policy and quality standards, system monitoring and evaluation, disseminating public information and advocating for persons of all ages who have mental illness, serious emotional disturbance or developmental disability. The Department also assists the Bureau of TennCare in the administration of the TennCare Partners Program by developing and implementing a plan to monitor the programmatic aspects of the Partners Program. Monitoring responsibilities include assessment of the adequacy of the provider network and the quality of services provided. It offers an array of prevention, early intervention, treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation services and supports, which are equitably and efficiently allocated statewide, allowing people to live in their own communities within settings based on the needs and choices of individuals and families served. Contact your local Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities agency for local information and services. You may also find appropriate resources on the Disability Pathfinders website.
Eligibility Guidelines: All ages: citizens with a mental health disability or developmental disability
Counties Served: All
Web: www.state.tn.us/mental
TDMHDD
3rd Floor, Cordell Hull Bldg
425 Fifth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone(s): (615) 532-6500 Toll free line:(800) 560-5767
Fax: (615) 741-4557
TDD: (615) 532-6612
Summary of Services: Head Start is a nation wide comprehensive child development program, providing early childhood education, nutrition, health & safety, transportation, and social services to children and families in economic need of assistance.
Eligibility Guidelines: Head Start refers to programs geared for children 3-5 years of age. Early Head Start refers to programs geared for children 0-3 years of age.
Web: www.tnheadstart.org (See website for Head Start Directory)
Summary of Services: County School Systems, Special Education Programs, provide psychological assessments, therapy services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision, and behavioral therapy. They provide technology assistance and training. They also provide parent information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Eligibility Guidelines: Children age 3 through 21 with any disability
Contact your local county school system, Special Education Supervisor, for more information.
For a listing, log on to: www.tn-tapt.com/school_systems.htm.