Referral Resources

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.

Statewide Information and Referral Services

Early Intervention Programs And Parent Education

Children At-Risk For Or In State Custody

Diagnosis And Treatment Centers For Autism

Autism And Asperger's Syndrome Web Resources

Emotional Motivational/Behavioral Mental Health Resources

Advocacy And Parent Education

Referral Services for Children Over 3

STATEWIDE INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES

Disability Pathfinder

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

Centerstone’s Directory of Services

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. To see a list of services provided statewide, log on to:

http://www.centerstone.org/?m=directory_services

EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS AND PARENT EDUCATION

Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS)

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:www.state.tn.us/education/speced/TEIS/

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, Robertson

Upper 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, Wilson

South 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, Sequatchie

East 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, Union

First 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. Tipton

Northwest 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, Weakley

Southwest District
Jackson, TN
Phone(s): (731) 512-1550 (fax:  731-512-1524)
Counties Served: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McNairy

 CHILDREN AT-RISK FOR OR IN STATE CUSTODY

 Centers of Excellence for Children in State Custody 

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.edu 

Regions 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
Web: www.etsu.edu/coe/excellence/statecustody

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)440-9182

Regions Served: Knox County & East

Counties Served: (16) Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Clayborn, Cocke, Granger, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Rome, Scott, Sevier, Union

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT CENTERS FOR AUTISM

TRIAD (Treatment & Research Institute for Autism Disorders)

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

AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROME WEB RESOURCES

American Hyperlexia Association
This site offers advocacy, support, and information resource for parents of children with hyperlexia. Hyperlexia includes children with autistic spectrum disorders who have precocious reading abilities.
Web: www.hyperlexia.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 Biomedical Information Network
This site contains information, reviews, and links compiled by Dr. Ronald Kallen.
Web: www.autism-biomed.org

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, Washington

Autism 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: http://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: http://www.teacch.com

The Pediatrician’s Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children
This site provides an AAP policy statement and technical report to familiarize the pediatrician with currently accepted criteria defining the spectrum of autism, strategies used in making a diagnosis, and conventional and alternative interventions.
Web: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/5/1221

UCSB Autism Research and Training Center
This site contains information on recent publications and ongoing grant-supported research.
Web: http://www.education.ucsb.edu/autism/

Tony Attwood
This site provides a guide for parents, professionals, people with Asperger's Syndrome, and their partners.
Web: http://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: http://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: http://info.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/

EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Center for Child Development (CDC) at Vanderbilt University
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: http://www.VanderbiltChildrens.com/interior.php?mid=342

UT Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities
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: http://www.utmem.edu/bcdd

Regional Intervention Program (RIP)
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: http://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: Hamilton

Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Clarksville
Centerstone
511 8th Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: (931) 920-7276
Fax: (931) 920-7202
Counties Served: Montgomery

Regional 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: Bradley

Regional 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, Wayne

Regional 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, White

Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Dickson
126 Sylvis St
Dickson, TN 37055
Phone: (615) 441-6074
Fax: (615) 446-7250
Counties Served: Dickson

Regional 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, Williamson

Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Gallatin
Cumberland Mental Health Center
528 East Main Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 451-9618
Counties Served: Sumner

Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Jackson
Pathways, Inc
238 Summar Dr
Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: (731) 935-8284
Fax: (731) 935-8265
Counties Served: Madison

Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Johnson City
106 West Watauga
Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: (423) 232-4211
Fax: (423) 232-4203
Counties Served: Washington

Regional 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: Sullivan

Regional Intervention Program (RIP), Madison
106 Gallatin Road North
Madison, TN 37115
Phone: (615) 330-7647
Fax: (615) 860-3294
Counties Served: Davidson

Regional 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 – Tipton

Regional 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 – Rutherford

Regional 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, Wilson

Regional 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

Youth Villages
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

http://www.youthvillages.org/tennessee-loc.aspx

Centerstone
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

ADVOCACY AND PARENT EDUCATION

Family Voices of Tennessee
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.org

Middle Tennessee Family Resource Specialist
Phone: 931-686-3353
Email: FVMiddle@tndisability.org

East Tennessee Family Resource Specialist
Phone: 423-234-2334
Email: FVEast@tndisability.org

Tennessee Voices for Children
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.

http://www.tnvoices.org/

Eligibility Guideline: Children with severe emotional disturbance birth to 21 yrs.
Counties Served: All

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.org

 

EAST TN
Knoxville Area:
Telephone: 865-609-2490
Fax: 865-609-2490

 

WEST TN
Jackson Area:
Telephone: 731-984-8599
Fax: 731-984-8575

Wrightslaw
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: http://www.wrightslaw.com

REFERRAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN OVER 3

Tennessee Department of Education, Special Education Division
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

Statewide Support & Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP)
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 [ jenness.roth@tnstep.org ]

 

Middle Tennessee

(615) 463-2310 [ steven.glowicki@tnstep.org ]

 

East Tennessee

(423) 639-2464 [ karen.harrison@tnstep.org ]

 

Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities
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

Head Start/Early Head Start
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)

County School Systems
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: http://www.tn-tapt.com/school_systems.htm.