Tennessee

States - Big Screen

Tennessee is the Volunteer State, and its outstanding Employment First initiatives for individuals with disabilities show why this state exemplifies "America at its Best!"

2014 State Population.
0.81%
Change from
2013 to 2014
6,549,352
2014 Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
563,863
2014 Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.01%
Change from
2013 to 2014
168,683
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities).
-0.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
29.92%
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities).
0.47%
Change from
2013 to 2014
74.41%

General

 2012 2013 2014
Population. 6,456,243 6,495,978 6,549,352
Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 537,176 546,546 563,863
Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 150,276 163,614 168,683
Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). 2,512,568 2,545,442 2,557,629
Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). 27.98% 29.94% 29.92%
Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). 73.17% 74.06% 74.41%
Overall unemployment rate. 7.80% 7.80% 6.70%
Poverty Rate (all disabilities). 25.90% 24.40% 26.10%
Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). 16.60% 16.60% 16.90%
Number of males with disabilities (all ages). 460,332 465,433 483,056
Number of females with disabilities (all ages). 500,693 518,287 529,442
Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). 778,405 797,400 815,721
Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). 152,303 157,329 161,345
Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). 19,193 19,590 19,799
Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). 3,463 3,292 4,255
Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). 5,342 4,393 6,347
Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). N/A N/A N/A
Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). 16,921 16,684 19,929
Number of others with disabilities (all ages). 4,448 3,988 4,332
Notes: Employment percentages account for only those individuals 18 years or older who are classified members of the labor force.
Source:
StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes | U.S. Census Bureau-Fact Finder

 

SSA OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. 4,489 4,468 4,508
Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. 2.60% 2.60% 2.60%
Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. 250,888 217,950 252,231
Source:
SSI Annual Statistical Report | OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County

 

MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. 6,450 6,615 8,075
Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). 13,409 13,472 21,113
Number of adults served who have a known employment status. 32,039 32,954 43,402
Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. 20.10% 20.10% 18.60%
Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.60% 0.80% 0.70%
Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). 1.80% 0.60% 0.70%
Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). 1.10% 0.10% 0.20%
Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). 56.70% 60.70% 35.90%
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. 238 772 1,014
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. 697 610 1,026
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. 417 113 318
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. 22,411 58,023 52,191
Source:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) "Reports by Geography"

 

WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of registered job seekers with a disability. 8,247 6,806 8,544
Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. 0.02 0.02 0.04
Source:
Department of Labor Wagner-Peyser Data

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS)

 2011 2012 2013
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. 95 74 108
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. 55 46 59
Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. 58.00% 62.00% 55.00%
Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 0.86 0.71 0.91
Source:
Workforce Investment Act Data (Adults)

 

VR OUTCOMES

 2013 2014 2015
Total Number of people served under VR.
3,314
N/A
N/A
Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. 251 N/A N/A
Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. 228 N/A N/A
Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. 756 N/A N/A
Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. 933 N/A N/A
Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. 896 N/A N/A
Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. 250 N/A N/A
Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. 22.00% N/A N/A
Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. N/A 8,330 7,455
Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. N/A 371,554 371,708
Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). 266 N/A N/A
Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. 427 N/A N/A
Source:
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Basic VR GPRA Measures" | Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Core Tables for Basic VR" | StateData: the National Report on Employment Services an Outcomes | Social Security Administration "TicketTracker" May 2015

 

IDD OUTCOMES

 2011 2012 2013
Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. N/A N/A $11,372,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. N/A N/A $0
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. N/A N/A $24,128,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. N/A N/A $64,877,000
Percentage of people served in integrated employment. 18.00% 16.00% 19.00%
Number of people served in community based non-work. N/A 6,057 6,464
Number of people served in facility based work. N/A 3,558 0
Number of people served in facility based non-work. N/A 3,558 3,745
Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 17.90 17.20 20.40
Source:
StateData: the National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes

 

EDUCATION OUTCOMES

 2011 2012 2013
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). 63.40% 63.41% 66.07%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). 12.30% 11.92% 11.27%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). 1.80% 1.80% 1.76%
Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). 87.20% 87.60% 100.00%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). 15.00% 18.30% 21.27%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). 50.90% 52.30% 55.59%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). 60.30% 66.10% 67.70%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). 35.90% 34.00% 34.32%
Notes: Please refer to individual state profiles for most recent numbers by state
Source:
"FFY 2013 Part B State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR)"

 

ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM

 2014
Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. 871,430
Number of overall total blind and SD workers. 1,411
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). 56,166
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). 136,631
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). 192,797
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). 86
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). 190
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). 276
AbilityOne wages (products). $490,797
AbilityOne wages (services). $1,584,403
Notes: Average hourly wage(services)= services total wages earned/services total number of hours worked. | Average hourly wage(products)=products total wages earned/products total number of hours worked.
Source:
AbilityOne 2014 Annual Report

 

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES

 2014 2015
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. 0 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 61 62
Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. N/A 2
Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. N/A 64
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. N/A 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). N/A 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). N/A 3,999
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. N/A 42
Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. N/A 4,041
Notes: *WHD is cumulative data. Numbers for data items 4-10 are no longer available for 2014.
Source:
U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Business Certificate Holders List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) School Work Experience Programs (SWEP) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Employers of Patient Workers List

 

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

"Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life."

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee HB 896/SB 429 (ABLE) - 02/05/2015
The purpose of this bill is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence,  and quality of life; and (2) To provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of individuals with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.§§ 1381 et seq.);the TennCare programs under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, (42 U.S.C. §§1396 et seq.); or any successor to the TennCare program administered pursuant to the federal Medicaid laws, the individual’s employment, and other sources  
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee Title Code 67

A job tax credit of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each net new full-time employee job, and two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each net new part-time employee job, for a person with disabilities who is receiving state services directly related to such disabilities, shall be allowed against a taxpayer's franchise and excise liability tax for that year; provided, that:            (A)  The employment of such individual creates a net increase in the number of persons with disabilities employed by the taxpayer within the ninety-day period immediately preceding the employment;            (B)  The taxpayer provides such employment for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and for no less than the minimal hours per week; and for employees enrolled in the minimal health care benefits described in subdivision (g)(1), for respective full-time employment jobs and part-time employment jobs;   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Governor’s Executive Order Order Establishing The Tennessee Employment First I - 06/19/2013

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee… do hereby order and direct the following:

1. State agencies coordinate efforts to increase opportunities for integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities.2. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities convene an Employment First Taskforce (“Taskforce”).3 The Taskforce shall consist of representatives from the agencies administering disability services, family members of persons receiving employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce services and education, as well as consumer advocates and third party disability services providers.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Expect Employment 2016: Employment First Task Force Report to the Governor - 09/01/2016

“In 2013, Governor Haslam signed Executive Order No. 28, which established the Employment First Task Force in the state of Tennessee. The task force was charged with identifying and eliminating barriers to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities. Furthermore, the task force was to seek best practices, partnerships and opportunities for shared services to increase integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with disabilities….

With barriers identified and goals outlined, the Employment First Task Force focused its efforts in Year 3 on refining and completing the objectives. Many of the accomplishments can be directly tied to collaboration among state agencies and partner groups, including TennesseeWorks, Disability Rights Tennessee and The Arc Tennessee. This includes the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Transition from School to Work, the submission of the Combined State Plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the development of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. All of these initiatives have benefitted from the cooperation and the public-private partnerships that were initiated through Executive Order No. 28, and collectively stand to have a tremendous impact on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Individually, many agencies have also made progress in their own programs that are leading to direct results.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2020) - 07/01/2016
The State of Tennessee is submitting a Combined State Plan (CSP) in which the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is the authorized and signatory entity designated to receive funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Through a strong collaboration with  the Tennessee Departments of Human Services (DHS), Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Education (TNED), we have developed Tennessee’s strategic and operational plans for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)   “Among the disability populations in Tennessee, as the data below shows, those currently not in the labor force are a priority in workforce services, where 34 % Or over 300000 people with disabilities need to be reached and provided career Paths and appropriate training services. We must do so through these sustained Partnerships which are emerging from the implementation of WIOA   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Expect Employment 2015: TN Employment First Task Force Report - 09/01/2015

In the past year, Tennessee:

Continued to expand Project SEARCH to include 60 interns participating at 7 program sites statewide. A total of 42 individuals have been employed through Project SEARCH Secured federal grants and reallocated resources to expand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) initiative to include transition-age youth and homeless veterans, and locations in West Tennessee. To date, over 270 individuals have been served by IPS and 148 have been placed in employment receiving a competitive wage. Department of Education celebrated the first graduates in May 2015 who received the new Occupational Diploma. A total of 11 students in 4 pilot districts received the diploma and that number is expected to grow significantly for 2015/16.

Professional Development Opportunities for Service Providers

As of June 2015, 13 Community Rehabilitation providers from across the state are certified as Employment First participants by DIDD as they commit to shift their services away from the sheltered workshop model to services that promote and support employment in the general workforce as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. The 2015 Tennessee Disability Mega Conference, an event sponsored by many of the Employment First Task Force members, featured an employment theme throughout the two-day event and was attended by more than 650 individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment First Road Map: 2015-2017 - 08/15/2015

Employment first strategic goals: 2015-2017

Alignment and Coordination of Service Systems: Align service delivery systems and strengthen coordination to increase employment opportunities for Tennesseans with disabilities. Community Commitment: Build shared community commitment to “employment first” for individuals with disabilities. More Employers Hiring: Increase the number of businesses and employers throughout the state who actively seek and hire individuals with disabilities. Tennessee as Model Public Sector Employer: Make Tennessee a model public sector employer through actions to employ more people with disabilities and through policy and regulatory change.  Student Transition to Employment: Prepare students for employment throughout their education and connect them to essential services.
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

TN Governor Haslam Proclaims March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” - 03/19/2015
“The proclamation states that “families of people with developmental disabilities deserve our admiration and recognition for their caring commitment and ongoing support that are essential to an independent and productive life”.  Many individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members still face enormous challenges in accessing needed services and supports to allow them to live successful lives in their communities alongside people without disabilities.”  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
Citations

Tennessee Selected to Participate in 2015 as Core State for Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) - 12/01/2014

This [Tennessee’s selection as a Core State] clearly demonstrates the significant strides that Tennessee has made relative to the EFSLMP initiative and ODEP’s support for our State as we continue moving forward… EFSLMP works to advance Employment First, a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of people with the most significant disabilities in the workplace. EFSLMP provides support and resources to help select states align policies, regulations, and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for people with significant disabilities.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Expect Employment: TN Employment First Taskforce Report 2014 - 08/01/2014

“The Employment First Task Force concluded its first year on August 1, 2014, with the following recommendations:1. Develop a Memorandum of Understanding among state agencies to facilitate coordination among programs and produce successful outcomes for people with disabilities.2. Engage and support Tennessee businesses in employing people with disabilities in support of the Drive to 55 goals.3. Make the State of Tennessee a model employer of people with disabilities, including the expansion of opportunities for internships.4. Ensure every student with a disability leaves high school with a smooth transition that would include a choice of (but not be limited to) postsecondary education, a job training program, or paid, integrated employment to the same extent as students without disabilities.5. Support individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing their knowledge about the benefits of employment as a life goal. 6. Ensure that all working-age Tennesseans with disabilities have access to a system of supports that enables them to obtain and maintain employment in the community throughout their lives. 7. Create and implement a three-year strategic workforce development plan, continuing the work of the Task Force under the authority of Executive Order 28.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Insure Tennessee Plan

“Nearly one million Tennesseans have disabilities and many struggle to access the health care they need. Access to quality health care is a priority for the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) and its members. TDC has joined with business leaders, health care providers, and other advocates as a partner in the Coalition for a Healthy Tennessee.”   “More than half of the people in the [insurance] gap are working, but they don’t make enough money to buy health insurance. [This includes] Working Tennesseans with disabilities who are in low paying jobs; Veterans, some of whom have disabilities who don’t have VA benefits; Adults on SSDI who are in the Medicare waiting period; [and] People with health conditions and disabilities that could get back to work if they could get healthy…”  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Tennessee DIDD “Way2Work”

The state also solidified an agreement that addresses some components of WIOA, created more employment vignettes, and named the series of videos: Way2Work

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Supported Employment

“Work can be a big boost to a person’s recovery. Not only does a job help pay the bills, it can also provide a person with a sense of pride and belonging. Having a job adds structure to daily life, increases social contacts and support, and enhances opportunities for personal achievement. Supported Employment programs assist individuals in obtaining employment, and once employed, provide supports to assist in maintaining the job.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Tennessee Employment First

“Employment First is a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of individuals with varying degrees of abilities in the workplace and in the community. Under the Employment First approach, community-based integrated employment is the first and preferred employment service option for youth and adults with significant disabilities.”

“To advance Employment First, The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) created the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Program (EFSLMP). This program assists states to align policies, regulations and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for individuals with significant disabilities…”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Tennessee Memorandum of Understanding between DIDD and VR - 01/07/2016

On December 14, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program and DIDD was finalized. In 2014, both agencies started discussing the option of creating an MOU through a Vision Quest workgroup (as part of the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program) spearheaded by two ODEP Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Stephen Hall and Sara Murphy.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Memorandum of Understanding for School-to-Work Transition - 08/05/2015

Five state agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve services and better prepare youth with disabilities to transition from school into integrated employment in the community.  The MOU focuses on students age 14 years and over and aims to ensure all youth with disabilities leaving secondary education are prepared for either post-secondary training and/or integrated employment appropriate for their preferences, interests, skills and abilities.  “It’s vitally important that all state agencies work together to make sure youth with disabilities leave school and have the opportunity to contribute to the workforce,” Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Debra Payne said.  “It takes a team effort to make sure they have the training and support necessary to make that happen."

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Interagency Agreement Regarding IDEA - 07/01/2012

“The purpose of this Agreement is to identify and define the financial responsibilities of the Parties to this Agreement and to facilitate the provision and coordination of services for all infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults who are IDEA eligible. This Agreement formalizes policies, procedures, and fiscal responsibilities of the parties relating to IDEA.” 

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment Consortium - 06/01/2007

“The Tennessee Employment Consortium (TEC) is a statewide organization focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans in integrated employment. The consortium comprises volunteers from the state's Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS) and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the ARC of Tennessee, the Center on Disability and Employment at the University of Tennessee, community rehabilitation providers (CRPs), family members, and other stakeholders. TEC's ability to organize collaborative activities across state agencies, advocacy organizations, and CRPs has played an important role in increasing integrated employment outcomes.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - 05/01/2007

“The Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities was formed in May 2007 to increase awareness about the need for postsecondary opportunities in Tennessee, to gather information about postsecondary programs in other states, and to develop a pilot program on a Tennessee college campus

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services

This state plan for FY 2014 mentions interagency arrangements to provide supported employment and customized employment services for people with disabilities, addresses the need for official policy regarding transition aged youth, establishes come goals for each of its target areas.

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “Our partnership is focused on helping: Self-Advocates to aspire toward competitive work; Employers to recognize the contributions people with disabilities can make in the workplace; Educators to prepare young people with disabilities with strong skills and opportunities; Families to communicate high expectations from an early age; and State Systems and Disability Agencies to support real work for real pay.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

The ARC Tennessee

“The Arc Tennessee is a charitable organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities through its services and programs. The Arc Tennessee has been creating choices and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1952… We are a chapter and membership organization composed of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, friends, and professionals who assist them in reaching their goals.….The Arc Tennessee continues to lead alliances and work collaboratively with many organizations in an effort to advance services and supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. “

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) - 10/01/2011

“The TDEI project will replicate and improve upon the experience of the Disability Navigator Program (DPN) active in the nine (9) participating WIBs [Workforce Investment Boards]. The DPN Initiative provided a bridge between One-Stop Career Center staff, private and public partners, and the disability community. Each participating WIB will be responsible for tailoring a basic set of services to the needs of their local population with disabilities, as well as potential employers. Three (3) WIBs will offer services to customers with disabilities in primarily rural areas. The TDEI will rely on the states two Work Incentives Planning and Assistance service providers to assist it to work with Social Security disability beneficiaries.” The grant ended in 2014.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Olmstead E Workforce Grant: Service Integration. The ARC of TN - 07/01/2007

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE project was designed to expand the Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership (TCEP) from the Tennessee Career Center in Knoxville to other One-Stops across the state. As part of this replication effort, the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant funded TCEP hubs in Tennessee Career Centers in Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Columbia.”

“The project expanded and documented the capability of individuals transitioning from segregated environments to community employment using customized strategies to increase their earnings and economic power through participation in employment. This allowed people served by the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant to and live, work and fully participate in their communities. Another accomplishment of the grant was an employment campaign that served to heighten support among the Governor's cabinet, elected officials, employers, consumers, families, and the public.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Disability Program Navigator

“ETA and SSA are jointly funding the DPN Initiative in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands where SSA implemented employment support initiatives. This Initiative promotes comprehensive services and work incentive information for SSA beneficiaries and other people with disabilities, through the One Stop system. The Initiative focuses on developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless, comprehensive, and integrated access to services, creating systemic change, and expanding the workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities and employers.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

AIDD Partnerships in Employment

TennesseeWorks Partnership: Changing the Employment Landscape“The Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in DevelopmentalDisabilities and 28 agencies and organizations will develop a vibrant collaborativeacross the state to increase the number of young people accessing competitiveemployment prior to leaving high school; increase the capacity and commitmentamong families and practitioners to support competitive employment and careerdevelopment; raise expectations among youth, families, educators and providers;reallocate resources and funding streams toward competitive employment; andincrease the number of families and educators accessing professional development,resources, and supports addressing competitive employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Guide for Provider Transformation to an Employment First Service Model - 06/15/2016

“This manual outlines different strategies that providers can use to help people with disabilities gain integrated, competitive employment. It also outlines strategies to help providers transition to an Employment First Service Model, rather than focusing on sheltered work.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Transition Institutes and Information Fairs - 04/11/2016

“This event is the place for students, parents, teachers, and service providers to find answers to their questions, make connections, and receive tools to use that will help ensure students with disabilities exit high school prepared to live, work, and participate fully in their community!”

Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment Readiness program (ERP)

The focus of the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is to prepare students in areas of employment and life skills. The ERP curriculum-based course spans 14 weeks and includes individualized and group format instruction and community based hands-on experience in a variety of work environments.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Employment and Individuals With Disabilities

This sheet contains tips and resources related to customized and supported employment in relation to Tennessee Disability Pathfinder and TennesseeWorks.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Employment First Trainings

MG&A articles & presentations on Customized Employment and Discovery from the TDI&DD website.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
Citations

National Center on Workforce & Disability - Tennessee

This web page contains articles related to customized employment and other processes and programs used to promote integrated employment in the state of Tennessee.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Beach Center on Disability Research Highlights: Customized Employment

“Thirty individual job seekers with disabilities participated in a customized employment process. Each job seeker was asked to rate their quality of life before they participated in the customized employment process, three months after participating in the process, and six months after participating in the process. Quality of life was measured using a modified version of Conroy’s Quality of Life Changes Scale (2001). Through interviews with either the job seeker or a related community rehabilitation support worker, the authors found positive changes in 13 quality of life indicators as a result of participating in a customized employment process. This research supports the notion that customized employment contributes to improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
Citations

Basic Rights: Training on IDEA Parent’s Introduction to Special Education Workshop

This workshop is designed for professionals and parents of children in special education or that might need special education. Come and gain a working knowledge of special education laws, including your role in the development of an appropriate education program (IEP) and how to be an effective partner with the school team in the process.  
Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

University of Tennessee, Center for Literacy, Education and Employment

“ Support for diversity and inclusion is a value at the core of the Center for Literacy, Education and Employment (CLEE). In addition, we determine the direction of our work by listening to and learning from practitioners, policymakers, business leaders and community leaders, as well as the academic community. As a result, the Center has a long history of involvement in advocacy efforts in the fields of literacy, education and employment, particularly those focused on supporting ALL individuals to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership 2004

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Partnership (Working for Freedom Opportunity and Real Choice through Community Employment) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $75,000 per year per grantee for three years (a total award of $225,000 per grantee) to develop the capacity of at least one of their Career Centers to create “Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership” (TCEP) Hubs to provide customized employment services to people with significant disabilities. Funding is contingent upon continued appropriation from the federal government. Through an application process, up to three awards will be made. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability & Employment Policy (ODEP) through a grant to The Arc of Tennessee.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

NOTE: Tennessee is using resources from the EFLSMP to provide training and capacity building to large workshops in the state. The capacity building includes customized employment and alternative sources of funding to providers, including becoming an Employment Network of the Ticket to Work Program.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “This new website is an online resource for those in our state committed to these goals. [You can] [s]elect your role… to find comprehensive information, trainings, videos, success stories, and many other resources to equip, inform, and inspire your work.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Clover Bottom, Greene Valley, and Nat T. Winston Developmental Centers - Memorandum Approving Exit Plan (2015) - 01/29/2015
To effectively facilitate reform in mental health services, the Court cannot allow “perfect to become the enemy of good” nor allow the concepts of federalism and separation of powers to be ignored. The Court concludes that the Exit Plan presented by the Parties is “fair, reasonable, and adequate” and provides the next iteration of improvement to the lives of those with disabilities in Tennessee. It will test political will and legislative leadership to continue that progress and to determine how best to care for those often left in the shadows.    For the reasons detailed above, the Court will grant the unopposed joint motion seeking approval of an Exit Plan (Docket No. 1118-1) and entry of a proposed Agreed Order (Docket No. 1118-2). The Motion to Intervene brought by conservators of GVDC residents and Citizens for a Better Tennessee (Docket No. 1121) will be denied. .  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
Citations

Employment and Community First CHOICES (Employment Program) - 07/01/2016

“On July 1, 2016, Tennessee started a new program for people with intellectual and other kinds of developmental disabilities. This new program is called Employment and Community First CHOICES. Services in the new program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community. For people who are not ready for a job in the community, the new program offers services to help prepare for employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0001 (approved 3-22-2016) - 03/22/2016

The State covers low-income families and children for Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) under section 1925 of the Social Security Act (the Act). This coverage is provided for families who no longer qualify under section 1931 of the Act due to increased earned income, or working hours, from the caretaker relative’s employment, or due to the loss of a time-limited earned income disregard. (1902(a)(52), 1902(e)(1), and 1925 of the Act)

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule Statewide Transition Plan (11/2015) Amended Based on Public Comment (2/2016) - 02/01/2016
1915 (c) waiver settings assessed included:  • Residential Habilitation  • Employment and Day (Community and Facility Based Day, In-home Day, and Supported Employment)  • Family Model Residential Support  • Medical Residential Services  • Supported Living   
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Medicaid State Plan

Tennessee’s full state plan for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Program.

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Citations

Tennessee Application for a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Service Waiver

The Self-Determination Waiver offers a continuum of services that are selected by each individual pursuant to a person-centered planning process and support each person’s independence and full integration into the community, including opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive, integrated settings and engage in community life. Services are delivered in a manner which ensures each individual’s rights of privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint; optimizes individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices; and are delivered in a manner that comports fully with standards applicable to HCBS settings delivered under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act…  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN The Self-Determination Waiver (0427.R01)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have moderate service needs that can be met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. The Self-Determination Waiver Program affords participants the opportunity to lead the person-centered planning process and directly manage selected services, including the recruitment and management of service providers. Participants and families (as appropriate) electing self-determination are empowered and have the responsibility for managing a self-determination budget affording flexibility in service design and delivery. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Respite; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Individual Transportation Services; Nutrition Services; Semi-Independent Living Services; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Nursing Services; and Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision.’

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

The Arlington Waiver (#0357.R02)

“[This waiver] program serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have service needs that can be satisfactorily met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. These individuals qualify for and absent the provision of waiver services, would be placed in an ICF/IID. The target population for this waiver consists of persons with intellectual disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria and are class members certified in United States vs. State of Tennessee, et al. (Arlington Developmental Center). The Arlington Waiver includes the same services available in The Statewide Waiver.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee Statewide Waiver (0128.R04)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities. The target population consists of children with developmental delays and adults and children with intellectual disability who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Family Model Residential Support; Individual Transportation Services; Intensive Behavior Residential Services; Medical Residential Services; Nursing Services; Nutrition Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Residential Habilitation; Respite; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Supported Living; Support Coordination; and Transitional Case Management.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federally funded grant awarded to TennCare with the purpose of assisting the state to transition people from nursing homes and institutions to home and community based care, and to also assist the state to rebalance their long term care expenditures.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

States - Large Tablet

Snapshot

Tennessee is the Volunteer State, and its outstanding Employment First initiatives for individuals with disabilities show why this state exemplifies "America at its Best!"

2014 State Population.
0.81%
Change from
2013 to 2014
6,549,352
2014 Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
563,863
2014 Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.01%
Change from
2013 to 2014
168,683
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities).
-0.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
29.92%
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities).
0.47%
Change from
2013 to 2014
74.41%

State Data

General

 2012 2013 2014
Population. 6,456,243 6,495,978 6,549,352
Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 537,176 546,546 563,863
Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 150,276 163,614 168,683
Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). 2,512,568 2,545,442 2,557,629
Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). 27.98% 29.94% 29.92%
Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). 73.17% 74.06% 74.41%
Overall unemployment rate. 7.80% 7.80% 6.70%
Poverty Rate (all disabilities). 25.90% 24.40% 26.10%
Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). 16.60% 16.60% 16.90%
Number of males with disabilities (all ages). 460,332 465,433 483,056
Number of females with disabilities (all ages). 500,693 518,287 529,442
Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). 778,405 797,400 815,721
Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). 152,303 157,329 161,345
Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). 19,193 19,590 19,799
Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). 3,463 3,292 4,255
Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). 5,342 4,393 6,347
Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). N/A N/A N/A
Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). 16,921 16,684 19,929
Number of others with disabilities (all ages). 4,448 3,988 4,332
Notes: Employment percentages account for only those individuals 18 years or older who are classified members of the labor force.
Source:
StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes | U.S. Census Bureau-Fact Finder

 

SSA OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. 4,489 4,468 4,508
Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. 2.60% 2.60% 2.60%
Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. 250,888 217,950 252,231
Source:
SSI Annual Statistical Report | OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County

 

MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. 6,450 6,615 8,075
Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). 13,409 13,472 21,113
Number of adults served who have a known employment status. 32,039 32,954 43,402
Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. 20.10% 20.10% 18.60%
Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.60% 0.80% 0.70%
Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). 1.80% 0.60% 0.70%
Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). 1.10% 0.10% 0.20%
Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). 56.70% 60.70% 35.90%
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. 238 772 1,014
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. 697 610 1,026
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. 417 113 318
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. 22,411 58,023 52,191
Source:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) "Reports by Geography"

 

WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of registered job seekers with a disability. 8,247 6,806 8,544
Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. 0.02 0.02 0.04
Source:
Department of Labor Wagner-Peyser Data

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS)

 2011 2012 2013
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. 95 74 108
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. 55 46 59
Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. 58.00% 62.00% 55.00%
Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 0.86 0.71 0.91
Source:
Workforce Investment Act Data (Adults)

 

VR OUTCOMES

 2013 2014 2015
Total Number of people served under VR.
3,314
N/A
N/A
Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. 251 N/A N/A
Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. 228 N/A N/A
Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. 756 N/A N/A
Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. 933 N/A N/A
Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. 896 N/A N/A
Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. 250 N/A N/A
Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. 22.00% N/A N/A
Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. N/A 8,330 7,455
Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. N/A 371,554 371,708
Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). 266 N/A N/A
Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. 427 N/A N/A
Source:
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Basic VR GPRA Measures" | Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Core Tables for Basic VR" | StateData: the National Report on Employment Services an Outcomes | Social Security Administration "TicketTracker" May 2015

 

IDD OUTCOMES

 2011 2012 2013
Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. N/A N/A $11,372,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. N/A N/A $0
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. N/A N/A $24,128,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. N/A N/A $64,877,000
Percentage of people served in integrated employment. 18.00% 16.00% 19.00%
Number of people served in community based non-work. N/A 6,057 6,464
Number of people served in facility based work. N/A 3,558 0
Number of people served in facility based non-work. N/A 3,558 3,745
Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 17.90 17.20 20.40
Source:
StateData: the National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes

 

EDUCATION OUTCOMES

 2011 2012 2013
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). 63.40% 63.41% 66.07%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). 12.30% 11.92% 11.27%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). 1.80% 1.80% 1.76%
Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). 87.20% 87.60% 100.00%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). 15.00% 18.30% 21.27%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). 50.90% 52.30% 55.59%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). 60.30% 66.10% 67.70%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). 35.90% 34.00% 34.32%
Notes: Please refer to individual state profiles for most recent numbers by state
Source:
"FFY 2013 Part B State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR)"

 

ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM

 2014
Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. 871,430
Number of overall total blind and SD workers. 1,411
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). 56,166
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). 136,631
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). 192,797
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). 86
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). 190
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). 276
AbilityOne wages (products). $490,797
AbilityOne wages (services). $1,584,403
Notes: Average hourly wage(services)= services total wages earned/services total number of hours worked. | Average hourly wage(products)=products total wages earned/products total number of hours worked.
Source:
AbilityOne 2014 Annual Report

 

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES

 2014 2015
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. 0 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 61 62
Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. N/A 2
Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. N/A 64
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. N/A 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). N/A 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). N/A 3,999
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. N/A 42
Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. N/A 4,041
Notes: *WHD is cumulative data. Numbers for data items 4-10 are no longer available for 2014.
Source:
U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Business Certificate Holders List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) School Work Experience Programs (SWEP) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Employers of Patient Workers List

 

Legislation

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

"Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life."

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee HB 896/SB 429 (ABLE) - 02/05/2015
The purpose of this bill is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence,  and quality of life; and (2) To provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of individuals with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.§§ 1381 et seq.);the TennCare programs under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, (42 U.S.C. §§1396 et seq.); or any successor to the TennCare program administered pursuant to the federal Medicaid laws, the individual’s employment, and other sources  
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee Title Code 67

A job tax credit of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each net new full-time employee job, and two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each net new part-time employee job, for a person with disabilities who is receiving state services directly related to such disabilities, shall be allowed against a taxpayer's franchise and excise liability tax for that year; provided, that:            (A)  The employment of such individual creates a net increase in the number of persons with disabilities employed by the taxpayer within the ninety-day period immediately preceding the employment;            (B)  The taxpayer provides such employment for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and for no less than the minimal hours per week; and for employees enrolled in the minimal health care benefits described in subdivision (g)(1), for respective full-time employment jobs and part-time employment jobs;   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Executive Orders

Governor’s Executive Order Order Establishing The Tennessee Employment First I - 06/19/2013

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee… do hereby order and direct the following:

1. State agencies coordinate efforts to increase opportunities for integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities.2. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities convene an Employment First Taskforce (“Taskforce”).3 The Taskforce shall consist of representatives from the agencies administering disability services, family members of persons receiving employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce services and education, as well as consumer advocates and third party disability services providers.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Policy

Expect Employment 2016: Employment First Task Force Report to the Governor - 09/01/2016

“In 2013, Governor Haslam signed Executive Order No. 28, which established the Employment First Task Force in the state of Tennessee. The task force was charged with identifying and eliminating barriers to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities. Furthermore, the task force was to seek best practices, partnerships and opportunities for shared services to increase integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with disabilities….

With barriers identified and goals outlined, the Employment First Task Force focused its efforts in Year 3 on refining and completing the objectives. Many of the accomplishments can be directly tied to collaboration among state agencies and partner groups, including TennesseeWorks, Disability Rights Tennessee and The Arc Tennessee. This includes the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Transition from School to Work, the submission of the Combined State Plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the development of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. All of these initiatives have benefitted from the cooperation and the public-private partnerships that were initiated through Executive Order No. 28, and collectively stand to have a tremendous impact on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Individually, many agencies have also made progress in their own programs that are leading to direct results.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2020) - 07/01/2016
The State of Tennessee is submitting a Combined State Plan (CSP) in which the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is the authorized and signatory entity designated to receive funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Through a strong collaboration with  the Tennessee Departments of Human Services (DHS), Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Education (TNED), we have developed Tennessee’s strategic and operational plans for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)   “Among the disability populations in Tennessee, as the data below shows, those currently not in the labor force are a priority in workforce services, where 34 % Or over 300000 people with disabilities need to be reached and provided career Paths and appropriate training services. We must do so through these sustained Partnerships which are emerging from the implementation of WIOA   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Expect Employment 2015: TN Employment First Task Force Report - 09/01/2015

In the past year, Tennessee:

Continued to expand Project SEARCH to include 60 interns participating at 7 program sites statewide. A total of 42 individuals have been employed through Project SEARCH Secured federal grants and reallocated resources to expand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) initiative to include transition-age youth and homeless veterans, and locations in West Tennessee. To date, over 270 individuals have been served by IPS and 148 have been placed in employment receiving a competitive wage. Department of Education celebrated the first graduates in May 2015 who received the new Occupational Diploma. A total of 11 students in 4 pilot districts received the diploma and that number is expected to grow significantly for 2015/16.

Professional Development Opportunities for Service Providers

As of June 2015, 13 Community Rehabilitation providers from across the state are certified as Employment First participants by DIDD as they commit to shift their services away from the sheltered workshop model to services that promote and support employment in the general workforce as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. The 2015 Tennessee Disability Mega Conference, an event sponsored by many of the Employment First Task Force members, featured an employment theme throughout the two-day event and was attended by more than 650 individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment First Road Map: 2015-2017 - 08/15/2015

Employment first strategic goals: 2015-2017

Alignment and Coordination of Service Systems: Align service delivery systems and strengthen coordination to increase employment opportunities for Tennesseans with disabilities. Community Commitment: Build shared community commitment to “employment first” for individuals with disabilities. More Employers Hiring: Increase the number of businesses and employers throughout the state who actively seek and hire individuals with disabilities. Tennessee as Model Public Sector Employer: Make Tennessee a model public sector employer through actions to employ more people with disabilities and through policy and regulatory change.  Student Transition to Employment: Prepare students for employment throughout their education and connect them to essential services.
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

TN Governor Haslam Proclaims March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” - 03/19/2015
“The proclamation states that “families of people with developmental disabilities deserve our admiration and recognition for their caring commitment and ongoing support that are essential to an independent and productive life”.  Many individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members still face enormous challenges in accessing needed services and supports to allow them to live successful lives in their communities alongside people without disabilities.”  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
Citations

Tennessee Selected to Participate in 2015 as Core State for Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) - 12/01/2014

This [Tennessee’s selection as a Core State] clearly demonstrates the significant strides that Tennessee has made relative to the EFSLMP initiative and ODEP’s support for our State as we continue moving forward… EFSLMP works to advance Employment First, a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of people with the most significant disabilities in the workplace. EFSLMP provides support and resources to help select states align policies, regulations, and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for people with significant disabilities.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Expect Employment: TN Employment First Taskforce Report 2014 - 08/01/2014

“The Employment First Task Force concluded its first year on August 1, 2014, with the following recommendations:1. Develop a Memorandum of Understanding among state agencies to facilitate coordination among programs and produce successful outcomes for people with disabilities.2. Engage and support Tennessee businesses in employing people with disabilities in support of the Drive to 55 goals.3. Make the State of Tennessee a model employer of people with disabilities, including the expansion of opportunities for internships.4. Ensure every student with a disability leaves high school with a smooth transition that would include a choice of (but not be limited to) postsecondary education, a job training program, or paid, integrated employment to the same extent as students without disabilities.5. Support individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing their knowledge about the benefits of employment as a life goal. 6. Ensure that all working-age Tennesseans with disabilities have access to a system of supports that enables them to obtain and maintain employment in the community throughout their lives. 7. Create and implement a three-year strategic workforce development plan, continuing the work of the Task Force under the authority of Executive Order 28.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Insure Tennessee Plan

“Nearly one million Tennesseans have disabilities and many struggle to access the health care they need. Access to quality health care is a priority for the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) and its members. TDC has joined with business leaders, health care providers, and other advocates as a partner in the Coalition for a Healthy Tennessee.”   “More than half of the people in the [insurance] gap are working, but they don’t make enough money to buy health insurance. [This includes] Working Tennesseans with disabilities who are in low paying jobs; Veterans, some of whom have disabilities who don’t have VA benefits; Adults on SSDI who are in the Medicare waiting period; [and] People with health conditions and disabilities that could get back to work if they could get healthy…”  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Tennessee DIDD “Way2Work”

The state also solidified an agreement that addresses some components of WIOA, created more employment vignettes, and named the series of videos: Way2Work

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Supported Employment

“Work can be a big boost to a person’s recovery. Not only does a job help pay the bills, it can also provide a person with a sense of pride and belonging. Having a job adds structure to daily life, increases social contacts and support, and enhances opportunities for personal achievement. Supported Employment programs assist individuals in obtaining employment, and once employed, provide supports to assist in maintaining the job.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Tennessee Employment First

“Employment First is a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of individuals with varying degrees of abilities in the workplace and in the community. Under the Employment First approach, community-based integrated employment is the first and preferred employment service option for youth and adults with significant disabilities.”

“To advance Employment First, The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) created the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Program (EFSLMP). This program assists states to align policies, regulations and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for individuals with significant disabilities…”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Partnerships

Tennessee Memorandum of Understanding between DIDD and VR - 01/07/2016

On December 14, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program and DIDD was finalized. In 2014, both agencies started discussing the option of creating an MOU through a Vision Quest workgroup (as part of the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program) spearheaded by two ODEP Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Stephen Hall and Sara Murphy.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Memorandum of Understanding for School-to-Work Transition - 08/05/2015

Five state agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve services and better prepare youth with disabilities to transition from school into integrated employment in the community.  The MOU focuses on students age 14 years and over and aims to ensure all youth with disabilities leaving secondary education are prepared for either post-secondary training and/or integrated employment appropriate for their preferences, interests, skills and abilities.  “It’s vitally important that all state agencies work together to make sure youth with disabilities leave school and have the opportunity to contribute to the workforce,” Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Debra Payne said.  “It takes a team effort to make sure they have the training and support necessary to make that happen."

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Interagency Agreement Regarding IDEA - 07/01/2012

“The purpose of this Agreement is to identify and define the financial responsibilities of the Parties to this Agreement and to facilitate the provision and coordination of services for all infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults who are IDEA eligible. This Agreement formalizes policies, procedures, and fiscal responsibilities of the parties relating to IDEA.” 

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment Consortium - 06/01/2007

“The Tennessee Employment Consortium (TEC) is a statewide organization focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans in integrated employment. The consortium comprises volunteers from the state's Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS) and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the ARC of Tennessee, the Center on Disability and Employment at the University of Tennessee, community rehabilitation providers (CRPs), family members, and other stakeholders. TEC's ability to organize collaborative activities across state agencies, advocacy organizations, and CRPs has played an important role in increasing integrated employment outcomes.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - 05/01/2007

“The Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities was formed in May 2007 to increase awareness about the need for postsecondary opportunities in Tennessee, to gather information about postsecondary programs in other states, and to develop a pilot program on a Tennessee college campus

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services

This state plan for FY 2014 mentions interagency arrangements to provide supported employment and customized employment services for people with disabilities, addresses the need for official policy regarding transition aged youth, establishes come goals for each of its target areas.

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “Our partnership is focused on helping: Self-Advocates to aspire toward competitive work; Employers to recognize the contributions people with disabilities can make in the workplace; Educators to prepare young people with disabilities with strong skills and opportunities; Families to communicate high expectations from an early age; and State Systems and Disability Agencies to support real work for real pay.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

The ARC Tennessee

“The Arc Tennessee is a charitable organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities through its services and programs. The Arc Tennessee has been creating choices and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1952… We are a chapter and membership organization composed of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, friends, and professionals who assist them in reaching their goals.….The Arc Tennessee continues to lead alliances and work collaboratively with many organizations in an effort to advance services and supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. “

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Systems-Change Funding

Tennessee Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) - 10/01/2011

“The TDEI project will replicate and improve upon the experience of the Disability Navigator Program (DPN) active in the nine (9) participating WIBs [Workforce Investment Boards]. The DPN Initiative provided a bridge between One-Stop Career Center staff, private and public partners, and the disability community. Each participating WIB will be responsible for tailoring a basic set of services to the needs of their local population with disabilities, as well as potential employers. Three (3) WIBs will offer services to customers with disabilities in primarily rural areas. The TDEI will rely on the states two Work Incentives Planning and Assistance service providers to assist it to work with Social Security disability beneficiaries.” The grant ended in 2014.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Olmstead E Workforce Grant: Service Integration. The ARC of TN - 07/01/2007

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE project was designed to expand the Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership (TCEP) from the Tennessee Career Center in Knoxville to other One-Stops across the state. As part of this replication effort, the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant funded TCEP hubs in Tennessee Career Centers in Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Columbia.”

“The project expanded and documented the capability of individuals transitioning from segregated environments to community employment using customized strategies to increase their earnings and economic power through participation in employment. This allowed people served by the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant to and live, work and fully participate in their communities. Another accomplishment of the grant was an employment campaign that served to heighten support among the Governor's cabinet, elected officials, employers, consumers, families, and the public.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Disability Program Navigator

“ETA and SSA are jointly funding the DPN Initiative in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands where SSA implemented employment support initiatives. This Initiative promotes comprehensive services and work incentive information for SSA beneficiaries and other people with disabilities, through the One Stop system. The Initiative focuses on developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless, comprehensive, and integrated access to services, creating systemic change, and expanding the workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities and employers.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

AIDD Partnerships in Employment

TennesseeWorks Partnership: Changing the Employment Landscape“The Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in DevelopmentalDisabilities and 28 agencies and organizations will develop a vibrant collaborativeacross the state to increase the number of young people accessing competitiveemployment prior to leaving high school; increase the capacity and commitmentamong families and practitioners to support competitive employment and careerdevelopment; raise expectations among youth, families, educators and providers;reallocate resources and funding streams toward competitive employment; andincrease the number of families and educators accessing professional development,resources, and supports addressing competitive employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Training/Capacity Building

Guide for Provider Transformation to an Employment First Service Model - 06/15/2016

“This manual outlines different strategies that providers can use to help people with disabilities gain integrated, competitive employment. It also outlines strategies to help providers transition to an Employment First Service Model, rather than focusing on sheltered work.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Transition Institutes and Information Fairs - 04/11/2016

“This event is the place for students, parents, teachers, and service providers to find answers to their questions, make connections, and receive tools to use that will help ensure students with disabilities exit high school prepared to live, work, and participate fully in their community!”

Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment Readiness program (ERP)

The focus of the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is to prepare students in areas of employment and life skills. The ERP curriculum-based course spans 14 weeks and includes individualized and group format instruction and community based hands-on experience in a variety of work environments.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Employment and Individuals With Disabilities

This sheet contains tips and resources related to customized and supported employment in relation to Tennessee Disability Pathfinder and TennesseeWorks.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Employment First Trainings

MG&A articles & presentations on Customized Employment and Discovery from the TDI&DD website.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
Citations

National Center on Workforce & Disability - Tennessee

This web page contains articles related to customized employment and other processes and programs used to promote integrated employment in the state of Tennessee.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Beach Center on Disability Research Highlights: Customized Employment

“Thirty individual job seekers with disabilities participated in a customized employment process. Each job seeker was asked to rate their quality of life before they participated in the customized employment process, three months after participating in the process, and six months after participating in the process. Quality of life was measured using a modified version of Conroy’s Quality of Life Changes Scale (2001). Through interviews with either the job seeker or a related community rehabilitation support worker, the authors found positive changes in 13 quality of life indicators as a result of participating in a customized employment process. This research supports the notion that customized employment contributes to improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
Citations

Basic Rights: Training on IDEA Parent’s Introduction to Special Education Workshop

This workshop is designed for professionals and parents of children in special education or that might need special education. Come and gain a working knowledge of special education laws, including your role in the development of an appropriate education program (IEP) and how to be an effective partner with the school team in the process.  
Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

University of Tennessee, Center for Literacy, Education and Employment

“ Support for diversity and inclusion is a value at the core of the Center for Literacy, Education and Employment (CLEE). In addition, we determine the direction of our work by listening to and learning from practitioners, policymakers, business leaders and community leaders, as well as the academic community. As a result, the Center has a long history of involvement in advocacy efforts in the fields of literacy, education and employment, particularly those focused on supporting ALL individuals to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership 2004

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Partnership (Working for Freedom Opportunity and Real Choice through Community Employment) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $75,000 per year per grantee for three years (a total award of $225,000 per grantee) to develop the capacity of at least one of their Career Centers to create “Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership” (TCEP) Hubs to provide customized employment services to people with significant disabilities. Funding is contingent upon continued appropriation from the federal government. Through an application process, up to three awards will be made. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability & Employment Policy (ODEP) through a grant to The Arc of Tennessee.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

NOTE: Tennessee is using resources from the EFLSMP to provide training and capacity building to large workshops in the state. The capacity building includes customized employment and alternative sources of funding to providers, including becoming an Employment Network of the Ticket to Work Program.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “This new website is an online resource for those in our state committed to these goals. [You can] [s]elect your role… to find comprehensive information, trainings, videos, success stories, and many other resources to equip, inform, and inspire your work.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Enforcement

Clover Bottom, Greene Valley, and Nat T. Winston Developmental Centers - Memorandum Approving Exit Plan (2015) - 01/29/2015
To effectively facilitate reform in mental health services, the Court cannot allow “perfect to become the enemy of good” nor allow the concepts of federalism and separation of powers to be ignored. The Court concludes that the Exit Plan presented by the Parties is “fair, reasonable, and adequate” and provides the next iteration of improvement to the lives of those with disabilities in Tennessee. It will test political will and legislative leadership to continue that progress and to determine how best to care for those often left in the shadows.    For the reasons detailed above, the Court will grant the unopposed joint motion seeking approval of an Exit Plan (Docket No. 1118-1) and entry of a proposed Agreed Order (Docket No. 1118-2). The Motion to Intervene brought by conservators of GVDC residents and Citizens for a Better Tennessee (Docket No. 1121) will be denied. .  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
Citations

Medicaid & Employment

Employment and Community First CHOICES (Employment Program) - 07/01/2016

“On July 1, 2016, Tennessee started a new program for people with intellectual and other kinds of developmental disabilities. This new program is called Employment and Community First CHOICES. Services in the new program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community. For people who are not ready for a job in the community, the new program offers services to help prepare for employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0001 (approved 3-22-2016) - 03/22/2016

The State covers low-income families and children for Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) under section 1925 of the Social Security Act (the Act). This coverage is provided for families who no longer qualify under section 1931 of the Act due to increased earned income, or working hours, from the caretaker relative’s employment, or due to the loss of a time-limited earned income disregard. (1902(a)(52), 1902(e)(1), and 1925 of the Act)

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule Statewide Transition Plan (11/2015) Amended Based on Public Comment (2/2016) - 02/01/2016
1915 (c) waiver settings assessed included:  • Residential Habilitation  • Employment and Day (Community and Facility Based Day, In-home Day, and Supported Employment)  • Family Model Residential Support  • Medical Residential Services  • Supported Living   
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Medicaid State Plan

Tennessee’s full state plan for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Program.

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Citations

Tennessee Application for a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Service Waiver

The Self-Determination Waiver offers a continuum of services that are selected by each individual pursuant to a person-centered planning process and support each person’s independence and full integration into the community, including opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive, integrated settings and engage in community life. Services are delivered in a manner which ensures each individual’s rights of privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint; optimizes individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices; and are delivered in a manner that comports fully with standards applicable to HCBS settings delivered under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act…  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN The Self-Determination Waiver (0427.R01)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have moderate service needs that can be met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. The Self-Determination Waiver Program affords participants the opportunity to lead the person-centered planning process and directly manage selected services, including the recruitment and management of service providers. Participants and families (as appropriate) electing self-determination are empowered and have the responsibility for managing a self-determination budget affording flexibility in service design and delivery. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Respite; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Individual Transportation Services; Nutrition Services; Semi-Independent Living Services; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Nursing Services; and Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision.’

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

The Arlington Waiver (#0357.R02)

“[This waiver] program serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have service needs that can be satisfactorily met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. These individuals qualify for and absent the provision of waiver services, would be placed in an ICF/IID. The target population for this waiver consists of persons with intellectual disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria and are class members certified in United States vs. State of Tennessee, et al. (Arlington Developmental Center). The Arlington Waiver includes the same services available in The Statewide Waiver.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee Statewide Waiver (0128.R04)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities. The target population consists of children with developmental delays and adults and children with intellectual disability who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Family Model Residential Support; Individual Transportation Services; Intensive Behavior Residential Services; Medical Residential Services; Nursing Services; Nutrition Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Residential Habilitation; Respite; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Supported Living; Support Coordination; and Transitional Case Management.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federally funded grant awarded to TennCare with the purpose of assisting the state to transition people from nursing homes and institutions to home and community based care, and to also assist the state to rebalance their long term care expenditures.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

States - Small Tablet

Snapshot

Tennessee is the Volunteer State, and its outstanding Employment First initiatives for individuals with disabilities show why this state exemplifies "America at its Best!"

2014 State Population.
0.81%
Change from
2013 to 2014
6,549,352
2014 Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
563,863
2014 Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.01%
Change from
2013 to 2014
168,683
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities).
-0.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
29.92%
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities).
0.47%
Change from
2013 to 2014
74.41%

State Data

General

 2012 2013 2014
Population. 6,456,243 6,495,978 6,549,352
Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 537,176 546,546 563,863
Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 150,276 163,614 168,683
Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). 2,512,568 2,545,442 2,557,629
Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). 27.98% 29.94% 29.92%
Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). 73.17% 74.06% 74.41%
Overall unemployment rate. 7.80% 7.80% 6.70%
Poverty Rate (all disabilities). 25.90% 24.40% 26.10%
Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). 16.60% 16.60% 16.90%
Number of males with disabilities (all ages). 460,332 465,433 483,056
Number of females with disabilities (all ages). 500,693 518,287 529,442
Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). 778,405 797,400 815,721
Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). 152,303 157,329 161,345
Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). 19,193 19,590 19,799
Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). 3,463 3,292 4,255
Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). 5,342 4,393 6,347
Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). N/A N/A N/A
Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). 16,921 16,684 19,929
Number of others with disabilities (all ages). 4,448 3,988 4,332
Notes: Employment percentages account for only those individuals 18 years or older who are classified members of the labor force.
Source:
StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes | U.S. Census Bureau-Fact Finder

 

SSA OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. 4,489 4,468 4,508
Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. 2.60% 2.60% 2.60%
Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. 250,888 217,950 252,231
Source:
SSI Annual Statistical Report | OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County

 

MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. 6,450 6,615 8,075
Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). 13,409 13,472 21,113
Number of adults served who have a known employment status. 32,039 32,954 43,402
Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. 20.10% 20.10% 18.60%
Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.60% 0.80% 0.70%
Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). 1.80% 0.60% 0.70%
Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). 1.10% 0.10% 0.20%
Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). 56.70% 60.70% 35.90%
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. 238 772 1,014
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. 697 610 1,026
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. 417 113 318
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. 22,411 58,023 52,191
Source:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) "Reports by Geography"

 

WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES

 2012 2013 2014
Number of registered job seekers with a disability. 8,247 6,806 8,544
Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. 0.02 0.02 0.04
Source:
Department of Labor Wagner-Peyser Data

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS)

 2011 2012 2013
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. 95 74 108
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. 55 46 59
Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. 58.00% 62.00% 55.00%
Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 0.86 0.71 0.91
Source:
Workforce Investment Act Data (Adults)

 

VR OUTCOMES

 2013 2014 2015
Total Number of people served under VR.
3,314
N/A
N/A
Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. 251 N/A N/A
Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. 228 N/A N/A
Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. 756 N/A N/A
Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. 933 N/A N/A
Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. 896 N/A N/A
Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. 250 N/A N/A
Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. 22.00% N/A N/A
Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. N/A 8,330 7,455
Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. N/A 371,554 371,708
Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). 266 N/A N/A
Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. 427 N/A N/A
Source:
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Basic VR GPRA Measures" | Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Core Tables for Basic VR" | StateData: the National Report on Employment Services an Outcomes | Social Security Administration "TicketTracker" May 2015

 

IDD OUTCOMES

 2011 2012 2013
Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. N/A N/A $11,372,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. N/A N/A $0
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. N/A N/A $24,128,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. N/A N/A $64,877,000
Percentage of people served in integrated employment. 18.00% 16.00% 19.00%
Number of people served in community based non-work. N/A 6,057 6,464
Number of people served in facility based work. N/A 3,558 0
Number of people served in facility based non-work. N/A 3,558 3,745
Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 17.90 17.20 20.40
Source:
StateData: the National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes

 

EDUCATION OUTCOMES

 2011 2012 2013
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). 63.40% 63.41% 66.07%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). 12.30% 11.92% 11.27%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). 1.80% 1.80% 1.76%
Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). 87.20% 87.60% 100.00%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). 15.00% 18.30% 21.27%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). 50.90% 52.30% 55.59%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). 60.30% 66.10% 67.70%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). 35.90% 34.00% 34.32%
Notes: Please refer to individual state profiles for most recent numbers by state
Source:
"FFY 2013 Part B State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR)"

 

ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM

 2014
Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. 871,430
Number of overall total blind and SD workers. 1,411
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). 56,166
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). 136,631
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). 192,797
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). 86
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). 190
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). 276
AbilityOne wages (products). $490,797
AbilityOne wages (services). $1,584,403
Notes: Average hourly wage(services)= services total wages earned/services total number of hours worked. | Average hourly wage(products)=products total wages earned/products total number of hours worked.
Source:
AbilityOne 2014 Annual Report

 

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES

 2014 2015
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. 0 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 61 62
Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. N/A 2
Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. N/A 64
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. N/A 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). N/A 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). N/A 3,999
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. N/A 42
Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. N/A 4,041
Notes: *WHD is cumulative data. Numbers for data items 4-10 are no longer available for 2014.
Source:
U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Business Certificate Holders List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) School Work Experience Programs (SWEP) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Employers of Patient Workers List

 

Legislation

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

"Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life."

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee HB 896/SB 429 (ABLE) - 02/05/2015
The purpose of this bill is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence,  and quality of life; and (2) To provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of individuals with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.§§ 1381 et seq.);the TennCare programs under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, (42 U.S.C. §§1396 et seq.); or any successor to the TennCare program administered pursuant to the federal Medicaid laws, the individual’s employment, and other sources  
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee Title Code 67

A job tax credit of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each net new full-time employee job, and two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each net new part-time employee job, for a person with disabilities who is receiving state services directly related to such disabilities, shall be allowed against a taxpayer's franchise and excise liability tax for that year; provided, that:            (A)  The employment of such individual creates a net increase in the number of persons with disabilities employed by the taxpayer within the ninety-day period immediately preceding the employment;            (B)  The taxpayer provides such employment for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and for no less than the minimal hours per week; and for employees enrolled in the minimal health care benefits described in subdivision (g)(1), for respective full-time employment jobs and part-time employment jobs;   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Executive Orders

Governor’s Executive Order Order Establishing The Tennessee Employment First I - 06/19/2013

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee… do hereby order and direct the following:

1. State agencies coordinate efforts to increase opportunities for integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities.2. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities convene an Employment First Taskforce (“Taskforce”).3 The Taskforce shall consist of representatives from the agencies administering disability services, family members of persons receiving employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce services and education, as well as consumer advocates and third party disability services providers.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Policy

Expect Employment 2016: Employment First Task Force Report to the Governor - 09/01/2016

“In 2013, Governor Haslam signed Executive Order No. 28, which established the Employment First Task Force in the state of Tennessee. The task force was charged with identifying and eliminating barriers to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities. Furthermore, the task force was to seek best practices, partnerships and opportunities for shared services to increase integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with disabilities….

With barriers identified and goals outlined, the Employment First Task Force focused its efforts in Year 3 on refining and completing the objectives. Many of the accomplishments can be directly tied to collaboration among state agencies and partner groups, including TennesseeWorks, Disability Rights Tennessee and The Arc Tennessee. This includes the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Transition from School to Work, the submission of the Combined State Plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the development of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. All of these initiatives have benefitted from the cooperation and the public-private partnerships that were initiated through Executive Order No. 28, and collectively stand to have a tremendous impact on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Individually, many agencies have also made progress in their own programs that are leading to direct results.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2020) - 07/01/2016
The State of Tennessee is submitting a Combined State Plan (CSP) in which the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is the authorized and signatory entity designated to receive funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Through a strong collaboration with  the Tennessee Departments of Human Services (DHS), Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Education (TNED), we have developed Tennessee’s strategic and operational plans for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)   “Among the disability populations in Tennessee, as the data below shows, those currently not in the labor force are a priority in workforce services, where 34 % Or over 300000 people with disabilities need to be reached and provided career Paths and appropriate training services. We must do so through these sustained Partnerships which are emerging from the implementation of WIOA   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Expect Employment 2015: TN Employment First Task Force Report - 09/01/2015

In the past year, Tennessee:

Continued to expand Project SEARCH to include 60 interns participating at 7 program sites statewide. A total of 42 individuals have been employed through Project SEARCH Secured federal grants and reallocated resources to expand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) initiative to include transition-age youth and homeless veterans, and locations in West Tennessee. To date, over 270 individuals have been served by IPS and 148 have been placed in employment receiving a competitive wage. Department of Education celebrated the first graduates in May 2015 who received the new Occupational Diploma. A total of 11 students in 4 pilot districts received the diploma and that number is expected to grow significantly for 2015/16.

Professional Development Opportunities for Service Providers

As of June 2015, 13 Community Rehabilitation providers from across the state are certified as Employment First participants by DIDD as they commit to shift their services away from the sheltered workshop model to services that promote and support employment in the general workforce as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. The 2015 Tennessee Disability Mega Conference, an event sponsored by many of the Employment First Task Force members, featured an employment theme throughout the two-day event and was attended by more than 650 individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment First Road Map: 2015-2017 - 08/15/2015

Employment first strategic goals: 2015-2017

Alignment and Coordination of Service Systems: Align service delivery systems and strengthen coordination to increase employment opportunities for Tennesseans with disabilities. Community Commitment: Build shared community commitment to “employment first” for individuals with disabilities. More Employers Hiring: Increase the number of businesses and employers throughout the state who actively seek and hire individuals with disabilities. Tennessee as Model Public Sector Employer: Make Tennessee a model public sector employer through actions to employ more people with disabilities and through policy and regulatory change.  Student Transition to Employment: Prepare students for employment throughout their education and connect them to essential services.
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

TN Governor Haslam Proclaims March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” - 03/19/2015
“The proclamation states that “families of people with developmental disabilities deserve our admiration and recognition for their caring commitment and ongoing support that are essential to an independent and productive life”.  Many individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members still face enormous challenges in accessing needed services and supports to allow them to live successful lives in their communities alongside people without disabilities.”  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
Citations

Tennessee Selected to Participate in 2015 as Core State for Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) - 12/01/2014

This [Tennessee’s selection as a Core State] clearly demonstrates the significant strides that Tennessee has made relative to the EFSLMP initiative and ODEP’s support for our State as we continue moving forward… EFSLMP works to advance Employment First, a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of people with the most significant disabilities in the workplace. EFSLMP provides support and resources to help select states align policies, regulations, and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for people with significant disabilities.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Expect Employment: TN Employment First Taskforce Report 2014 - 08/01/2014

“The Employment First Task Force concluded its first year on August 1, 2014, with the following recommendations:1. Develop a Memorandum of Understanding among state agencies to facilitate coordination among programs and produce successful outcomes for people with disabilities.2. Engage and support Tennessee businesses in employing people with disabilities in support of the Drive to 55 goals.3. Make the State of Tennessee a model employer of people with disabilities, including the expansion of opportunities for internships.4. Ensure every student with a disability leaves high school with a smooth transition that would include a choice of (but not be limited to) postsecondary education, a job training program, or paid, integrated employment to the same extent as students without disabilities.5. Support individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing their knowledge about the benefits of employment as a life goal. 6. Ensure that all working-age Tennesseans with disabilities have access to a system of supports that enables them to obtain and maintain employment in the community throughout their lives. 7. Create and implement a three-year strategic workforce development plan, continuing the work of the Task Force under the authority of Executive Order 28.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Insure Tennessee Plan

“Nearly one million Tennesseans have disabilities and many struggle to access the health care they need. Access to quality health care is a priority for the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) and its members. TDC has joined with business leaders, health care providers, and other advocates as a partner in the Coalition for a Healthy Tennessee.”   “More than half of the people in the [insurance] gap are working, but they don’t make enough money to buy health insurance. [This includes] Working Tennesseans with disabilities who are in low paying jobs; Veterans, some of whom have disabilities who don’t have VA benefits; Adults on SSDI who are in the Medicare waiting period; [and] People with health conditions and disabilities that could get back to work if they could get healthy…”  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Tennessee DIDD “Way2Work”

The state also solidified an agreement that addresses some components of WIOA, created more employment vignettes, and named the series of videos: Way2Work

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Supported Employment

“Work can be a big boost to a person’s recovery. Not only does a job help pay the bills, it can also provide a person with a sense of pride and belonging. Having a job adds structure to daily life, increases social contacts and support, and enhances opportunities for personal achievement. Supported Employment programs assist individuals in obtaining employment, and once employed, provide supports to assist in maintaining the job.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Tennessee Employment First

“Employment First is a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of individuals with varying degrees of abilities in the workplace and in the community. Under the Employment First approach, community-based integrated employment is the first and preferred employment service option for youth and adults with significant disabilities.”

“To advance Employment First, The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) created the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Program (EFSLMP). This program assists states to align policies, regulations and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for individuals with significant disabilities…”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Partnerships

Tennessee Memorandum of Understanding between DIDD and VR - 01/07/2016

On December 14, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program and DIDD was finalized. In 2014, both agencies started discussing the option of creating an MOU through a Vision Quest workgroup (as part of the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program) spearheaded by two ODEP Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Stephen Hall and Sara Murphy.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Memorandum of Understanding for School-to-Work Transition - 08/05/2015

Five state agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve services and better prepare youth with disabilities to transition from school into integrated employment in the community.  The MOU focuses on students age 14 years and over and aims to ensure all youth with disabilities leaving secondary education are prepared for either post-secondary training and/or integrated employment appropriate for their preferences, interests, skills and abilities.  “It’s vitally important that all state agencies work together to make sure youth with disabilities leave school and have the opportunity to contribute to the workforce,” Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Debra Payne said.  “It takes a team effort to make sure they have the training and support necessary to make that happen."

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Interagency Agreement Regarding IDEA - 07/01/2012

“The purpose of this Agreement is to identify and define the financial responsibilities of the Parties to this Agreement and to facilitate the provision and coordination of services for all infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults who are IDEA eligible. This Agreement formalizes policies, procedures, and fiscal responsibilities of the parties relating to IDEA.” 

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment Consortium - 06/01/2007

“The Tennessee Employment Consortium (TEC) is a statewide organization focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans in integrated employment. The consortium comprises volunteers from the state's Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS) and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the ARC of Tennessee, the Center on Disability and Employment at the University of Tennessee, community rehabilitation providers (CRPs), family members, and other stakeholders. TEC's ability to organize collaborative activities across state agencies, advocacy organizations, and CRPs has played an important role in increasing integrated employment outcomes.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - 05/01/2007

“The Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities was formed in May 2007 to increase awareness about the need for postsecondary opportunities in Tennessee, to gather information about postsecondary programs in other states, and to develop a pilot program on a Tennessee college campus

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services

This state plan for FY 2014 mentions interagency arrangements to provide supported employment and customized employment services for people with disabilities, addresses the need for official policy regarding transition aged youth, establishes come goals for each of its target areas.

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “Our partnership is focused on helping: Self-Advocates to aspire toward competitive work; Employers to recognize the contributions people with disabilities can make in the workplace; Educators to prepare young people with disabilities with strong skills and opportunities; Families to communicate high expectations from an early age; and State Systems and Disability Agencies to support real work for real pay.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

The ARC Tennessee

“The Arc Tennessee is a charitable organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities through its services and programs. The Arc Tennessee has been creating choices and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1952… We are a chapter and membership organization composed of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, friends, and professionals who assist them in reaching their goals.….The Arc Tennessee continues to lead alliances and work collaboratively with many organizations in an effort to advance services and supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. “

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Systems-Change Funding

Tennessee Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) - 10/01/2011

“The TDEI project will replicate and improve upon the experience of the Disability Navigator Program (DPN) active in the nine (9) participating WIBs [Workforce Investment Boards]. The DPN Initiative provided a bridge between One-Stop Career Center staff, private and public partners, and the disability community. Each participating WIB will be responsible for tailoring a basic set of services to the needs of their local population with disabilities, as well as potential employers. Three (3) WIBs will offer services to customers with disabilities in primarily rural areas. The TDEI will rely on the states two Work Incentives Planning and Assistance service providers to assist it to work with Social Security disability beneficiaries.” The grant ended in 2014.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Olmstead E Workforce Grant: Service Integration. The ARC of TN - 07/01/2007

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE project was designed to expand the Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership (TCEP) from the Tennessee Career Center in Knoxville to other One-Stops across the state. As part of this replication effort, the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant funded TCEP hubs in Tennessee Career Centers in Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Columbia.”

“The project expanded and documented the capability of individuals transitioning from segregated environments to community employment using customized strategies to increase their earnings and economic power through participation in employment. This allowed people served by the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant to and live, work and fully participate in their communities. Another accomplishment of the grant was an employment campaign that served to heighten support among the Governor's cabinet, elected officials, employers, consumers, families, and the public.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Disability Program Navigator

“ETA and SSA are jointly funding the DPN Initiative in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands where SSA implemented employment support initiatives. This Initiative promotes comprehensive services and work incentive information for SSA beneficiaries and other people with disabilities, through the One Stop system. The Initiative focuses on developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless, comprehensive, and integrated access to services, creating systemic change, and expanding the workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities and employers.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

AIDD Partnerships in Employment

TennesseeWorks Partnership: Changing the Employment Landscape“The Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in DevelopmentalDisabilities and 28 agencies and organizations will develop a vibrant collaborativeacross the state to increase the number of young people accessing competitiveemployment prior to leaving high school; increase the capacity and commitmentamong families and practitioners to support competitive employment and careerdevelopment; raise expectations among youth, families, educators and providers;reallocate resources and funding streams toward competitive employment; andincrease the number of families and educators accessing professional development,resources, and supports addressing competitive employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Training/Capacity Building

Guide for Provider Transformation to an Employment First Service Model - 06/15/2016

“This manual outlines different strategies that providers can use to help people with disabilities gain integrated, competitive employment. It also outlines strategies to help providers transition to an Employment First Service Model, rather than focusing on sheltered work.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Transition Institutes and Information Fairs - 04/11/2016

“This event is the place for students, parents, teachers, and service providers to find answers to their questions, make connections, and receive tools to use that will help ensure students with disabilities exit high school prepared to live, work, and participate fully in their community!”

Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment Readiness program (ERP)

The focus of the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is to prepare students in areas of employment and life skills. The ERP curriculum-based course spans 14 weeks and includes individualized and group format instruction and community based hands-on experience in a variety of work environments.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Employment and Individuals With Disabilities

This sheet contains tips and resources related to customized and supported employment in relation to Tennessee Disability Pathfinder and TennesseeWorks.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Employment First Trainings

MG&A articles & presentations on Customized Employment and Discovery from the TDI&DD website.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
Citations

National Center on Workforce & Disability - Tennessee

This web page contains articles related to customized employment and other processes and programs used to promote integrated employment in the state of Tennessee.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Beach Center on Disability Research Highlights: Customized Employment

“Thirty individual job seekers with disabilities participated in a customized employment process. Each job seeker was asked to rate their quality of life before they participated in the customized employment process, three months after participating in the process, and six months after participating in the process. Quality of life was measured using a modified version of Conroy’s Quality of Life Changes Scale (2001). Through interviews with either the job seeker or a related community rehabilitation support worker, the authors found positive changes in 13 quality of life indicators as a result of participating in a customized employment process. This research supports the notion that customized employment contributes to improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
Citations

Basic Rights: Training on IDEA Parent’s Introduction to Special Education Workshop

This workshop is designed for professionals and parents of children in special education or that might need special education. Come and gain a working knowledge of special education laws, including your role in the development of an appropriate education program (IEP) and how to be an effective partner with the school team in the process.  
Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

University of Tennessee, Center for Literacy, Education and Employment

“ Support for diversity and inclusion is a value at the core of the Center for Literacy, Education and Employment (CLEE). In addition, we determine the direction of our work by listening to and learning from practitioners, policymakers, business leaders and community leaders, as well as the academic community. As a result, the Center has a long history of involvement in advocacy efforts in the fields of literacy, education and employment, particularly those focused on supporting ALL individuals to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership 2004

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Partnership (Working for Freedom Opportunity and Real Choice through Community Employment) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $75,000 per year per grantee for three years (a total award of $225,000 per grantee) to develop the capacity of at least one of their Career Centers to create “Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership” (TCEP) Hubs to provide customized employment services to people with significant disabilities. Funding is contingent upon continued appropriation from the federal government. Through an application process, up to three awards will be made. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability & Employment Policy (ODEP) through a grant to The Arc of Tennessee.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

NOTE: Tennessee is using resources from the EFLSMP to provide training and capacity building to large workshops in the state. The capacity building includes customized employment and alternative sources of funding to providers, including becoming an Employment Network of the Ticket to Work Program.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “This new website is an online resource for those in our state committed to these goals. [You can] [s]elect your role… to find comprehensive information, trainings, videos, success stories, and many other resources to equip, inform, and inspire your work.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Enforcement

Clover Bottom, Greene Valley, and Nat T. Winston Developmental Centers - Memorandum Approving Exit Plan (2015) - 01/29/2015
To effectively facilitate reform in mental health services, the Court cannot allow “perfect to become the enemy of good” nor allow the concepts of federalism and separation of powers to be ignored. The Court concludes that the Exit Plan presented by the Parties is “fair, reasonable, and adequate” and provides the next iteration of improvement to the lives of those with disabilities in Tennessee. It will test political will and legislative leadership to continue that progress and to determine how best to care for those often left in the shadows.    For the reasons detailed above, the Court will grant the unopposed joint motion seeking approval of an Exit Plan (Docket No. 1118-1) and entry of a proposed Agreed Order (Docket No. 1118-2). The Motion to Intervene brought by conservators of GVDC residents and Citizens for a Better Tennessee (Docket No. 1121) will be denied. .  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
Citations

Medicaid & Employment

Employment and Community First CHOICES (Employment Program) - 07/01/2016

“On July 1, 2016, Tennessee started a new program for people with intellectual and other kinds of developmental disabilities. This new program is called Employment and Community First CHOICES. Services in the new program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community. For people who are not ready for a job in the community, the new program offers services to help prepare for employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0001 (approved 3-22-2016) - 03/22/2016

The State covers low-income families and children for Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) under section 1925 of the Social Security Act (the Act). This coverage is provided for families who no longer qualify under section 1931 of the Act due to increased earned income, or working hours, from the caretaker relative’s employment, or due to the loss of a time-limited earned income disregard. (1902(a)(52), 1902(e)(1), and 1925 of the Act)

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule Statewide Transition Plan (11/2015) Amended Based on Public Comment (2/2016) - 02/01/2016
1915 (c) waiver settings assessed included:  • Residential Habilitation  • Employment and Day (Community and Facility Based Day, In-home Day, and Supported Employment)  • Family Model Residential Support  • Medical Residential Services  • Supported Living   
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Medicaid State Plan

Tennessee’s full state plan for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Program.

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Citations

Tennessee Application for a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Service Waiver

The Self-Determination Waiver offers a continuum of services that are selected by each individual pursuant to a person-centered planning process and support each person’s independence and full integration into the community, including opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive, integrated settings and engage in community life. Services are delivered in a manner which ensures each individual’s rights of privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint; optimizes individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices; and are delivered in a manner that comports fully with standards applicable to HCBS settings delivered under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act…  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN The Self-Determination Waiver (0427.R01)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have moderate service needs that can be met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. The Self-Determination Waiver Program affords participants the opportunity to lead the person-centered planning process and directly manage selected services, including the recruitment and management of service providers. Participants and families (as appropriate) electing self-determination are empowered and have the responsibility for managing a self-determination budget affording flexibility in service design and delivery. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Respite; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Individual Transportation Services; Nutrition Services; Semi-Independent Living Services; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Nursing Services; and Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision.’

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

The Arlington Waiver (#0357.R02)

“[This waiver] program serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have service needs that can be satisfactorily met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. These individuals qualify for and absent the provision of waiver services, would be placed in an ICF/IID. The target population for this waiver consists of persons with intellectual disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria and are class members certified in United States vs. State of Tennessee, et al. (Arlington Developmental Center). The Arlington Waiver includes the same services available in The Statewide Waiver.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee Statewide Waiver (0128.R04)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities. The target population consists of children with developmental delays and adults and children with intellectual disability who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Family Model Residential Support; Individual Transportation Services; Intensive Behavior Residential Services; Medical Residential Services; Nursing Services; Nutrition Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Residential Habilitation; Respite; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Supported Living; Support Coordination; and Transitional Case Management.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federally funded grant awarded to TennCare with the purpose of assisting the state to transition people from nursing homes and institutions to home and community based care, and to also assist the state to rebalance their long term care expenditures.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

States - Phablet

Snapshot

Tennessee is the Volunteer State, and its outstanding Employment First initiatives for individuals with disabilities show why this state exemplifies "America at its Best!"

2014 State Population.
0.81%
Change from
2013 to 2014
6,549,352
2014 Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
563,863
2014 Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.01%
Change from
2013 to 2014
168,683
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities).
-0.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
29.92%
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities).
0.47%
Change from
2013 to 2014
74.41%

State Data

General

 2014
Population. 6,549,352
Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 563,863
Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 168,683
Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). 2,557,629
Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). 29.92%
Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). 74.41%
Overall unemployment rate. 6.70%
Poverty Rate (all disabilities). 26.10%
Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). 16.90%
Number of males with disabilities (all ages). 483,056
Number of females with disabilities (all ages). 529,442
Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). 815,721
Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). 161,345
Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). 19,799
Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). 4,255
Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). 6,347
Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). N/A
Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). 19,929
Number of others with disabilities (all ages). 4,332
Notes: Employment percentages account for only those individuals 18 years or older who are classified members of the labor force.
Source:
StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes | U.S. Census Bureau-Fact Finder

 

SSA OUTCOMES

 2014
Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. 4,508
Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. 2.60%
Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. 252,231
Source:
SSI Annual Statistical Report | OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County

 

MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

 2014
Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. 8,075
Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). 21,113
Number of adults served who have a known employment status. 43,402
Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. 18.60%
Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.70%
Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.70%
Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.20%
Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). 35.90%
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. 1,014
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. 1,026
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. 318
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. 52,191
Source:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) "Reports by Geography"

 

WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES

 2014
Number of registered job seekers with a disability. 8,544
Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. 0.04
Source:
Department of Labor Wagner-Peyser Data

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS)

 2013
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. 108
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. 59
Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. 55.00%
Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 0.91
Source:
Workforce Investment Act Data (Adults)

 

VR OUTCOMES

 2015
Total Number of people served under VR.
N/A
Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. N/A
Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. N/A
Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. 7,455
Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. 371,708
Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). N/A
Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. N/A
Source:
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Basic VR GPRA Measures" | Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Core Tables for Basic VR" | StateData: the National Report on Employment Services an Outcomes | Social Security Administration "TicketTracker" May 2015

 

IDD OUTCOMES

 2013
Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. $11,372,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. $0
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. $24,128,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. $64,877,000
Percentage of people served in integrated employment. 19.00%
Number of people served in community based non-work. 6,464
Number of people served in facility based work. 0
Number of people served in facility based non-work. 3,745
Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 20.40
Source:
StateData: the National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes

 

EDUCATION OUTCOMES

 2013
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). 66.07%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). 11.27%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). 1.76%
Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). 100.00%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). 21.27%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). 55.59%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). 67.70%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). 34.32%
Notes: Please refer to individual state profiles for most recent numbers by state
Source:
"FFY 2013 Part B State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR)"

 

ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM

 2014
Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. 871,430
Number of overall total blind and SD workers. 1,411
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). 56,166
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). 136,631
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). 192,797
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). 86
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). 190
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). 276
AbilityOne wages (products). $490,797
AbilityOne wages (services). $1,584,403
Notes: Average hourly wage(services)= services total wages earned/services total number of hours worked. | Average hourly wage(products)=products total wages earned/products total number of hours worked.
Source:
AbilityOne 2014 Annual Report

 

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES

 2015
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 62
Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. 2
Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. 64
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 3,999
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. 42
Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. 4,041
Notes: *WHD is cumulative data. Numbers for data items 4-10 are no longer available for 2014.
Source:
U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Business Certificate Holders List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) School Work Experience Programs (SWEP) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Employers of Patient Workers List

 

Legislation

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

"Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life."

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee HB 896/SB 429 (ABLE) - 02/05/2015
The purpose of this bill is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence,  and quality of life; and (2) To provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of individuals with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.§§ 1381 et seq.);the TennCare programs under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, (42 U.S.C. §§1396 et seq.); or any successor to the TennCare program administered pursuant to the federal Medicaid laws, the individual’s employment, and other sources  
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee Title Code 67

A job tax credit of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each net new full-time employee job, and two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each net new part-time employee job, for a person with disabilities who is receiving state services directly related to such disabilities, shall be allowed against a taxpayer's franchise and excise liability tax for that year; provided, that:            (A)  The employment of such individual creates a net increase in the number of persons with disabilities employed by the taxpayer within the ninety-day period immediately preceding the employment;            (B)  The taxpayer provides such employment for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and for no less than the minimal hours per week; and for employees enrolled in the minimal health care benefits described in subdivision (g)(1), for respective full-time employment jobs and part-time employment jobs;   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Executive Orders

Governor’s Executive Order Order Establishing The Tennessee Employment First I - 06/19/2013

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee… do hereby order and direct the following:

1. State agencies coordinate efforts to increase opportunities for integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities.2. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities convene an Employment First Taskforce (“Taskforce”).3 The Taskforce shall consist of representatives from the agencies administering disability services, family members of persons receiving employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce services and education, as well as consumer advocates and third party disability services providers.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Policy

Expect Employment 2016: Employment First Task Force Report to the Governor - 09/01/2016

“In 2013, Governor Haslam signed Executive Order No. 28, which established the Employment First Task Force in the state of Tennessee. The task force was charged with identifying and eliminating barriers to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities. Furthermore, the task force was to seek best practices, partnerships and opportunities for shared services to increase integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with disabilities….

With barriers identified and goals outlined, the Employment First Task Force focused its efforts in Year 3 on refining and completing the objectives. Many of the accomplishments can be directly tied to collaboration among state agencies and partner groups, including TennesseeWorks, Disability Rights Tennessee and The Arc Tennessee. This includes the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Transition from School to Work, the submission of the Combined State Plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the development of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. All of these initiatives have benefitted from the cooperation and the public-private partnerships that were initiated through Executive Order No. 28, and collectively stand to have a tremendous impact on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Individually, many agencies have also made progress in their own programs that are leading to direct results.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2020) - 07/01/2016
The State of Tennessee is submitting a Combined State Plan (CSP) in which the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is the authorized and signatory entity designated to receive funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Through a strong collaboration with  the Tennessee Departments of Human Services (DHS), Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Education (TNED), we have developed Tennessee’s strategic and operational plans for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)   “Among the disability populations in Tennessee, as the data below shows, those currently not in the labor force are a priority in workforce services, where 34 % Or over 300000 people with disabilities need to be reached and provided career Paths and appropriate training services. We must do so through these sustained Partnerships which are emerging from the implementation of WIOA   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Expect Employment 2015: TN Employment First Task Force Report - 09/01/2015

In the past year, Tennessee:

Continued to expand Project SEARCH to include 60 interns participating at 7 program sites statewide. A total of 42 individuals have been employed through Project SEARCH Secured federal grants and reallocated resources to expand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) initiative to include transition-age youth and homeless veterans, and locations in West Tennessee. To date, over 270 individuals have been served by IPS and 148 have been placed in employment receiving a competitive wage. Department of Education celebrated the first graduates in May 2015 who received the new Occupational Diploma. A total of 11 students in 4 pilot districts received the diploma and that number is expected to grow significantly for 2015/16.

Professional Development Opportunities for Service Providers

As of June 2015, 13 Community Rehabilitation providers from across the state are certified as Employment First participants by DIDD as they commit to shift their services away from the sheltered workshop model to services that promote and support employment in the general workforce as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. The 2015 Tennessee Disability Mega Conference, an event sponsored by many of the Employment First Task Force members, featured an employment theme throughout the two-day event and was attended by more than 650 individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment First Road Map: 2015-2017 - 08/15/2015

Employment first strategic goals: 2015-2017

Alignment and Coordination of Service Systems: Align service delivery systems and strengthen coordination to increase employment opportunities for Tennesseans with disabilities. Community Commitment: Build shared community commitment to “employment first” for individuals with disabilities. More Employers Hiring: Increase the number of businesses and employers throughout the state who actively seek and hire individuals with disabilities. Tennessee as Model Public Sector Employer: Make Tennessee a model public sector employer through actions to employ more people with disabilities and through policy and regulatory change.  Student Transition to Employment: Prepare students for employment throughout their education and connect them to essential services.
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

TN Governor Haslam Proclaims March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” - 03/19/2015
“The proclamation states that “families of people with developmental disabilities deserve our admiration and recognition for their caring commitment and ongoing support that are essential to an independent and productive life”.  Many individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members still face enormous challenges in accessing needed services and supports to allow them to live successful lives in their communities alongside people without disabilities.”  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
Citations

Tennessee Selected to Participate in 2015 as Core State for Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) - 12/01/2014

This [Tennessee’s selection as a Core State] clearly demonstrates the significant strides that Tennessee has made relative to the EFSLMP initiative and ODEP’s support for our State as we continue moving forward… EFSLMP works to advance Employment First, a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of people with the most significant disabilities in the workplace. EFSLMP provides support and resources to help select states align policies, regulations, and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for people with significant disabilities.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Expect Employment: TN Employment First Taskforce Report 2014 - 08/01/2014

“The Employment First Task Force concluded its first year on August 1, 2014, with the following recommendations:1. Develop a Memorandum of Understanding among state agencies to facilitate coordination among programs and produce successful outcomes for people with disabilities.2. Engage and support Tennessee businesses in employing people with disabilities in support of the Drive to 55 goals.3. Make the State of Tennessee a model employer of people with disabilities, including the expansion of opportunities for internships.4. Ensure every student with a disability leaves high school with a smooth transition that would include a choice of (but not be limited to) postsecondary education, a job training program, or paid, integrated employment to the same extent as students without disabilities.5. Support individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing their knowledge about the benefits of employment as a life goal. 6. Ensure that all working-age Tennesseans with disabilities have access to a system of supports that enables them to obtain and maintain employment in the community throughout their lives. 7. Create and implement a three-year strategic workforce development plan, continuing the work of the Task Force under the authority of Executive Order 28.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Insure Tennessee Plan

“Nearly one million Tennesseans have disabilities and many struggle to access the health care they need. Access to quality health care is a priority for the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) and its members. TDC has joined with business leaders, health care providers, and other advocates as a partner in the Coalition for a Healthy Tennessee.”   “More than half of the people in the [insurance] gap are working, but they don’t make enough money to buy health insurance. [This includes] Working Tennesseans with disabilities who are in low paying jobs; Veterans, some of whom have disabilities who don’t have VA benefits; Adults on SSDI who are in the Medicare waiting period; [and] People with health conditions and disabilities that could get back to work if they could get healthy…”  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Tennessee DIDD “Way2Work”

The state also solidified an agreement that addresses some components of WIOA, created more employment vignettes, and named the series of videos: Way2Work

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Supported Employment

“Work can be a big boost to a person’s recovery. Not only does a job help pay the bills, it can also provide a person with a sense of pride and belonging. Having a job adds structure to daily life, increases social contacts and support, and enhances opportunities for personal achievement. Supported Employment programs assist individuals in obtaining employment, and once employed, provide supports to assist in maintaining the job.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Tennessee Employment First

“Employment First is a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of individuals with varying degrees of abilities in the workplace and in the community. Under the Employment First approach, community-based integrated employment is the first and preferred employment service option for youth and adults with significant disabilities.”

“To advance Employment First, The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) created the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Program (EFSLMP). This program assists states to align policies, regulations and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for individuals with significant disabilities…”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Partnerships

Tennessee Memorandum of Understanding between DIDD and VR - 01/07/2016

On December 14, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program and DIDD was finalized. In 2014, both agencies started discussing the option of creating an MOU through a Vision Quest workgroup (as part of the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program) spearheaded by two ODEP Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Stephen Hall and Sara Murphy.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Memorandum of Understanding for School-to-Work Transition - 08/05/2015

Five state agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve services and better prepare youth with disabilities to transition from school into integrated employment in the community.  The MOU focuses on students age 14 years and over and aims to ensure all youth with disabilities leaving secondary education are prepared for either post-secondary training and/or integrated employment appropriate for their preferences, interests, skills and abilities.  “It’s vitally important that all state agencies work together to make sure youth with disabilities leave school and have the opportunity to contribute to the workforce,” Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Debra Payne said.  “It takes a team effort to make sure they have the training and support necessary to make that happen."

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Interagency Agreement Regarding IDEA - 07/01/2012

“The purpose of this Agreement is to identify and define the financial responsibilities of the Parties to this Agreement and to facilitate the provision and coordination of services for all infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults who are IDEA eligible. This Agreement formalizes policies, procedures, and fiscal responsibilities of the parties relating to IDEA.” 

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment Consortium - 06/01/2007

“The Tennessee Employment Consortium (TEC) is a statewide organization focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans in integrated employment. The consortium comprises volunteers from the state's Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS) and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the ARC of Tennessee, the Center on Disability and Employment at the University of Tennessee, community rehabilitation providers (CRPs), family members, and other stakeholders. TEC's ability to organize collaborative activities across state agencies, advocacy organizations, and CRPs has played an important role in increasing integrated employment outcomes.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - 05/01/2007

“The Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities was formed in May 2007 to increase awareness about the need for postsecondary opportunities in Tennessee, to gather information about postsecondary programs in other states, and to develop a pilot program on a Tennessee college campus

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services

This state plan for FY 2014 mentions interagency arrangements to provide supported employment and customized employment services for people with disabilities, addresses the need for official policy regarding transition aged youth, establishes come goals for each of its target areas.

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “Our partnership is focused on helping: Self-Advocates to aspire toward competitive work; Employers to recognize the contributions people with disabilities can make in the workplace; Educators to prepare young people with disabilities with strong skills and opportunities; Families to communicate high expectations from an early age; and State Systems and Disability Agencies to support real work for real pay.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

The ARC Tennessee

“The Arc Tennessee is a charitable organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities through its services and programs. The Arc Tennessee has been creating choices and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1952… We are a chapter and membership organization composed of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, friends, and professionals who assist them in reaching their goals.….The Arc Tennessee continues to lead alliances and work collaboratively with many organizations in an effort to advance services and supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. “

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Systems-Change Funding

Tennessee Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) - 10/01/2011

“The TDEI project will replicate and improve upon the experience of the Disability Navigator Program (DPN) active in the nine (9) participating WIBs [Workforce Investment Boards]. The DPN Initiative provided a bridge between One-Stop Career Center staff, private and public partners, and the disability community. Each participating WIB will be responsible for tailoring a basic set of services to the needs of their local population with disabilities, as well as potential employers. Three (3) WIBs will offer services to customers with disabilities in primarily rural areas. The TDEI will rely on the states two Work Incentives Planning and Assistance service providers to assist it to work with Social Security disability beneficiaries.” The grant ended in 2014.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Olmstead E Workforce Grant: Service Integration. The ARC of TN - 07/01/2007

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE project was designed to expand the Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership (TCEP) from the Tennessee Career Center in Knoxville to other One-Stops across the state. As part of this replication effort, the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant funded TCEP hubs in Tennessee Career Centers in Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Columbia.”

“The project expanded and documented the capability of individuals transitioning from segregated environments to community employment using customized strategies to increase their earnings and economic power through participation in employment. This allowed people served by the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant to and live, work and fully participate in their communities. Another accomplishment of the grant was an employment campaign that served to heighten support among the Governor's cabinet, elected officials, employers, consumers, families, and the public.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Disability Program Navigator

“ETA and SSA are jointly funding the DPN Initiative in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands where SSA implemented employment support initiatives. This Initiative promotes comprehensive services and work incentive information for SSA beneficiaries and other people with disabilities, through the One Stop system. The Initiative focuses on developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless, comprehensive, and integrated access to services, creating systemic change, and expanding the workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities and employers.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

AIDD Partnerships in Employment

TennesseeWorks Partnership: Changing the Employment Landscape“The Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in DevelopmentalDisabilities and 28 agencies and organizations will develop a vibrant collaborativeacross the state to increase the number of young people accessing competitiveemployment prior to leaving high school; increase the capacity and commitmentamong families and practitioners to support competitive employment and careerdevelopment; raise expectations among youth, families, educators and providers;reallocate resources and funding streams toward competitive employment; andincrease the number of families and educators accessing professional development,resources, and supports addressing competitive employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Training/Capacity Building

Guide for Provider Transformation to an Employment First Service Model - 06/15/2016

“This manual outlines different strategies that providers can use to help people with disabilities gain integrated, competitive employment. It also outlines strategies to help providers transition to an Employment First Service Model, rather than focusing on sheltered work.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Transition Institutes and Information Fairs - 04/11/2016

“This event is the place for students, parents, teachers, and service providers to find answers to their questions, make connections, and receive tools to use that will help ensure students with disabilities exit high school prepared to live, work, and participate fully in their community!”

Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment Readiness program (ERP)

The focus of the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is to prepare students in areas of employment and life skills. The ERP curriculum-based course spans 14 weeks and includes individualized and group format instruction and community based hands-on experience in a variety of work environments.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Employment and Individuals With Disabilities

This sheet contains tips and resources related to customized and supported employment in relation to Tennessee Disability Pathfinder and TennesseeWorks.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Employment First Trainings

MG&A articles & presentations on Customized Employment and Discovery from the TDI&DD website.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
Citations

National Center on Workforce & Disability - Tennessee

This web page contains articles related to customized employment and other processes and programs used to promote integrated employment in the state of Tennessee.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Beach Center on Disability Research Highlights: Customized Employment

“Thirty individual job seekers with disabilities participated in a customized employment process. Each job seeker was asked to rate their quality of life before they participated in the customized employment process, three months after participating in the process, and six months after participating in the process. Quality of life was measured using a modified version of Conroy’s Quality of Life Changes Scale (2001). Through interviews with either the job seeker or a related community rehabilitation support worker, the authors found positive changes in 13 quality of life indicators as a result of participating in a customized employment process. This research supports the notion that customized employment contributes to improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
Citations

Basic Rights: Training on IDEA Parent’s Introduction to Special Education Workshop

This workshop is designed for professionals and parents of children in special education or that might need special education. Come and gain a working knowledge of special education laws, including your role in the development of an appropriate education program (IEP) and how to be an effective partner with the school team in the process.  
Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

University of Tennessee, Center for Literacy, Education and Employment

“ Support for diversity and inclusion is a value at the core of the Center for Literacy, Education and Employment (CLEE). In addition, we determine the direction of our work by listening to and learning from practitioners, policymakers, business leaders and community leaders, as well as the academic community. As a result, the Center has a long history of involvement in advocacy efforts in the fields of literacy, education and employment, particularly those focused on supporting ALL individuals to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership 2004

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Partnership (Working for Freedom Opportunity and Real Choice through Community Employment) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $75,000 per year per grantee for three years (a total award of $225,000 per grantee) to develop the capacity of at least one of their Career Centers to create “Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership” (TCEP) Hubs to provide customized employment services to people with significant disabilities. Funding is contingent upon continued appropriation from the federal government. Through an application process, up to three awards will be made. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability & Employment Policy (ODEP) through a grant to The Arc of Tennessee.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

NOTE: Tennessee is using resources from the EFLSMP to provide training and capacity building to large workshops in the state. The capacity building includes customized employment and alternative sources of funding to providers, including becoming an Employment Network of the Ticket to Work Program.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “This new website is an online resource for those in our state committed to these goals. [You can] [s]elect your role… to find comprehensive information, trainings, videos, success stories, and many other resources to equip, inform, and inspire your work.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Enforcement

Clover Bottom, Greene Valley, and Nat T. Winston Developmental Centers - Memorandum Approving Exit Plan (2015) - 01/29/2015
To effectively facilitate reform in mental health services, the Court cannot allow “perfect to become the enemy of good” nor allow the concepts of federalism and separation of powers to be ignored. The Court concludes that the Exit Plan presented by the Parties is “fair, reasonable, and adequate” and provides the next iteration of improvement to the lives of those with disabilities in Tennessee. It will test political will and legislative leadership to continue that progress and to determine how best to care for those often left in the shadows.    For the reasons detailed above, the Court will grant the unopposed joint motion seeking approval of an Exit Plan (Docket No. 1118-1) and entry of a proposed Agreed Order (Docket No. 1118-2). The Motion to Intervene brought by conservators of GVDC residents and Citizens for a Better Tennessee (Docket No. 1121) will be denied. .  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
Citations

Medicaid & Employment

Employment and Community First CHOICES (Employment Program) - 07/01/2016

“On July 1, 2016, Tennessee started a new program for people with intellectual and other kinds of developmental disabilities. This new program is called Employment and Community First CHOICES. Services in the new program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community. For people who are not ready for a job in the community, the new program offers services to help prepare for employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0001 (approved 3-22-2016) - 03/22/2016

The State covers low-income families and children for Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) under section 1925 of the Social Security Act (the Act). This coverage is provided for families who no longer qualify under section 1931 of the Act due to increased earned income, or working hours, from the caretaker relative’s employment, or due to the loss of a time-limited earned income disregard. (1902(a)(52), 1902(e)(1), and 1925 of the Act)

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule Statewide Transition Plan (11/2015) Amended Based on Public Comment (2/2016) - 02/01/2016
1915 (c) waiver settings assessed included:  • Residential Habilitation  • Employment and Day (Community and Facility Based Day, In-home Day, and Supported Employment)  • Family Model Residential Support  • Medical Residential Services  • Supported Living   
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Medicaid State Plan

Tennessee’s full state plan for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Program.

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Citations

Tennessee Application for a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Service Waiver

The Self-Determination Waiver offers a continuum of services that are selected by each individual pursuant to a person-centered planning process and support each person’s independence and full integration into the community, including opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive, integrated settings and engage in community life. Services are delivered in a manner which ensures each individual’s rights of privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint; optimizes individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices; and are delivered in a manner that comports fully with standards applicable to HCBS settings delivered under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act…  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN The Self-Determination Waiver (0427.R01)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have moderate service needs that can be met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. The Self-Determination Waiver Program affords participants the opportunity to lead the person-centered planning process and directly manage selected services, including the recruitment and management of service providers. Participants and families (as appropriate) electing self-determination are empowered and have the responsibility for managing a self-determination budget affording flexibility in service design and delivery. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Respite; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Individual Transportation Services; Nutrition Services; Semi-Independent Living Services; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Nursing Services; and Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision.’

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

The Arlington Waiver (#0357.R02)

“[This waiver] program serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have service needs that can be satisfactorily met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. These individuals qualify for and absent the provision of waiver services, would be placed in an ICF/IID. The target population for this waiver consists of persons with intellectual disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria and are class members certified in United States vs. State of Tennessee, et al. (Arlington Developmental Center). The Arlington Waiver includes the same services available in The Statewide Waiver.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee Statewide Waiver (0128.R04)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities. The target population consists of children with developmental delays and adults and children with intellectual disability who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Family Model Residential Support; Individual Transportation Services; Intensive Behavior Residential Services; Medical Residential Services; Nursing Services; Nutrition Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Residential Habilitation; Respite; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Supported Living; Support Coordination; and Transitional Case Management.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federally funded grant awarded to TennCare with the purpose of assisting the state to transition people from nursing homes and institutions to home and community based care, and to also assist the state to rebalance their long term care expenditures.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

States - Phone

Snapshot

Tennessee is the Volunteer State, and its outstanding Employment First initiatives for individuals with disabilities show why this state exemplifies "America at its Best!"

2014 State Population.
0.81%
Change from
2013 to 2014
6,549,352
2014 Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
563,863
2014 Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64).
3.01%
Change from
2013 to 2014
168,683
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities).
-0.07%
Change from
2013 to 2014
29.92%
2014 Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities).
0.47%
Change from
2013 to 2014
74.41%

State Data

General

 2014
Population. 6,549,352
Number of people with disabilities (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 563,863
Number of people with disabilities who are employed (all disabilities, ages 18-64). 168,683
Number of people without disabilities who are employed (ages 18-64). 2,557,629
Percentage of working age people who are employed (all disabilities). 29.92%
Percentage of working age people who are employed (NO disabilities). 74.41%
Overall unemployment rate. 6.70%
Poverty Rate (all disabilities). 26.10%
Poverty Rate (NO disabilities). 16.90%
Number of males with disabilities (all ages). 483,056
Number of females with disabilities (all ages). 529,442
Number of Caucasians with disabilities (all ages). 815,721
Number of African Americans with disabilities (all ages). 161,345
Number of Hispanic/Latinos with disabilities (all ages). 19,799
Number of American Indians/Alaska Natives with disabilities (all ages). 4,255
Number of Asians with disabilities (all ages). 6,347
Number of Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with disabilities (all ages). N/A
Number of with multiple races disabilities (all ages). 19,929
Number of others with disabilities (all ages). 4,332
Notes: Employment percentages account for only those individuals 18 years or older who are classified members of the labor force.
Source:
StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes | U.S. Census Bureau-Fact Finder

 

SSA OUTCOMES

 2014
Number of SSI recipients with disabilities who work. 4,508
Percentage of SSI recipients with disabilities who work relative to total SSI recipients with disabilities. 2.60%
Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) recipients/workers with disabilities. 252,231
Source:
SSI Annual Statistical Report | OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County

 

MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

 2014
Number of mental health services consumers who are employed. 8,075
Number of mental health services consumers who are part of the labor force (employed or actively looking for employment). 21,113
Number of adults served who have a known employment status. 43,402
Percentage of all state mental health agency consumers served in the community who are employed. 18.60%
Percentage of supported employment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.70%
Percentage of supported housing services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.70%
Percentage of assertive community treatment services evidence based practices (EBP). 0.20%
Percentage of medications management evidence based practices (EBP). 35.90%
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported employment services. 1,014
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) supported housing services. 1,026
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) assertive community treatment services. 318
Number of evidence based practices (EBP) medications management. 52,191
Source:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) "Reports by Geography"

 

WAGNER PEYSER OUTCOMES

 2014
Number of registered job seekers with a disability. 8,544
Proportion of registered job seekers with a disability. 0.04
Source:
Department of Labor Wagner-Peyser Data

 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES (ADULTS)

 2013
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work served by Job Training and Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act programs. 108
Total number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment. 59
Percentage of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment relative to total the number of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work. 55.00%
Incidence rate of people with a disability that is a substantial barrier to work who entered unsubsidized employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 0.91
Source:
Workforce Investment Act Data (Adults)

 

VR OUTCOMES

 2015
Total Number of people served under VR.
N/A
Number of people with visual impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people with communicative (hearing loss, deafness) impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people with physical impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people cognitive impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people psychosocial impairments served under VR. N/A
Number of people with mental impairments served under VR. N/A
Percentage of overall closures into employment under VR. N/A
Number of employment network (EN) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) tickets assigned. 7,455
Number of eligible ticket to work beneficiaries. 371,708
Total number of ID closures using supported employment services with or without Title VI-B funds expended (VI-C prior to 2002). N/A
Total number of ID competitive labor market closures. N/A
Source:
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Basic VR GPRA Measures" | Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) – "Core Tables for Basic VR" | StateData: the National Report on Employment Services an Outcomes | Social Security Administration "TicketTracker" May 2015

 

IDD OUTCOMES

 2013
Dollars spent on day/employment services for integrated employment funding. $11,372,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based work funding. $0
Dollars spent on day/employment services for facility-based non-work funding. $24,128,000
Dollars spent on day/employment services for community based non-work funding. $64,877,000
Percentage of people served in integrated employment. 19.00%
Number of people served in community based non-work. 6,464
Number of people served in facility based work. 0
Number of people served in facility based non-work. 3,745
Number supported in integrated employment per 100,000 individuals in the general state population. 20.40
Source:
StateData: the National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes

 

EDUCATION OUTCOMES

 2013
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class 80% or more of the day (Indicator 5a). 66.07%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served inside the regular class less than 40% of the day (Indicator 5b). 11.27%
Percent of children with IEPs aged 6 through 21 served in separate schools, residential facilities, or homebound/hospital placements (Indicator 5c). 1.76%
Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (Indicator 13). 100.00%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14a). 21.27%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14b). 55.59%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were enrolled in higher education or in some other postsecondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school (Indicator 14c). 67.70%
Percentage of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were competitively employed within one year of leaving high school (Subset of Indicator 14). 34.32%
Notes: Please refer to individual state profiles for most recent numbers by state
Source:
"FFY 2013 Part B State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR)"

 

ABILITYONE/JWOD PROGRAM

 2014
Number of overall agency blind and SD hours. 871,430
Number of overall total blind and SD workers. 1,411
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (products). 56,166
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (services). 136,631
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD hours (combined). 192,797
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (products). 86
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (services). 190
Number of AbilityOne blind and SD workers (combined). 276
AbilityOne wages (products). $490,797
AbilityOne wages (services). $1,584,403
Notes: Average hourly wage(services)= services total wages earned/services total number of hours worked. | Average hourly wage(products)=products total wages earned/products total number of hours worked.
Source:
AbilityOne 2014 Annual Report

 

WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION: 14(c) CERTIFICATE-HOLDING ENTITIES OUTCOMES

 2015
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding private businesses. 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0
Number of 14(c) certificate-holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 62
Number of 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. 2
Total Number of 14(c) certificate holding entities. 64
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding private businesses. 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14 (c) certificate holding school work experience programs (SWEPs). 0
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding community rehabilitation programs (CRPs). 3,999
Reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding patient workers. 42
Total reported number of people with disabilities working under 14(c) certificate holding entities. 4,041
Notes: *WHD is cumulative data. Numbers for data items 4-10 are no longer available for 2014.
Source:
U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Business Certificate Holders List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) School Work Experience Programs (SWEP) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) List | U.S. Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Employers of Patient Workers List

 

Legislation

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee SB 1162 - 05/18/2015

"Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as 'The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.' Section 2. The purpose of this act is to authorize the establishment of a qualified ABLE program as an agency or instrumentality of the state to assist an eligible individual in saving money to meet the eligible individual’s qualified disability expenses. The intent of the program is to encourage and assist individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life."

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee HB 896/SB 429 (ABLE) - 02/05/2015
The purpose of this bill is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence,  and quality of life; and (2) To provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of individuals with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.§§ 1381 et seq.);the TennCare programs under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, (42 U.S.C. §§1396 et seq.); or any successor to the TennCare program administered pursuant to the federal Medicaid laws, the individual’s employment, and other sources  
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
Citations

Tennessee Title Code 67

A job tax credit of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each net new full-time employee job, and two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each net new part-time employee job, for a person with disabilities who is receiving state services directly related to such disabilities, shall be allowed against a taxpayer's franchise and excise liability tax for that year; provided, that:            (A)  The employment of such individual creates a net increase in the number of persons with disabilities employed by the taxpayer within the ninety-day period immediately preceding the employment;            (B)  The taxpayer provides such employment for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and for no less than the minimal hours per week; and for employees enrolled in the minimal health care benefits described in subdivision (g)(1), for respective full-time employment jobs and part-time employment jobs;   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Executive Orders

Governor’s Executive Order Order Establishing The Tennessee Employment First I - 06/19/2013

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee… do hereby order and direct the following:

1. State agencies coordinate efforts to increase opportunities for integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities.2. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities convene an Employment First Taskforce (“Taskforce”).3 The Taskforce shall consist of representatives from the agencies administering disability services, family members of persons receiving employment services, vocational rehabilitation, workforce services and education, as well as consumer advocates and third party disability services providers.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Policy

Expect Employment 2016: Employment First Task Force Report to the Governor - 09/01/2016

“In 2013, Governor Haslam signed Executive Order No. 28, which established the Employment First Task Force in the state of Tennessee. The task force was charged with identifying and eliminating barriers to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and other disabilities. Furthermore, the task force was to seek best practices, partnerships and opportunities for shared services to increase integrated and competitive employment for Tennesseans with disabilities….

With barriers identified and goals outlined, the Employment First Task Force focused its efforts in Year 3 on refining and completing the objectives. Many of the accomplishments can be directly tied to collaboration among state agencies and partner groups, including TennesseeWorks, Disability Rights Tennessee and The Arc Tennessee. This includes the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding for Youth Transition from School to Work, the submission of the Combined State Plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the development of the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. All of these initiatives have benefitted from the cooperation and the public-private partnerships that were initiated through Executive Order No. 28, and collectively stand to have a tremendous impact on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Individually, many agencies have also made progress in their own programs that are leading to direct results.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2020) - 07/01/2016
The State of Tennessee is submitting a Combined State Plan (CSP) in which the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is the authorized and signatory entity designated to receive funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Through a strong collaboration with  the Tennessee Departments of Human Services (DHS), Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Education (TNED), we have developed Tennessee’s strategic and operational plans for the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)   “Among the disability populations in Tennessee, as the data below shows, those currently not in the labor force are a priority in workforce services, where 34 % Or over 300000 people with disabilities need to be reached and provided career Paths and appropriate training services. We must do so through these sustained Partnerships which are emerging from the implementation of WIOA   
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Expect Employment 2015: TN Employment First Task Force Report - 09/01/2015

In the past year, Tennessee:

Continued to expand Project SEARCH to include 60 interns participating at 7 program sites statewide. A total of 42 individuals have been employed through Project SEARCH Secured federal grants and reallocated resources to expand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) initiative to include transition-age youth and homeless veterans, and locations in West Tennessee. To date, over 270 individuals have been served by IPS and 148 have been placed in employment receiving a competitive wage. Department of Education celebrated the first graduates in May 2015 who received the new Occupational Diploma. A total of 11 students in 4 pilot districts received the diploma and that number is expected to grow significantly for 2015/16.

Professional Development Opportunities for Service Providers

As of June 2015, 13 Community Rehabilitation providers from across the state are certified as Employment First participants by DIDD as they commit to shift their services away from the sheltered workshop model to services that promote and support employment in the general workforce as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. The 2015 Tennessee Disability Mega Conference, an event sponsored by many of the Employment First Task Force members, featured an employment theme throughout the two-day event and was attended by more than 650 individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment First Road Map: 2015-2017 - 08/15/2015

Employment first strategic goals: 2015-2017

Alignment and Coordination of Service Systems: Align service delivery systems and strengthen coordination to increase employment opportunities for Tennesseans with disabilities. Community Commitment: Build shared community commitment to “employment first” for individuals with disabilities. More Employers Hiring: Increase the number of businesses and employers throughout the state who actively seek and hire individuals with disabilities. Tennessee as Model Public Sector Employer: Make Tennessee a model public sector employer through actions to employ more people with disabilities and through policy and regulatory change.  Student Transition to Employment: Prepare students for employment throughout their education and connect them to essential services.
Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

TN Governor Haslam Proclaims March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” - 03/19/2015
“The proclamation states that “families of people with developmental disabilities deserve our admiration and recognition for their caring commitment and ongoing support that are essential to an independent and productive life”.  Many individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members still face enormous challenges in accessing needed services and supports to allow them to live successful lives in their communities alongside people without disabilities.”  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
Citations

Tennessee Selected to Participate in 2015 as Core State for Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) - 12/01/2014

This [Tennessee’s selection as a Core State] clearly demonstrates the significant strides that Tennessee has made relative to the EFSLMP initiative and ODEP’s support for our State as we continue moving forward… EFSLMP works to advance Employment First, a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of people with the most significant disabilities in the workplace. EFSLMP provides support and resources to help select states align policies, regulations, and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for people with significant disabilities.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Expect Employment: TN Employment First Taskforce Report 2014 - 08/01/2014

“The Employment First Task Force concluded its first year on August 1, 2014, with the following recommendations:1. Develop a Memorandum of Understanding among state agencies to facilitate coordination among programs and produce successful outcomes for people with disabilities.2. Engage and support Tennessee businesses in employing people with disabilities in support of the Drive to 55 goals.3. Make the State of Tennessee a model employer of people with disabilities, including the expansion of opportunities for internships.4. Ensure every student with a disability leaves high school with a smooth transition that would include a choice of (but not be limited to) postsecondary education, a job training program, or paid, integrated employment to the same extent as students without disabilities.5. Support individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing their knowledge about the benefits of employment as a life goal. 6. Ensure that all working-age Tennesseans with disabilities have access to a system of supports that enables them to obtain and maintain employment in the community throughout their lives. 7. Create and implement a three-year strategic workforce development plan, continuing the work of the Task Force under the authority of Executive Order 28.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Insure Tennessee Plan

“Nearly one million Tennesseans have disabilities and many struggle to access the health care they need. Access to quality health care is a priority for the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) and its members. TDC has joined with business leaders, health care providers, and other advocates as a partner in the Coalition for a Healthy Tennessee.”   “More than half of the people in the [insurance] gap are working, but they don’t make enough money to buy health insurance. [This includes] Working Tennesseans with disabilities who are in low paying jobs; Veterans, some of whom have disabilities who don’t have VA benefits; Adults on SSDI who are in the Medicare waiting period; [and] People with health conditions and disabilities that could get back to work if they could get healthy…”  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Tennessee DIDD “Way2Work”

The state also solidified an agreement that addresses some components of WIOA, created more employment vignettes, and named the series of videos: Way2Work

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Supported Employment

“Work can be a big boost to a person’s recovery. Not only does a job help pay the bills, it can also provide a person with a sense of pride and belonging. Having a job adds structure to daily life, increases social contacts and support, and enhances opportunities for personal achievement. Supported Employment programs assist individuals in obtaining employment, and once employed, provide supports to assist in maintaining the job.”

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Tennessee Employment First

“Employment First is a concept to facilitate the full inclusion of individuals with varying degrees of abilities in the workplace and in the community. Under the Employment First approach, community-based integrated employment is the first and preferred employment service option for youth and adults with significant disabilities.”

“To advance Employment First, The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) created the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Program (EFSLMP). This program assists states to align policies, regulations and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for individuals with significant disabilities…”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
Citations

Partnerships

Tennessee Memorandum of Understanding between DIDD and VR - 01/07/2016

On December 14, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program and DIDD was finalized. In 2014, both agencies started discussing the option of creating an MOU through a Vision Quest workgroup (as part of the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program) spearheaded by two ODEP Subject Matter Experts: Dr. Stephen Hall and Sara Murphy.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Memorandum of Understanding for School-to-Work Transition - 08/05/2015

Five state agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve services and better prepare youth with disabilities to transition from school into integrated employment in the community.  The MOU focuses on students age 14 years and over and aims to ensure all youth with disabilities leaving secondary education are prepared for either post-secondary training and/or integrated employment appropriate for their preferences, interests, skills and abilities.  “It’s vitally important that all state agencies work together to make sure youth with disabilities leave school and have the opportunity to contribute to the workforce,” Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Debra Payne said.  “It takes a team effort to make sure they have the training and support necessary to make that happen."

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Interagency Agreement Regarding IDEA - 07/01/2012

“The purpose of this Agreement is to identify and define the financial responsibilities of the Parties to this Agreement and to facilitate the provision and coordination of services for all infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults who are IDEA eligible. This Agreement formalizes policies, procedures, and fiscal responsibilities of the parties relating to IDEA.” 

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Medicaid Agencies
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment Consortium - 06/01/2007

“The Tennessee Employment Consortium (TEC) is a statewide organization focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans in integrated employment. The consortium comprises volunteers from the state's Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS) and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the ARC of Tennessee, the Center on Disability and Employment at the University of Tennessee, community rehabilitation providers (CRPs), family members, and other stakeholders. TEC's ability to organize collaborative activities across state agencies, advocacy organizations, and CRPs has played an important role in increasing integrated employment outcomes.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities - 05/01/2007

“The Tennessee Alliance for Postsecondary Opportunities for Students With Intellectual Disabilities was formed in May 2007 to increase awareness about the need for postsecondary opportunities in Tennessee, to gather information about postsecondary programs in other states, and to develop a pilot program on a Tennessee college campus

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services

This state plan for FY 2014 mentions interagency arrangements to provide supported employment and customized employment services for people with disabilities, addresses the need for official policy regarding transition aged youth, establishes come goals for each of its target areas.

Systems
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “Our partnership is focused on helping: Self-Advocates to aspire toward competitive work; Employers to recognize the contributions people with disabilities can make in the workplace; Educators to prepare young people with disabilities with strong skills and opportunities; Families to communicate high expectations from an early age; and State Systems and Disability Agencies to support real work for real pay.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

The ARC Tennessee

“The Arc Tennessee is a charitable organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities through its services and programs. The Arc Tennessee has been creating choices and advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1952… We are a chapter and membership organization composed of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, friends, and professionals who assist them in reaching their goals.….The Arc Tennessee continues to lead alliances and work collaboratively with many organizations in an effort to advance services and supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. “

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Systems-Change Funding

Tennessee Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) - 10/01/2011

“The TDEI project will replicate and improve upon the experience of the Disability Navigator Program (DPN) active in the nine (9) participating WIBs [Workforce Investment Boards]. The DPN Initiative provided a bridge between One-Stop Career Center staff, private and public partners, and the disability community. Each participating WIB will be responsible for tailoring a basic set of services to the needs of their local population with disabilities, as well as potential employers. Three (3) WIBs will offer services to customers with disabilities in primarily rural areas. The TDEI will rely on the states two Work Incentives Planning and Assistance service providers to assist it to work with Social Security disability beneficiaries.” The grant ended in 2014.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Mental Health
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Olmstead E Workforce Grant: Service Integration. The ARC of TN - 07/01/2007

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE project was designed to expand the Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership (TCEP) from the Tennessee Career Center in Knoxville to other One-Stops across the state. As part of this replication effort, the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant funded TCEP hubs in Tennessee Career Centers in Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Columbia.”

“The project expanded and documented the capability of individuals transitioning from segregated environments to community employment using customized strategies to increase their earnings and economic power through participation in employment. This allowed people served by the Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Grant to and live, work and fully participate in their communities. Another accomplishment of the grant was an employment campaign that served to heighten support among the Governor's cabinet, elected officials, employers, consumers, families, and the public.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

TN Disability Program Navigator

“ETA and SSA are jointly funding the DPN Initiative in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands where SSA implemented employment support initiatives. This Initiative promotes comprehensive services and work incentive information for SSA beneficiaries and other people with disabilities, through the One Stop system. The Initiative focuses on developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless, comprehensive, and integrated access to services, creating systemic change, and expanding the workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities and employers.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

AIDD Partnerships in Employment

TennesseeWorks Partnership: Changing the Employment Landscape“The Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in DevelopmentalDisabilities and 28 agencies and organizations will develop a vibrant collaborativeacross the state to increase the number of young people accessing competitiveemployment prior to leaving high school; increase the capacity and commitmentamong families and practitioners to support competitive employment and careerdevelopment; raise expectations among youth, families, educators and providers;reallocate resources and funding streams toward competitive employment; andincrease the number of families and educators accessing professional development,resources, and supports addressing competitive employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Education
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Training/Capacity Building

Guide for Provider Transformation to an Employment First Service Model - 06/15/2016

“This manual outlines different strategies that providers can use to help people with disabilities gain integrated, competitive employment. It also outlines strategies to help providers transition to an Employment First Service Model, rather than focusing on sheltered work.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Transition Institutes and Information Fairs - 04/11/2016

“This event is the place for students, parents, teachers, and service providers to find answers to their questions, make connections, and receive tools to use that will help ensure students with disabilities exit high school prepared to live, work, and participate fully in their community!”

Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Employment Readiness program (ERP)

The focus of the Employment Readiness Program (ERP) is to prepare students in areas of employment and life skills. The ERP curriculum-based course spans 14 weeks and includes individualized and group format instruction and community based hands-on experience in a variety of work environments.

Systems
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
Citations

Employment and Individuals With Disabilities

This sheet contains tips and resources related to customized and supported employment in relation to Tennessee Disability Pathfinder and TennesseeWorks.

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Employment First Trainings

MG&A articles & presentations on Customized Employment and Discovery from the TDI&DD website.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
Citations

National Center on Workforce & Disability - Tennessee

This web page contains articles related to customized employment and other processes and programs used to promote integrated employment in the state of Tennessee.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Provider Transformation
Citations

Beach Center on Disability Research Highlights: Customized Employment

“Thirty individual job seekers with disabilities participated in a customized employment process. Each job seeker was asked to rate their quality of life before they participated in the customized employment process, three months after participating in the process, and six months after participating in the process. Quality of life was measured using a modified version of Conroy’s Quality of Life Changes Scale (2001). Through interviews with either the job seeker or a related community rehabilitation support worker, the authors found positive changes in 13 quality of life indicators as a result of participating in a customized employment process. This research supports the notion that customized employment contributes to improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
Citations

Basic Rights: Training on IDEA Parent’s Introduction to Special Education Workshop

This workshop is designed for professionals and parents of children in special education or that might need special education. Come and gain a working knowledge of special education laws, including your role in the development of an appropriate education program (IEP) and how to be an effective partner with the school team in the process.  
Systems
  • Department of Education
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

University of Tennessee, Center for Literacy, Education and Employment

“ Support for diversity and inclusion is a value at the core of the Center for Literacy, Education and Employment (CLEE). In addition, we determine the direction of our work by listening to and learning from practitioners, policymakers, business leaders and community leaders, as well as the academic community. As a result, the Center has a long history of involvement in advocacy efforts in the fields of literacy, education and employment, particularly those focused on supporting ALL individuals to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership 2004

“The Tennessee Olmstead WorkFORCE Partnership (Working for Freedom Opportunity and Real Choice through Community Employment) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $75,000 per year per grantee for three years (a total award of $225,000 per grantee) to develop the capacity of at least one of their Career Centers to create “Tennessee Customized Employment Partnership” (TCEP) Hubs to provide customized employment services to people with significant disabilities. Funding is contingent upon continued appropriation from the federal government. Through an application process, up to three awards will be made. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability & Employment Policy (ODEP) through a grant to The Arc of Tennessee.”

Systems
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Other
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Tennessee Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program

“Through the EFSLMP Tennessee seeks to increase the number of adults and youth with significant disabilities in the state who are working in competitive, integrated employment. Leaders in the state are specifically looking to align departmental policies for coordination of integrated employment services. They are also intending to increase the use of customized employment strategies by service providers as well as to cultivate a better understanding of and use of work incentives available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Income. Their proposal also includes strong involvement of the One-Stop Career Centers. The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) will be the lead agency for this grant.”

NOTE: Tennessee is using resources from the EFLSMP to provide training and capacity building to large workshops in the state. The capacity building includes customized employment and alternative sources of funding to providers, including becoming an Employment Network of the Ticket to Work Program.

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Department of Workforce Development
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Mental Health
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Works

“We’re transforming the employment landscape for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. Meaningful work. Real pay. Opportunities for every Tennessean with a disability.” “This new website is an online resource for those in our state committed to these goals. [You can] [s]elect your role… to find comprehensive information, trainings, videos, success stories, and many other resources to equip, inform, and inspire your work.”

Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • School-to-Work Transition
  • Employer Engagement
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
Citations

Enforcement

Clover Bottom, Greene Valley, and Nat T. Winston Developmental Centers - Memorandum Approving Exit Plan (2015) - 01/29/2015
To effectively facilitate reform in mental health services, the Court cannot allow “perfect to become the enemy of good” nor allow the concepts of federalism and separation of powers to be ignored. The Court concludes that the Exit Plan presented by the Parties is “fair, reasonable, and adequate” and provides the next iteration of improvement to the lives of those with disabilities in Tennessee. It will test political will and legislative leadership to continue that progress and to determine how best to care for those often left in the shadows.    For the reasons detailed above, the Court will grant the unopposed joint motion seeking approval of an Exit Plan (Docket No. 1118-1) and entry of a proposed Agreed Order (Docket No. 1118-2). The Motion to Intervene brought by conservators of GVDC residents and Citizens for a Better Tennessee (Docket No. 1121) will be denied. .  
Systems
  • Other
Topics
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
Citations

Medicaid & Employment

Employment and Community First CHOICES (Employment Program) - 07/01/2016

“On July 1, 2016, Tennessee started a new program for people with intellectual and other kinds of developmental disabilities. This new program is called Employment and Community First CHOICES. Services in the new program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community. For people who are not ready for a job in the community, the new program offers services to help prepare for employment.”

Systems
  • Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0001 (approved 3-22-2016) - 03/22/2016

The State covers low-income families and children for Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) under section 1925 of the Social Security Act (the Act). This coverage is provided for families who no longer qualify under section 1931 of the Act due to increased earned income, or working hours, from the caretaker relative’s employment, or due to the loss of a time-limited earned income disregard. (1902(a)(52), 1902(e)(1), and 1925 of the Act)

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Home and Community-Based Services Settings Rule Statewide Transition Plan (11/2015) Amended Based on Public Comment (2/2016) - 02/01/2016
1915 (c) waiver settings assessed included:  • Residential Habilitation  • Employment and Day (Community and Facility Based Day, In-home Day, and Supported Employment)  • Family Model Residential Support  • Medical Residential Services  • Supported Living   
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Customized Employment
  • Asset Development / Financial Capability
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
  • Segregated Day & Employment Services
  • Provider Transformation
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration / Partnerships
  • Resource Leveraging
Citations

Tennessee Medicaid State Plan

Tennessee’s full state plan for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Program.

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Citations

Tennessee Application for a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Service Waiver

The Self-Determination Waiver offers a continuum of services that are selected by each individual pursuant to a person-centered planning process and support each person’s independence and full integration into the community, including opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive, integrated settings and engage in community life. Services are delivered in a manner which ensures each individual’s rights of privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint; optimizes individual initiative, autonomy, and independence in making life choices; and are delivered in a manner that comports fully with standards applicable to HCBS settings delivered under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act…  
Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN The Self-Determination Waiver (0427.R01)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have moderate service needs that can be met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. The Self-Determination Waiver Program affords participants the opportunity to lead the person-centered planning process and directly manage selected services, including the recruitment and management of service providers. Participants and families (as appropriate) electing self-determination are empowered and have the responsibility for managing a self-determination budget affording flexibility in service design and delivery. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Respite; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Individual Transportation Services; Nutrition Services; Semi-Independent Living Services; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Nursing Services; and Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision.’

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

The Arlington Waiver (#0357.R02)

“[This waiver] program serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities who have service needs that can be satisfactorily met with a cost-effective array of home and community services that complement other supports available to them in their homes and the community. These individuals qualify for and absent the provision of waiver services, would be placed in an ICF/IID. The target population for this waiver consists of persons with intellectual disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria and are class members certified in United States vs. State of Tennessee, et al. (Arlington Developmental Center). The Arlington Waiver includes the same services available in The Statewide Waiver.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

Tennessee Statewide Waiver (0128.R04)

“[This waiver] serves Tennessee citizens with intellectual disabilities. The target population consists of children with developmental delays and adults and children with intellectual disability who meet ICF/IID level of care criteria. The following waiver services are available based on assessed participant need: Adult Dental Services; Behavioral Respite Services; Behavior Services; Day Services; Environmental Accessibility Modifications; Family Model Residential Support; Individual Transportation Services; Intensive Behavior Residential Services; Medical Residential Services; Nursing Services; Nutrition Services; Occupational Therapy Services; Orientation and Mobility Services for Impaired Vision; Personal Assistance; Personal Emergency Response Systems; Physical Therapy Services; Residential Habilitation; Respite; Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies & Assistive Technology; Speech, Language, & Hearing Services; Supported Living; Support Coordination; and Transitional Case Management.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Mental Health
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations

TN Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a federally funded grant awarded to TennCare with the purpose of assisting the state to transition people from nursing homes and institutions to home and community based care, and to also assist the state to rebalance their long term care expenditures.”

Systems
  • Medicaid Agencies
Topics
  • Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Citations