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Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), first enacted in 1963 under President Kennedy, laid the groundwork for a nationwide system of programs that focus on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. It established three coordinated program types in every state and U.S. territory.

  • State Councils on Developmental Disabilities
  • Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&A)
  • University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)

These programs function together to deliver training, advocacy, direct services, technical assistance, research, legal protection, and system-level reforms.

The Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network (TN DD Network) is a coalition of four statewide agencies dedicated to enhancing systems and supports for Tennesseans with developmental disabilities and their families. This statewide partnership includes:

Collectively, for over 50 years, these agencies have worked together toward the core goals established by the DD Act: Independence, Self‑Determination, Productivity, Integration, and Belonging.

 

Examples of Network Collaboration and Impact

Statewide Needs Assessment

For the first time in the nation’s history, a DD Network conducted a coordinated, statewide needs assessment. Nearly 1,500 Tennesseans shared firsthand input on service gaps and priorities. The findings are now guiding each partner's strategic planning and will inform policymakers, providers, and advocates throughout the state of Tennessee.

2025 Statewide Needs Assessment

Partners in Policymaking™

Partners is a leadership training program for adults with disabilities and family members with an emphasis on effective system and policy engagement. It is led by the Council and evaluated by the University of Tennessee’s Center on Developmental Disabilities. CDD faculty also deliver a portion of the curriculum.

Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services

As the United States’ first disability-specific leadership academy in state government, the Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services offers a year-long, competency-based training program for employees managing programs that affect the lives of Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It was created by the Council and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources and is evaluated by the University of Tennessee’s Center on Developmental Disabilities. CDD faculty also deliver part of the curriculum.

Supported Decision‑Making Initiative

Launched by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in 2016, this initiative brought DD Network partners together to explore emerging best practices. Disability Rights TN provides legal insight, while the Council organizes statewide forums featuring national experts—amplifying the impact through their joint effort.

Employment Collaboration

Each network organization supports and participates in several employment-focused initiatives, including the Employment Roundtable (created by the TN Council), TennesseeWorks (established by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center), and the Employment First Task Force (initiated by Disability Rights TN).

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder

A comprehensive directory of disability services in Tennessee—endorsed and sustained by all the DD Network partners. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center manages the service, while the TN Council provides funding.

Sep 15, 2025