University of Tennessee - Rural Disability Resource Network
The Rural Disability Resource Network (RDRN) was established through the University of Tennessee System’s Grand Challenges initiative to address the widespread lack of access to disability services in rural communities. What began as a conversation about local needs in rural Pulaski, Tennessee, quickly expanded into a systemwide effort involving multiple UT campuses and institutes. The network connects the expertise and infrastructure of campuses, including UT Southern, UT Chattanooga, the UT Health Science Center, UT Knoxville, UT Martin, and system-wide partners such as the UT Institute for Agriculture and UT Institute for Public Service. The goal is not to duplicate existing services, but to improve access to them by building stronger connections between families, schools, and service providers. RDRN focuses on key transition points in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—especially early childhood and young adulthood—offering targeted support, information, and advocacy tools to improve educational, developmental, and social outcomes.
A central component of the network’s strategy is training and capacity-building. The initiative equips future educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to support individuals with disabilities. As a nationally recognized diagnostic and training hub, the CDD offers comprehensive evaluations that serve as a gateway for families seeking educational support and specialized care. Special education programs at UT Southern and UT Martin prepare students to address the critical teacher shortage in the region. Meanwhile, the University of Tennessee Center on Developmental Disabilities plays a crucial and foundational role in the network by training graduate students to deliver diagnostic and clinical services, serving as a gateway to essential resources. The network also hosts resource fairs, transition workshops, and advocacy training sessions to empower both professionals and families. By developing informational materials, family support networks, and community outreach events, the RDRN strengthens local systems of care and expands awareness of available services. Ultimately, the network serves as a bridge between the university system and rural communities, working to reduce barriers, promote inclusion, and improve quality of life across Tennessee.