Member Organizations (S-Z)

The Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. Based in Chattanooga, the non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four initiatives: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education.

Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

It is the mission of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee , Incorporated (SILC of TN) to promote independent living in Tennessee and to support the independent living philosophy, the practices, and its values.

STEP  is a statewide family-to-family program in Tennessee, established in 1989 by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of STEP  is to support families by providing free information, advocacy training, and support services to parents of children eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) who reside in Tennessee.

The organization is private not-for-profit agency that serves as a unique multi-specialty healthcare facility providing lifespan clinical services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.  TEAM’s continuum of care gives each individual the hope, support, treatment and assistance needed for the complex conditions of autism, mental retardation, genetic disorders and other developmental disabilities.

The Technology Access Center mission is to promote the independence and participation of individuals of all ages with disabilities in school, work, play and everyday activities through their use of assistive technology.

TCSW is a multi-issue statewide organization dedicated to “improving the social and economic well-being of Tennesseans, particularly for those most vulnerable.”  With over 1500 individual members and 160 organizational members, TCSW works as a powerful system steward and weaver to implement best programs, policies, proficiencies and public awareness of short and long term opportunities for advancement.

The Council provides leadership to ensure independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the community through promotion of systems change.

THCC is the state's premier nonprofit consumer health care advocacy group and a leader in the health care justice movement.  We envision a society where the physical, mental, and emotional health needs of all people are met.  THCC works in collaboration with advocacy groups, affected constituents, community leaders, and policy makers to influence positive change in public health and health care.

Founded in 1988, TMHCA is Tennessee’s only statewide mental health consumer/survivor owned and operated organization with a board of directors and staff composed of 100% mental health consumers.  TMHCA recognizes our members as individuals whose life experiences and dreams for the future are invaluable in the structuring of our plans and policies.

Through communication, education, professional development, advocacy and legislative involvement, the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association supports and encourages the provision and availability of quality occupational therapy services to enhance the occupational performance of consumers in Tennessee.

A statewide program designed to increase access to, and acquisition of, assistive technology devices and services.

Focused on improving the coordination and delivery of children's mental health services, this statewide coalition has grown into an influential statewide non-profit organization with offices in each region of Tennessee.

The Arc of Tennessee is a grassroots, non-profit, statewide organization on intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was founded in 1952 and is affiliated with The Arc of the United States.

We are a non-profit service organization, chartered in 1961 and affiliated with the Arc of Tennessee as well as the Arc U.S.  Our agency is dedicated to promoting the growth of nurturing communities where all people have the opportunity to join in fellowship and valued contribution to family, friends, neighborhood, work, spiritual, and community life.

The Arc is a family-based organization dedicated to securing opportunities for all people with developmental, intellectual, or any other disabilities.  The Arc is also committed to supporting and improving the quality of life for individuals with challenges through actions and programs promoting personal empowerment, community-wide inclusion, advocacy, public education, and research.

The Eye Center is affiliated with Southern College of Optometry, a Memphis healthcare provider since 1932. The Eye Center offers doctors with advanced degrees and training, a renowned reputation for excellence in patient care, and services for all ages, ranging from infants to seniors.

As part of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, Tennessee established a local chapter in 1988, the TN-NADD.  The focus of this group is to work with parents and professionals to increase knowledge and awareness of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and mental health issues.

The Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD) is one of more than 60 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in the United States established by the federal government to develop interdisciplinary training, service, and applied research related to developmental disabilities. The BCDD is now one of the most comprehensive facilities in the nation dedicated to improving quality of life for people of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Center is an interdisciplinary research, training, diagnostic, and treatment institute of Vanderbilt University. The Center brings together scientists and practitioners in behavior, education, genetics, medicine, and neuroscience to work together to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through research, services, and training.

Vista Points is a non-profit resource center dedicated to raising awareness about Special Needs Trusts.  Through community outreach activites, education programs and marketing campaigns, We prote the avantages of Special Needs Trusts to thsoe who will most benefit from them, including people living with a disability, their parents and caregivers, and the professional who serves and guides them.

Wheel Me On is dedicated to persons with and without disabilities. The organization promotes activity and unity of all Americans and strives for greater access in society. Our web site provides education through informative articles to assist everyday living for people with or without disabilities.