Related Disability Links

This page will be updated as we come across links we feel would benefit you. The links listed are not necessarily endorsed by The Arc of Tennessee and should be checked out thoroughly. If you would like to submit a web-page for us to view and add to our list or if you notice a link on this page that is no longer active, please email Peggy Cooper.

• The Arc of the United States: A comprehensive site for information on mental retardation and other related disabilities. Also has links to other chapters of The Arc across the country.
• Tennessee General Assembly: Regular updates on state legislative activities.
• The Arc Legislation Action Center: To write to legislators.
• The Arc Link: To find services.
• ADA Watch: Americans with Disabilities Act information.
• Pathfinder: To find services and supports.
• Tennessee Disability MegaConference: Annual conference information.
• Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee: Legal advocacy organization.
• Project MED (Medication EDucation): website with booklets for people with reading limitations.
• Down Syndrome News & Updates: Information on Down syndrome.
• Wrightslaw: Special education law information.
• Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities: Find consultants, therapists, parent support groups, attorneys and more.
• Special Needs Family: Family friendly fun and special needs resources to enhance the quality and fun of family life with special needs.
• Source Lift: A distributor of wheelchair lifts, stair lifts and access.
• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: For information on developmental research, sib shops and more.
• All God's Children: An on-line community for sharing ideas, strategies, resources, and information concerning the inclusion of children with disabilities and their families in their chosen faith community.
• Tennessee Microboards Association: Provides support and training to individual microboards across the state.
• STEP, Inc: Provides 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).
• The Tennessee Justice Center (TJC): For information on health care and welfare reform with ways to help the public and advocates navigate the maze of public policy issues that affect low-income families.
• TENNderCARE: A full program of check ups and health care services for children who have TennCare.
• Stair Lifts: Offers free shipping on stair lifts.
• Camp Discovery: Provides summer camping opportunities for people with disabilities.
• State of Tennessee Division of Intellectual Disabilities Services (DIDS): For information on available services and supports.
• Tennessee Human Rights Commission: An independent state agency charged with preventing and eradicating discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing.
• Fulfill the Promise: Website dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities receive state services.
• Vanderbilt Research: Enroll to become a research participant.
• Mortgage Loan: Comprehensive guide to housing and mortgages for people with disabilities.
• Foundation for the Challenged: Offers one-time grants of up to $1,000 for community lifestyle needs to eligible individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Medical Supplies for You: A seller and distributor of mobility products.
• Direct Support Professionals of Tennessee (DSPAT): An organization for people who provide services to people with disabilities.
• Brain & Spinal Cord: A timely, reliable resource for brain injury and spinal cord injury.
• Disability.gov: Connects the Disability Community to information and opportunities.
• Community Resource Center (CRC): Provides basic household necessities to nonprofit agencies and people in desperate need in 20 Middle Tennessee counties.
• Tennessee Family Support Alliance: Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting the Tennessee Family Support Program.
• Think College: College options for people with intellectual disabilities.
• Next Step: A two-year certification program for students with intellectual disabilities, providing individualized Programs of Study in the areas of education, social skills, and vocational training.
• Ability Awareness: Non-profit organization dedicated to building a world of inclusion for people with health conditions and disabilities.
• Ability Jobs: Resume bank for people with disabilities that is shared with companies.
• Ability Magazine: Largest magazine in the US covering disability issues.
• Tennessee Family Support Alliance: Collective group to voice endorsement of one of Tennessee's most valued and effective statewide programs serving persons of all ages with a variety of severe disabilities.

Local Arc Chapters (in Tennessee)

• The Arc of the Mid-South

  The Arc of the Mid-South is committed to providing advocacy & services which enable individuals with developmental disabilities to realize their uniqueness, worth, and full inclusion in society. The Arc of the Mid-South's commitment is to all people with intellectual disabilities and/or associated developmental disabilities & their families, and actively sows the seeds of information & understanding. The Arc of the Mid-South affirms the uniqueness & the worth in society of all persons and endeavors to empower individuals and their families.

• The Arc of Washington County

  The Arc of Washington County is a non-profit service organization, chartered in 1961 and affiliated with the Arc of Tennessee as well as with the Arc of the United States. The 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 of Hamilton County

  The Arc of Hamilton County was founded in 1953 by a group of concerned parents of children with intellectual disabilities to provide advocacy and a voice in their community. The Arc of Hamilton County is committed to securing for all people with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose & realize their goals of where & how they learn, live, work, and play. The agency has been at the forefront of working towards increased educational opportunities, development of programs & services & system changes for mentally retarded persons in our community.

• The Arc of Cumberland County

  High up on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, The Arc of Cumberland County, was organized in 1975 in Crossville. While the area remains mostly rural, the county is among the fastest growing areas in Tennessee. This chapter prides itself in making Cumberland County a place where people with disabilities are a welcomed and valued part of the community; a place where we all live, learn, work, worship and play together, networking with other people with disabilities & their families. Almost all of the activities are accomplished by the 100 plus members & volunteers recruited from the community. A part time executive secretary staffs the office and completes the necessary business transactions for the organization.

• The Arc of Anderson County

  The Arc of Anderson County, formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens, is a United Way agency and has been active for more than 50 years. This chapter serves local children & adults who have intellectual & developmental disabilities, and helps to meet the needs of their families. The Arc of Anderson County emphasizes the value of full inclusion in all aspects of community life, and holds special events throughout the year for those within the community that have developmental disabilities.

• The Arc of Davidson County

  Chartered in 1952 by a group of forward-looking families, The Arc of Davidson County's mission is to increase the desire and capacity of our community to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and support them in having self-determined, meaningful and purposeful lives. Since our inception, we have worked to fulfill this mission in all aspects of community life, including school, work, recreation and neighborhoods. Our primary constituents are the more than five thousand people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Davidson and nearby counties. Over seven hundred children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are enrolled in our service and support programs. In partnership with our national, state and other local chapters, we campaign for public policies that benefit all of our constituents as well as other people with disabilities.