Social Determinants of Health Resources

Systems of Support

 

Social Determinants of Health Resources

Upcoming Social Determinants of Health Topics

Select one of the Social Determinants of Health sections below for meeting details.  Please join us via Zoom.

Mar. 6, 2025: Aging

May 1, 2025: Gender

Nov. 6, 2025:  Veterans

Individual Resource documents will be added shortly after each meeting date.

TN Department of Health: Social Determinants of Health Factsheet Downloadable PDF

NEW INFOGRAPHIC:

Brain Injury & Rural Health

English PDF and Alt Text

Spanish PDF and Alt Text

 

RECORDING:  Meeting/Training Topic: Rural Health

Downloadable Training/Meeting PowerPoint PDF_Warrell

Meeting Transcript

Speakers:

Tamara Chavez-Lindell PhD, MPH, Lead Epidemiologist Division of Health Disparities Elimination, TN Department of Health

Alle Crampton, Safety Net Director, TDH, Office of Rural Health

Jacy Warrell, MPA, CRHCP, Executive Director, Rural Health Association of TN

Wendy Ellmo, Brain Links – overview of TN Charitable Care Network

Special Thank you to Mindy A. Goff, MPH, Director of State of Office of Rural Health

Downloadable Resource Pages_PDF and Text File

ABOUT RURAL HEALTH

Perhaps going to the doctor or a hospital nearby is a cause for concern, but for one in five people in the United States, it would be a luxury. Over 46 million people in the US live in a rural area, meaning healthcare facilities and related services are at a greater distance than for those in urban areas.

This population tends to be

  • older
  • may live with a disability
  • may be a veteran
  • more likely to be uninsured
  • more likely to have multiple health conditions (stroke, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis)

In addition to the burden of traveling to access healthcare, medical centers are closing in rural areas.

Those in rural areas are at greater risk for poor health with higher likelihood of disease or death. Cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease and unintentional injury (motor vehicle, opioid overdose and substance abuse) are more common. Further, these risks are even higher for racial/ethnic minorities, tribal, and other diverse groups in rural areas. These risk differences, or rural health disparities, may be due to factors already mentioned and include higher rates of smoking, exposure to environmental hazards, lack of seatbelt use, food deserts (lack of access to healthy foods) and poverty.                 US Food & Drug Administration

INTERSECTIONALITY WITH BRAIN INJURY

People living in rural areas are more likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury and are more likely to have worse outcomes, including higher death rates compared to those living in urban areas. Rural areas typically provide less access to TBI pre-hospital services, high-level trauma units, neurosurgical interventions and rehabilitation services. Functional outcomes also tend to be worse. Additional barriers people with TBI face in rural areas include: lack of access to transportation, difficulties with cost and insurance and denial about the seriousness of the injury. Providers noted that people in rural areas would benefit from education about common symptoms following brain injury and the need for evaluation after an injury.

People should be evaluated for brain injury following an injury and appropriate referrals should be made. However, given the higher incidence of brain injury in rural areas and the lower likelihood to seek services, screening for prior history of brain injury should be conducted during each yearly routine visit and sports physicals. When an injury is found, cognitive screening should be conducted and customized accommodations should be provided. Referrals to further services, including telehealth, should be made as needed.

SCREENING TOOLS

Substance Abuse Screenings in Tennessee (SBIRT-TN) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment:  SBIRT is a substance abuse screening and referral to treatment initiative. It is patient-centered and offers education and early intervention to identify and address substance misuse in primary care settings. Patients are asked about their substance use confidentially.

Instrument

Population(s)

Description

Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)

Adults, Adolescents

An 8-item screening tool developed for the World Health Organization (WHO) by an international group of substance abuse researchers to detect and manage substance use and related problems in primary and general medical care settings. Includes a patient feedback report card. Available in several languages.

Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

Adults, Adolescents

A 10-item screening tool developed by WHO to identify persons whose alcohol consumption has become hazardous or harmful to their health. Available in English-, Spanish-, and Slovenian-language versions.

AUDIT-C

Adults

The first 3 questions of AUDIT (those that focus on alcohol consumption).

Brief Alcohol Screening Instrument for Medical Care (BASIC)

Adults

This very brief questionnaire (6 items) screens for alcohol use disorders and for at-risk drinking. Self-administered questionnaire.

CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eyeopener)

Adults (people older than age 16)

A 4-item, nonconfrontational questionnaire for detecting alcohol problems. Questions are usually phrased as “have you ever” but may also focus on present alcohol problems.

CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family or Friends, Trouble)

Adolescents

 A 6-item screening instrument. Test covers alcohol and drugs and situations that are relevant to adolescents.

Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)

Adults

A 20- and 28-item adaptation of the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) to detect consequences related to drug abuse without being specific about the drug, thus alleviating the necessity of using different instruments specific to each drug.

DAST-A

Adolescents

A 28-item DAST for adolescents

 

Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence

Adults

A 6-item test evaluating cigarette consumption, the compulsion to use, and dependence. Screens for nicotine dependence. Severity rating can be used for treatment planning.

Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST)

Adults, Adolescents, Seniors

A 25-item instrument providing a general measure of lifetime alcohol problem severity that can be used for choosing treatment intensity and guiding inquiry into alcohol-related problems. A 13-item version (Short MAST) and geriatric version (MAST-G) are available.

NIDA Drug Use Screening Tool

Adults

A 1- to 7-question screening tool adapted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse from the WHO’s ASSIST.

TWEAK (Tolerance, Worried, Eye-openers, Amnesia, [K] Cut down)

Adults, Pregnant women

A 5-item scale to screen for risky drinking.

 

Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions (IRETA) SBIRT Toolkit:  https://ireta.org/resources/sbirt-toolkit/#screening

University of Washington Substance Use Screening & Assessments Instrument Database: http://lib.adai.washington.edu/instruments/

NASHIA’s OBISSS (Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System)

Ohio State University TBI Identification Method - a screening tool for Brain Injury

CRISIS INTERVENTION TOOLS

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or you can text to 988; 988lifeline.org to chat with someone

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1; or text 838255

NAMI Blog: How to Help Someone in Crisis

Warning Signs and Symptoms

211 Helpline | Get Connected. Get Help. (unitedwaygreaternashville.org): 211 Helpline is a 24/7 365-day information & referral help line that provides individuals in need with help in times of crisis and beyond.

SAMHSA National Helpline: Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information. 1-800-662-4357

Tennessee REDLINE: 24/7/365 resource for substance abuse treatment referrals.  Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.

TN Statewide Crisis Phone Line: 24 hours/365 days; a free resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis; provides support, guidance and appropriate community supports. (855-274-7471)

NATIONAL WEBSITES

Top Seven Tips for Telehealth (for the healthcare provider)

Neverusealone.com - A substance use harm reduction method.  Provides a person to be on the phone with someone who is using for safety.

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

Rural Hospital Programs

Frame Works: Talking About Health Disparities in Rural Context

American Psychological Association (APA)'s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Language Guide. 

STATE WEBSITES

County Data Packages, TN Department of Health - Data Packages include the most current information on county demographics, morbidity and mortality rates, key social drivers of health, and more.

Health Disparities in Tennessee 2024 – Report

Tennessee Council on Children and Youth 2024 County Profiles of Child Well-Being in Tennessee

Rural Health Association of Tennessee

Rural Health Information Hub search for brain injury Hub search for brain injury

Rural Health Equity Toolkit

Insurance Enrollment Assistance

Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program  TSLRP provides educational loan repayment to qualified primary care practitioners in exchange for an initial 2-year service obligation to practice full-time or part-time at an ambulatory public, non-profit or private non-profit primary care site located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

Tennessee Charitable Care Network

Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps a national non-profit organization that provides free healthcare services to people in need. Telehealth, Mobile and Pop-Up Clinics Schedule

TN Department of Health, Federal Shortage Areas for Healthcare, Dental, Mental Health

TN Department of Health, Office of Health Disparities Elimination

GetCoveredTenn: ACA, TennCare & Healthcare Marketplace in Tennessee

INFOGRAPHICS

NIHCM Addressing Barriers to Care

What is Rural Health? Infographic

FDA Rural Health Fact sheet

TRAININGS

Rural Health of TN webinars by topic: Age and Ability, LGBTQ+ Communities, Body Size and Weight, Substance Use Disorder, Race and Ethnicity, Domestic Violence Survivors.  See Upcoming Events on right hand side of this page.

Rural Health Association of Tennessee's (RHA) Community Health Worker Training contains learning modules designed to prepare individuals to begin a career as a Community Health Worker (CHW) and/or gain new knowledge and skills in their existing role. Each module will cover various aspects of the CHW role, which can vary significantly depending on the employer.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Tennessee Brain Injury Virtual Support Group Zoom meetings – held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. Phone in 309-205-332. Meeting ID: 999 1559 1619, Passcode: 257220

TN BRIGHTER FUTURES GROUPS THAT ARE A PART OF THIS SYSTEM OF CARE

Rural Health Association of Tennessee

Tennessee Charitable Care Network

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) Office of Rural Health

NEW INFOGRAPHIC:

Brain Injury & Minority Health

English PDF and Alt Text

Spanish PDF and Alt Text coming soon

 

 

RECORDING:  Meeting/Training Topic: Minority Health

Downloadable Training/Meeting PowerPoint PDF_Perry_Dixon

Meeting Transcript

Speakers:
Michél Perry, MPH | Director, TN Department of Health, Office of Minority Health
LaShan Dixon, MS, GCHCM, GCG | Director of Faith-Based and Community Engagement

Downloadable Resource Pages_PDF and Text File

ABOUT MINORITY HEALTH

A minority is a group that has a smaller number of individuals (less than half) and are outnumbered by the majority group.

“Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by populations that have been disadvantaged by their social or economic status, geographic location, and environment. Many populations experience health disparities, including people from some racial and ethnic minority groups.”

In the United States, people in racial and ethnic minority groups experience higher rates of illness and death across a wide range of health conditions, including:

  • diabetes
  • hypertension
  • obesity
  • asthma
  • and heart disease
  • as well as average life expectancy compared to their white counterparts. 

The 2018 U.S. Census report has noted the year 2030 as a demographic turning point for the United States. The nation’s population is expected to include more older people and to become more racially and ethnically diverse.  cdc.gov/minority-health/

INTERSECTIONALITY WITH BRAIN INJURY

Racial and ethnic minorities have higher rates of TBI, higher death rates from TBI and poorer outcomes. Native American and Alaskan Natives have the highest rate of TBI and the highest death rate of all other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Some of the reasons for the higher rates include higher rates of motor vehicle accidents, substance use and suicide. (cdc.gov)

Native Americans are also more likely to experience brain injuries from domestic violence. After TBI, racial and ethnic minority groups have poorer outcomes in terms of overall functioning, employment, psychosocial functioning, independence at home and overall life satisfaction. Hispanics and Blacks with TBI are more likely to drop out of studies looking at the long-term impact of brain injury. This dropout rate could be attributed to multiple things including lack of trust in the healthcare system. They are less likely to receive follow up care and rehabilitation which was significantly related to lack of insurance.

SCREENING TOOLS

Substance Abuse Screenings in Tennessee (SBIRT-TN) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment: SBIRT is a substance abuse screening and referral to treatment initiative. It is patient-centered and offers education and early intervention to identify and address substance misuse in primary care settings. Patients are asked about their substance use confidentially.

Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions (IRETA) SBIRT Toolkit:  https://ireta.org/resources/sbirt-toolkit/#screening

University of Washington Substance Use Screening & Assessments Instrument Database: http://lib.adai.washington.edu/instruments/

NASHIA’s OBISSS (Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System)

Ohio State University TBI Identification Method - a screening tool for Brain Injury

CRISIS INTERVENTION TOOLS

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or you can text to 988; 988lifeline.org to chat with someone.

Continuum of Crisis Services and 988 2-minute informational video

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1; or text 838255.

NAMI Blog: How to Help Someone in Crisis

Warning Signs and Symptoms

211 Helpline | Get Connected. Get Help. (unitedwaygreaternashville.org): The 211 Helpline is a 24/7 365-day information and referral help line that provides individuals in need with help in times of crisis and beyond.

SAMHSA National Helpline: Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information. 1-800-662-4357

Tennessee REDLINE: 24/7/365 resource for substance abuse treatment referrals.  Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.

TN Statewide Crisis Phone Line: 24 hours/365 days; a free resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis; provides support, guidance and appropriate community supports. (855-274-7471)

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.

NATIONAL WEBSITES

CDC Minority Health: Racism and Health

Racism and Health video

Intersectionality video

CDC’s CORE Commitment to Health Equity

CDC Health Equity Guiding Principle for Inclusive Communication

American Psychological Association (APA)'s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Language Guide.

US Dept. of Health and H Services Office of Minority Health (OMH)

STATE WEBSITES

Statewide Minority Health Newsletter, Top Ten current Tennessee Minority Health events happening weekly. Enter your events here.  To receive the newsletter, email TDH.OFBCE@tn.gov.

Health Disparities Advisory Group, “weekly meetings consist of various discussions, networking opportunities and presentations.” Join by emailing TDH.OFBCE@tn.gov.

Immigrant and Refugee Outreach, including announcements, resources and toolkits.

TN Department of Health, Division of Health Disparities Elimination, Office of Minority Health

Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement, Health Disparities in TN Report 2024

TN Disability Pathfinder - statewide database of services including everything from social service agencies to low-income medical clinics to recreational programs.

INFOGRAPHICS

FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) offers many easy-to-use and culturally appropriate resources on minority health, health disparities, and related topics. These resources are available to download, print, and share. Some are available in Spanish and additional languages.

Safe Start Center Tip Sheet Trauma-informed Care for Children Exposed to Violence: Tips for Agencies Working with Immigrant Families.

US Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Download Infographic PDF

TRAININGS

CDC Health Equity Webinars - health equity in emergency response and preparedness, health equity through workforce development, health equity science and data for action, promoting equity in communication and more.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Tennessee Brain Injury Virtual Support Group Zoom meetings – held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. For more information regarding meetings, call the TBI Hotline at 1-800-882-0611.

TN BRIGHTER FUTURES GROUPS THAT ARE A PART OF THIS SYSTEM OF CARE

Tennessee Department of Health, Minority Health

Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement

Tennessee Department of Health, Health Disparities Advisory Group

NEW INFOGRAPHIC:

Brain Injury & Disability Health

English PDF and Alt Text

Spanish PDF and Alt Text Coming Soon

 

 

RECORDING:  Meeting/Training Topic: Disability Health

Downloadable Training/Meeting PowerPoint PDF and Text file_Carrie Carlson

MEETING TRANSCRIPT

Speakers:

Donna DeStefano, Assistant Executive Director, Tennessee Disability Coalition

Carrie Carlson, Disability Advocate, Tennessee Disability Coalition

Downloadable Resource Pages_PDF and Text File

ABOUT DISABILITY

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 29.5%, or almost one in three Tennesseans, are living with some form of disability. According to the CDC, that’s higher than the national average of 25.6%, or about one in four Americans.  

A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).

There are many types of disabilities, such as those that affect a person's:

 

  • Vision
  • Movement
  • Thinking
  • Remembering
  • Learning
  • Communicating
  • Hearing
  • Mental health
  • Social Relationships

CDC.gov

Although “people with disabilities” sometimes refers to a single population, this is a very diverse group of people with a wide range of needs. Many types of disabilities fall under mental health, hearing impairment, etc. Two people with the same type of disability can be affected in very different ways. For example, one person with brain injury may have changes in vision and difficulty with memory and another person with a similar injury may experience challenges in communicating and social relationships. Some disabilities may be hidden or not easy to see.

According to the World Health Organization, disability has three dimensions:

  1. Impairment in a person’s body structure or function, or mental functioning; examples of impairments include loss of a limb, loss of vision or memory loss.
  2. Activity limitation, such as difficulty seeing, hearing, walking, or problem solving.
  3. Participation restrictions in normal daily activities, such as working, engaging in social and recreational activities, and obtaining health care and preventive services.

People with disabilities, like all people, are complex. They may have more than one type of disability. Additionally, their network of supports; lifestyle and health related choices; access to resources; geographical location; employment and benefits; and self-advocacy skills are some of the many factors that contribute to an individual’s experience of living with disabilities.

INTERSECTIONALITY WITH BRAIN INJURY

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Over 5 million people have a permanent disability related to Brain Injury – or 1 in 60 people. (BIAA.org) One study found that just over 47% of people 40 or older with a history of Brain Injury live with a disability in at least one area of functioning. (Schneider, Wang, et al., 2021).

TBI has long been called a “silent epidemic” because disabilities following Brain Injury often cannot be readily seen. The large number of anoxic brain injuries (caused by lack of oxygen) from drug overdose has more recently been referred to as the “second silent epidemic.” “Even within the disability community, the issues affecting persons with severe Brain Injury are largely invisible and marginalized. (Fin, 2015)

Some disabilities put people at a higher risk of sustaining a TBI. This list includes autism, hearing or visual impairment, balance changes, muscle weakness and cognitive impairment. These conditions may make it more likely that someone might trip and fall or exercise poor judgement which leads to an accident. They may be in greater danger of being a victim of physical and/or domestic violence. In addition, a prior Brain Injury makes it more likely someone will sustain another Brain Injury.

Common changes following brain injury include reduced memory and attention, decreased problem-solving and organization, changes in judgment and impulse control. It is important to watch for any changes in abilities that might indicate a new brain injury has occurred.

  • Screening for a prior history of Brain Injury is recommended at every medical visit.
  • Cognitive screening for those identified with an injury is recommended.
  • Relevant strategies and accommodations should be taught to the individual to compensate for the changes and to those working with him or her.
  • Those accommodations should be built directly into programs whenever possible. For example, breaking down instructions into smaller parts and using visual aids. 

The resources listed below are for disability in general. For information on a specific disability,

please search online to find national or state advocacy groups and more information.

 

SCREENING TOOLS

Substance Abuse Screenings in Tennessee (SBIRT-TN) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment: SBIRT is a substance abuse screening and referral to treatment initiative. It is patient-centered and offers education and early intervention to identify and address substance misuse in primary care settings. Patients are asked about their substance use confidentially.

Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions (IRETA) SBIRT Toolkit

University of Washington Substance Use Screening & Assessments Instrument Database

NASHIA’s OBISSS (Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System)

Ohio State University TBI Identification Method - a screening tool for Brain Injury

CRISIS INTERVENTION TOOLS

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or you can text to 988; 988lifeline.org to chat with someone.

NAMI Blog: How to Help Someone in Crisis

Warning Signs and Symptoms

211 Helpline | Get Connected. Get Help. (unitedwaygreaternashville.org): The 211 Helpline is a 24/7 365-day information and referral help line that provides individuals in need with help in times of crisis and beyond.

SAMHSA National Helpline: Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information. 1-800-662-4357

Tennessee REDLINE: 24/7/365 resource for substance abuse treatment referrals.  Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.

TN Statewide Crisis Phone Line: 24 hours/365 days; a free resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis; provides support, guidance and appropriate community supports. (855-274-7471)

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.

Tips EMA Guide: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/ep/afn_tips_sept2023.pdf

SOME IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN THE DISABILITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Rehabilitation Act of 1973: The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. This was the first major legislative effort to secure equal access for people with disabilities.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975: A law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against disabled people in all areas of public life. Disability rights are civil rights. From voting to parking, the ADA is a law that protects people with disabilities.

TBI Act (1996) At the time, the TBI Act was the only federal legislation that specifically addressed TBI prevention, research, and service delivery through grants to states that were originally administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The key federal agencies involved are: the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Administration of Community Living (ACL).

People First of Tennessee, U.S. Department of Justice vs. Tennessee, Greene Valley, Clover Bottom and Nat. T Winston Developmental Centers. (1996) In 1995, Greene Valley, Clover Bottom and Nat. T Winston Developmental Centers were the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and a lawsuit was brought by advocates for people with disabilities over conditions at the three institutions.  After two decades of work to improve the state’s service delivery system, all parties agreed to an Exit Plan in January 2015, which included the closure of GVDC. Testimonials: https://www.mouthmag.com/peoplefirst.htm

Olmstead v. L.C. (1999): This Supreme Court ruling affirmed the rights of individuals with disabilities to live in their communities rather than be institutionalized.

NATIONAL WEBSITES

Wrightslaw.com Parents, advocates, teachers, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for reliable, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Association on Higher Education and Disability AHEAD is the leading professional membership association for individuals committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education.

College Living Experience (CLE) helps people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), NVLD, dyslexia and other disabilities gain the skills they need to become independent.

Brain Injury Association of America: As the voice of brain injury, we improve the quality of life of people affected by brain injury across their lifespan through advancing prevention, awareness, research, treatment, education, and advocacy.

ADA Live! is a free monthly show broadcast nationally on the Internet. Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Southeast ADA Center: Information, Guidance and Training on the Americans with Disabilities Act

Job Accommodation Network (JAN): JAN provides the following A to Z listings by disability, topic, and limitation. This information is designed to help employers and individuals determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

STATE RESOURCES

The Tennessee Disability Coalition Tennessee Disability Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals joined to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. To support this mission, the Coalition offers the following programs:

  • Public Policy Program
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Program
  • Family Voices of Tennessee
  • WorkAble TN
  • Brain Links
  • Discretionary Small Grants Program

2024 Tennessee Disability Score Card: Tennessee Disability Coalition's ratings of Tennessee's policies, practices, opportunities, and outcomes for residents with disabilities.

Disability Etiquette Guide: Etiquette suggestions for interacting with people with disabilities.

Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee (SILC) The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent nonprofit governed by people with disabilities. Our goal is to advance advocacy and independence for Tennesseans with disabilities by collaborating with all interested parties. We believe that people with disabilities are the best experts on their needs.

Centers for Independent Living Across Tennessee

TennCare Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Tennessee.

Tennessee Department of Human Services, Disability Services

TN Disability Pathfinder - statewide database of services including everything from social service agencies to low-income medical clinics to recreational programs.

Tennessee Department of Health, Adult Protective Services (APS) staff investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental limitation. APS staff assess the need for protective services and provide services to reduce the identified risk to the adult. For additional information, download our brochure.

Disability Rights Tennessee: DRT is Tennessee’s Protection & Advocacy Network and has served—at no cost—more than 50,000 clients with disabilities. Our mission is to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. Factsheet: Effective communication in medical settings

TNSTEP – Special Education support for Tennessee Families.  As Tennessee's Parent Training and Information Center, we are dedicated to supporting families of children and youth with disabilities who are navigating special education services and youth who are transitioning from high school into adulthood. We provide accurate, timely, and relevant information and training related to special education rights, equal access to quality education, and connections to community resources.

A Guide to Long-Term Services and Supports in Tennessee

INFOGRAPHICS & FACTSHEETS

Tennessee Disability Coalition Disability Etiquette Guide

Your Rights Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

TRAININGS

TN Businesses for the Better 101 Presentation

Southeast ADA Center 4-part webinar series The History of Disabilities

ARTICLES

The Neglect of Persons with Severe Brain Injury in the United States: An International Human Rights Analysis by Ezer, Wright and Fins, Health and Human Rights Journal. June 2020.

Adaptive Fitness: Wellness for People with Disabilities Through Exercise

SAMHSA Advisory on Preventing Substance Use Among Young Adults with Disabilities

DISABILITY WELLNESS

Brain Health: How to Have a Healthy Brain Throughout Life: research-based tips for creating a healthy brain, regardless of age. 

VIDEOS

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution: A 2020 documentary about disability rights.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND RELATED GROUPS

Tennessee Brain Injury Virtual Support Group Zoom meetings – held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. For more information regarding meetings, call the TBI Program Hotline at 1-800-882-0611.  Access the statewide Zoom link and to learn more about support group meetings in your region.

Empower Tennessee Peer Groups Empower Tennessee’s peer groups are here to empower these people to live the lives they imagine. Peer group members rave about how much they enjoy the wisdom and humor shared with them about all subjects related to living and thriving with a disability

CAREGIVER RESOURCES

Tennessee Caregiver Coalition https://tncaregiver.org/

National Family Caregiver Support Program - https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

National Respite Locator Service: https://archrespite.org/caregiver-resources/respitelocator/

CDC: Healthy Habits: Caring for Yourself When Caring for Another

Family Caregiver Alliance Support Group This online group is in e-mail format. Participants send and receive e-mail to take part in discussions. You can receive your posts all together, in one delivery each day, or you can receive them one-by-one, as they are sent. The choice is yours. It’s fun, easy, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Family Caregiver Alliance Resources for Caregivers

Practical Caregiving Tips

Working Successfully with Dementia

Tennessee Brighter Futures groups that are a part of this System of Care

  • Tennessee Disability Coalition
  • Disability Rights Tennessee
  • Empower Tennessee
  • Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability

Brain Links invites you to join the upcoming Tennessee Brighter Futures Virtual Meeting. 

Return to this page after the meeting date for downloadable resources.

Topic: Disability Health

Date: Thursday March 6, 2025

Time:  1:00 - 2:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Speaker Details Coming Soon

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 827 9703 3910
Passcode: 179535

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NEW INFOGRAPHIC:

Brain Injury & Disability Health

English PDF and Alt Text

 

Brain Links invites you to join the upcoming Tennessee Brighter Futures Virtual Meeting. 

Return to this page after the meeting date for downloadable resources.

Topic: Gender

Date: Thursday May 1, 2025

Time:  1:00 - 2:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Speaker Details Coming Soon

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86590158055?pwd=ZlJVRG1qTkVVVThHVHVob1hyQUFkdz09

Meeting ID: 865 9015 8055
Passcode: 965386

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Brain Links invites you to join the upcoming Tennessee Brighter Futures Virtual Meeting. 

Return to this page after the meeting date for downloadable resources.

Topic: Veterans

Date: Thursday November 6, 2025

Time:  1:00 - 2:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Speaker Details Coming Soon

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83464928463?pwd=MEVldXJDV0FJeWZZZzYxWTl1RTBtUT09

Meeting ID: 834 6492 8463
Passcode: 941779

One tap mobile
+16469313860,,83464928463# US
+16468769923,,83464928463# US (New York)

Dial by your location
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)