Support for Parents
Free Resources and Support:
Conservatorship Assistance Program
Is your child with a disability turning 18 soon? Do you need to establish a conservatorship for your adult child? There are services available that may provide free legal representation to establish a conservatorship if you qualify. Contact the Office of Conservatorship Management at the link above to see if you qualify.
15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces at Understood to provide support to the one in five children with learning and attention issues. With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.
Find links and information for free services in Tennessee covering a wide range of areas including: special needs of disabled children, developmental milestones and expectations for children from birth to age 18, insurance coverage, mental & emotional health, school readiness, physical health & wellness, family crisis services, life skills development, and many other basic family needs.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder provides free information, resources, support, and referrals to Tennesseans with disabilities and their families. Through three major program components, Pathfinder provides information and resources to individuals of all ages, with all types of disabilities, regardless of language spoken. Through a helpline and online database, Pathfinder connects individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and service providers to appropriate community resources that suit their needs. Pathfinder also provides training, presentations, and community education series as part of their outreach services.
Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities - Tennessee (DIDD)
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) is the state agency responsible for administering services and support to Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DIDD administers services directly or through contracts with community providers. DIDD strives to partner with the people it supports and their family members and friends.
HealthyChildren.Org is the only parenting website backed by 66,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Whether you are looking for information related to child health or for more specific guidance on parenting issues, you'll find the needed information at this site.
Disability Awareness Groups:
American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
The professional association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The mission of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation is to advance the awareness and treatment of Angelman syndrome through education and information, research, and support for individuals with Angelman syndrome, their families, and other connected parties.
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and advancing research into causes and better interventions for ASD and related conditions.
Visit or join this free support community and connect with thousands of other families and individuals touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Find out what's working for others, coping strategies, and life guides from others facing the same challenges.
Autism Society of East Tennessee
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD)
CHADD serves as a source for evidence-based information on ADHD and as a local support group for families and individuals affected by ADHD.
UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. As one of the largest health charities in America, the UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities.
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults
Learning Disabilities Association of America
The LDA website provides a wealth of resources and helpful information for parents, educators, professionals, and those struggling with learning disabilities. Be sure to check out the "Ask the Expert" tab for some in-depth Q & A.
National Association of the Deaf
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
National Association for Gifted Children
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury
National Federation of the Blind
Tennessee School for the Blind
