The Arc of Tennessee, Inc.
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615-248-5878
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545 Mainstream Drive Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37228
Organization Details

Statements

Mission

The Arc Tennessee empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to actively participate in the community throughout their lifetime.

Background

The Arc Tennessee was organized as a chapter of the national association by 65 parents who met in Nashville, Tennessee in July 1952. The Arc continues to be a grass roots nonprofit. Membership is comprised of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, friends and professionals working in the disability field. The initial fight centered around civil rights, funding and supports for persons with intellectual disabilities of all ages allowing them to live, learn, work and play as integrated members of their community.

Impact

The Arc TN continues to be a leader in advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families by impacting systems change and bringing best practice to the state.

Here's just a few of our organization's accomplishments:
1. Providing input into the program design and implementation of the new Employment and Community First CHOICES program for people with developmental disabilities. The Arc TN's input led to more flexible options for transportation such as allowing members to be reimbursed for public transportation; included services that support self-employment; added services such as respite across all benefits packages; and required MCOs to have identical LTSS provider networks.
2. Working with our state and national partners to prevent federal cuts to our Medicaid (TennCare) program; TennCare provides critical healthcare and LTSS for people with disabilities
3. Passage of legislation to create a Supported Decision Making framework for people with disabilities that allows them to get help making decisions but preserves their civil rights
4. Creation of a successful statewide Pre-Employment Training Services Program that offers Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination Training
5. Job Club and Post-Secondary Education Counseling for young adults with disabilities to improve employment outcomes for this populationIncreasing our unrestricted funding to allow for expansion of individual special education advocacy services

Needs

1. Diversified funding stream. Most of the current budget for programs and services is dependent upon State of TN grants and contracts. Other funding will enable The Arc Tennessee to pursue additional programs and services outside the scope currently funded, including a statewide training initiative on "end-of-life planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

2. New initiative to develop a business venture that will provide paid employment and on-the-job training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

3. Preventing cuts to the TennCare program at the federal level through The Arc's "Don't Cut Our Lifeline" campaign

4. Enhancing the provider network of services and supports to people with IDD

5. Giving individuals with IDD a seat at the table in voicing what is important to them

CEO Statement

The Arc Tennessee is reaching new heights in 2022! One of the ways we are celebrating our 70th birthday as an nonprofit is to take time and reflect on the progress. While The Arc Tennessee began with parents uniting to secure the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the focus today is on people from birth through end of life.

Today, many people with I/DD enjoy fulfilling lives well into their senior years thanks to advances in medicine, changes in societal attitudes, expanded education and employment opportunities, the availability of community supports, and enhanced self-worth. With help from a dedicated team of employees, committed families, self-advocates and other volunteers, of The Arc federation has become synonymous in Tennessee and across the nation as the resource people with I/DD and their families. People turn to our organization for support, guidance, and cultivating change in public policy. The resources and services for individuals with I/DD is very complex, and people often need help navigating the various channels.

From The Arc Tennessee's leadership team routed in Nashville to its expert field personnel that support all 95 counties, our organization is the go-to resource for information and referral, technical assistance, and individual advocacy for people with I/DD and their families. We have multiple programs and services that directly empower the individuals we serve, including the Tennessee Disability MegaConference. This collaborative conference brings together self-advocates, family members, educators, government departments, community organizations and others to learn about best practices in the field of I/DD, hear inspirational stories of challenges and triumph, network with others, and make vital connections.

Board Chair Statement

For seventy years, the Arc Tennessee along with a network of local chapters and The Arc of the United States, has been the leading organization for advocacy services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc federation has been instrumental in policy development, education, and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities across their lifetime.


Service Categories

Primary Category: Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy  - Disabled Persons' Rights 
Secondary Category: Human Services  - Developmentally Disabled Services/Centers 
Tertiary Category: -

Areas Served

Statewide services, in all 95 counties

TN