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Community Education

Education sparks awareness, and awareness fuels advocacy and support. DRT uses community outreach efforts to connect, provide resources, and build relationships.

How We Help

At Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT), our mission is to share the stories and experiences of the community we serve, people living with disabilities and/or mental illness. We work every day to provide knowledge, insight, and awareness, helping community members come together to support their neighbors and fellow Tennesseans.

You may find DRT staff members presenting to professional groups, connecting at transition fairs, educating local legislators, or collaborating with local or regional organizations to let them know that help is available. By providing facts, insights, and education about rights that are frequently denied to people living with disabilities and/or mental illness, we help change perspectives and keep our communities safe and informed.

group of happy women with disability having fun in spring park

Our Programs

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Beneficiary Support System (BSS/TennCare)

BSS helps people enrolled in the CHOICES, Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES, and the Katie Beckett programs who are experiencing issues with TennCare services to support, solutions, and information.

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Communities and Facilities

Help people of all ages with disabilities to amplify their voices, be free from harm, and gain access to programs and support through individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and investigations.

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Community Relations

Builds support for disability rights through outreach, strategic communications, and donor engagement that connect people to our mission and expand our impact.

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Employment

  • Client Assistance Program (CAP): Helps individuals who have concerns or difficulties when applying for or receiving services from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) or Centers for Independent Living (CIL).
  • Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS): Helps people who receive Social Security that want to return to work and need help addressing barriers due to their disabilities.

    • A woman stands in front of a captivated audience at a town hall meeting. She communicates with passion and conviction, encouraging community engagement and collaboration on important issues

    Legal Advocacy

    Defends the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities through strategic advocacy and legal action that promotes dignity, access, and systemic change.

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    Policy

    Monitors public policy affecting people with disabilities, builds connections with stakeholders, and provides education to promote awareness.

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    Representative Payee (BRP)

    In partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the BRP team ensures approved people and groups are utilizing SSA benefits in the best interest of the recipient and provide opportunities for education.

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    Resource & Referral

    Connects people with disabilities, family members, providers, and community members with support, resources, and referrals in the community.

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    Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

    Supports people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their caregivers, and professionals through coordinating services, providing education and resources, and connecting them with peer and professional support.

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    Voting

    Advocates for accessible elections and protects the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities under the Help America Vote Act.

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    Support & Resource Connection

    Helping you find resources.

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    Legal Representation

    Legal support when you need it.

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    Advocacy

    Advancing access and inclusion. 

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    Investigation of Abuse & Neglect

    Protecting Tennesseans from harm.

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    Monitoring of Services and Facilities

    Ensuring safe, respectful care.

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