Employment

Employment Related: Programs that provide employment opportunities for individuals who might require support or modification in workplace.

To locate Employment Related services in your community, click here to search the Pathfinder database. On the database search page, select your county and "Employment Related" then click on "Search."

General Employment Information (Tennessee)

Employment and ADA
You have specific employment rights. See Pathfinder's Advocacy and Law section for Americans with Disabilities Act.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a Federal/State-funded program providing services to help individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment. It is designed to help individuals of work age with disabling physical and/or mental disabilities compete successfully with others in earning a livelihood. In Tennessee, the Vocational Rehabilitation agency and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired are combined as part of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) within the Department of Human Services. For information about or access to Vocational Rehabilitation, contact your local VR office.

Tennessee Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities
The Tennessee Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities promotes employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Committee members, in conjunction with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), strive to achieve their mission by providing technical assistance to businesses and the general public. The membership works with other public and private organizations interested in employment programs. Committee members serve as volunteers and are leaders in industry, business, labor, education, civic organizations, medical and other professions.

Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH)
TCDHH ensures that state and local public programs and services are accessible to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and DeafBlind citizens. TCDHH coordinates communication, information, public awareness, and advocacy services through six regional community service centers located in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Jackson. The centers assist the Division of Rehabilitation Services by providing services that complement those offered by Vocational Rehabilitation staff. For information about or access to these services, contact your local VR office or local TCDHH Community Center.

Tennessee Customized Employment Project (TCEP)
Provides customized employment information and resources that Career Centers and disability employment providers may use in delivering employment services to people with significant disabilities.

Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services
In addition to Vocational Rehabilitation Services, other vocational programs are funded by state government and federal grants that exist to provide adults with developmental disabilities a range of vocational services including supported employment, vocational training and day vocational programs. Many programs have a waiting list. For information about state assistance and/or the Medicaid Waiver program, contact your DMRS regional office.

Tennessee Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The following services may be available: Guidance and Counseling; Vocational Training; Post Secondary Education; Orientation and Mobility Training; Independent Living Services; Personal Adjustment Training; Work Adjustment, Technology Related Services; Job Placement; Medical, surgical, and hospital care needed to eliminate or reduce the effect of the visual disability; and Information and Referral. For information about or access to these services, contact your local VR office.

Tennessee Small Business Development Centers
TSBDCs offer free assistance to help business owners develop successful businesses through a network of experienced counselors, trainers and volunteer business people. This program also guarantees small business loans through private lenders (not individuals). For more information, contact your local TSBDC service center.

UT Center on Disability and Employment
UT-TIE collaborates with community providers, schools, rehabilitation counselors, teachers, families, people with disabilities, employers, policymakers, advocacy groups, and the community at large to assist people reach their goals through informed choice and inclusion in community living, education, and work. Services include community education and community awareness, workshops and technical assistance for employers, providing research and information on inclusion, and newsletters.