February 2023
From the Council's Chief Public Information Officer
Dear readers,
We have heard from so many of you about the challenges of supporting a child or adult with a disability who communicates their needs through behavior. I have personal experience with this in my own family. It can be very difficult to get help to understand what your child with a developmental disability truly needs. The stress of challenging behavior can create a cycle of escalation and even trauma for families.
Jennifer Coleman knows that stress very well. Her family struggled for a long time to know how to support her son, Tyler, who has Down syndrome. In our newest video below, Jennifer shares how their family finally accessed the help they needed. While the Employment and Community First CHOICES program was not an overnight solution, it opened the door to much-needed services. Jennifer worked hard to find solutions. The result is a much happier reality for Tyler and the entire family.
If you need behavioral support or are the parent or supporter of a person who does, you are not alone. There is help available - please contact us with questions. (You can also always contact TN Disability Pathfinder for help finding services for any disability-related need.)
Keep reading for other behavioral health resources in Tennessee. You will continue to hear from us on this topic in the coming months. Stay tuned! In the meantime, contact us to share your experiences and questions: TNDDC@tn.gov.
Jolene Sharp
Chief Public Information Officer
New Council Video: Coleman Family Story
Jennifer Coleman, a former member of our Council, lives in Paris, TN. She shares how her family found behavioral supports and other needed services for her son.
"Around age 3, Tyler started having some really serious behavioral issues that made it very hard for our family. In 2019, we were finally approved for the ECF CHOICES program. They didn't just hand over the answers to me, but it was like a door leading to some pieces that were very valuable. I would recommend seeking out the program. Ask lots of questions. It's a slow process, but there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Learn more or apply for Employment and Community First CHOICES.
NOTE: Captions available in both English and Spanish.
AVISO: Subtítulos disponibles en inglés y español.
Get to Know a Leader: Caitlin Wright, Director of Behavioral Health Services, TennCare
We like to introduce our readers to different leaders of agencies and programs that impact Tennesseans with disabilities.
Meet Caitlin Wright, director of behavioral health services at TennCare. Caitlin is a licensed advanced practice social worker and has experience in mental health supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
We often hear from families of those with I/DD and significant mental health concerns or challenging behaviors who need help. (Check out our new behavior supports checklist, if you haven’t seen it yet!)
Caitlin’s background makes her a great leader who is improving TennCare’s services and supports for people with I/DD who have behavioral health concerns.
Tell us a bit about your career background and your current role.
I am privileged to have recently returned to state government in my role as the Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Division of TennCare. I am eager to share my experience and expertise from my previous roles in the healthcare industry. They include:
- inpatient settings,
- community mental health centers,
- Tennessee’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services,
- TennCare’s Long-Term Services and Supports,
- and a health plan/managed care organization.
What is one thing you’re working on right now that you are excited about?
Being relatively new to my role, I am excited to build my team. We're working to make sure behavioral health services work together with other teams at TennCare, like population health, long-term services and supports, and others.
What is a lesson you have learned from working with TN’s disability community?
People in the disability community are experts on what services and supports work best for them and their loved ones. I believe it is important to ensure that their voice is heard in a tangible and practical way when programs and services are created and developed.
What are some activities you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy visiting some of the beautiful state parks in Tennessee, traveling to new places, trying new recipes, and spending lots of time with my family and friends.
When should members of the disability community reach out to you or your team directly?
Members of the community are welcome to reach out any time they have information to share or questions about TennCare’s behavioral health services. I can be reached at: Caitlin.a.wright@tn.gov.
Change through "Uncomfortable Conversations"
Councils on developmental disabilities just like ours are leading conversations for change in every U.S state and territory. Our network of councils was created by the federal Developmental Disabilities Act 50+ years ago. We exist to make sure state services are being shaped by people who need lifelong disability supports - and their families, who are often the main supporters.
These conversations can be uncomfortable. Change is never easy. The voices of people with developmental disabilities have not been heard in the past. But councils like ours are connecting the disability community with state leaders so we can all work together on solutions. The result: greater inclusion, independence, and self-determination for people with developmental disabilities.
Explore this new publication, "Uncomfortable Conversations" from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, to see what this looks like across the nation on key issues like:
- healthcare
- community living
- employment
- planning for a good life
- supported decision-making
- transportation
- and more!
Check out page 6 for Tennessee names you might recognize - including our own Emma Shouse Garton and her brother, Evan!
Want to get involved in conversations like these? Contact us!
TN Believes Grants open through 3/31/23
Are there colleges in your community that you wish served students with intellectual disabilities? Let them know about the TN Believes grants! Deadline to apply is March 31.
From the TN Dept. of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) website: "The purpose of these grants is to increase the number of inclusive higher education programs that serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Tennessee."
DIDD awards grants to two- or four-year colleges and universities in the state that are committed to launching new programs or enhancing existing programs. These grants are intended to support the strategic planning and partnerships that will lead to the inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in classrooms and campus life.
Our Council member for the Northwest TN, Brigham Scallion, helped create the new Eagle Access program through this grant at Dyersburg State Community College, the first program at a TN community college!
TN Disability MegaConference Registration Open
We're excited to once again be a sponsor of the statewide TN Disability MegaConference. Since 2002, The Arc Tennessee has partnered with many other disability organizations to host this annual learning and networking event for hundreds of members of the TN disability community.
Registration for the 2023 MegaConference at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, TN on May 25-26 is now open.
Visit the TN Disability MegaConference website to learn more and to register. Early bird registration rates last through March 31.
Click here if you are interested in applying for a stipend for help with paying for your conference registration and hotel costs. Apply before March 31.
Email questions to Mega@thearctn.org. We can't wait to see you!
TennCare Renewals
TennCare renewals are starting soon! Verify your address with TennCare by visiting TennCareConnect.tn.gov or by calling 855-259-0701.
Don’t risk a gap in health care coverage! Here are three steps you can do to prepare for TennCare renewals:
- Sign up for TennCare Connect. TennCare Connect is TennCare’s free, online portal (TennCareConnect.TN.gov), and select your communication preferences (text, email, mail, etc.).
- Verify your contact information with TennCare by visiting TennCareConnect.tn.gov or calling 855-259-0701.
- Open and respond to all mail from TennCare.