Who Are People with Developmental Disabilities?
Data indicate that nearly 40,000 Tennesseans have developmental disabilities other than mental
retardation. People with developmental disabilities live in every county and every community in
Tennessee. Developmental disabilities take many forms, from mild to complex. Causes include
cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, spina bifida, head and spinal cord injuries and other
conditions occurring at birth or before age 22. People with developmental disabilities need
different levels of assistance and can live fully integrated and productive lives in the community
when provided appropriate support.
The Promise
In 2000, the Tennessee General Assembly revised Title 33 (mental health and mental retardation
laws) which resulted in making people with any developmental disability eligible for services,
effective March 2002.
Despite this change in Tennessee’s laws, no funding has been allocated for these persons.
Existing programs for persons with mental retardation have not been expanded to include
persons with other developmental disabilities, nor have comparable programs been developed.
Tennessee does not take advantage of substantial funding available from the federal government
for home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities other than
mental retardation.
Throughout Tennessee communities, people with developmental disabilities other than mental
retardation have almost no programs to assist them. With your help, these Tennesseans can
finally obtain the services promised in 2000 when state laws were changed to make people with
developmental disabilities eligible. Now is the time for Tennessee to Fulfill the Promise!
Developmental Disabilities Task Force
In 2006, the General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the Division of Mental
Retardation Services to establish a Developmental Disabilities Task Force to study the needs of
Tennesseans who have a developmental disability other than mental retardation and to develop a
plan for cost-effective home and community-based services.
A statewide needs assessment conducted by the Task Force resulted in 1,159
Tennesseans with developmental disabilities identifying the types of programs needed to support
them in their homes and communities.
The Task Force completed its work in June 2007 and issued its report, “Fulfilling the Promise.”
How to Fulfill the Promise
The Developmental Disabilities Task Force report recommends that Tennessee:
Make Family Support services available to persons on the waiting list.
During Fiscal Year 2009, approximately 560 additional persons would be supported with an
allocation of $1,000,000.
Develop a Personal Supports program for persons with developmental disabilities other than
mental retardation. During FY 2009, an allocation of $1,350,000 would fund services for
approximately 100 persons.
Develop a Medicaid Waiver program for persons with developmental disabilities other than
mental retardation. The program application should be submitted to the federal Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services within a time frame that would allow implementation at the
beginning of Fiscal Year 2010.
Help Us Fulfill the Promise!
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email: info@fulfillthepromise.org
