Vanderbilt Wellpoint
I/DD Provider Training ECHO Program
This provider training program seeks to implement novel techniques to increase the knowledge and confidence of providers caring for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.
This is built on the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model, used to build an online learning community in which through case presentations and didactics, participants can gain insights from experts in the field.
Presentations & Resources
- Medical Co-Occurring Conditions in I/DD (presentation)
- Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Intellectual Disability (presentation)
- Enabling Technology (presentation) equipment and/or methodologies that, alone or in combination with associated technologies, provide the means to support individuals’ increased independence in their homes, communities, and/or workplaces. Demo Video, 1 min (Youtube)
- DIDD Enabling Technology Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) is the state agency responsible for administering services and support to Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This website will show you how to request these services.
- Communication Bill of Rights
- ASHA Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- DIDD Enabling Technology Model Homes
- Simply Home
- Safe in Home
- Tennessee Tech Connect-PDF to explain how to access.
- Tennessee Tech Connect
- Government Resources and TN Disability Pathfinder (presentation)
- Tennessee Disability Pathfinder directory of services, community calendar and trainings for the disability community
- Government Resources:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) SSDI determination is based on disability and work credits
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.
- Medicaid Alternative Pathways to Independence (Tennessee MAPs) MAPs is a program that will set people with IDD on a path to learn skills to help them work, live independently, learn about their neighborhoods, and find hobbies that interest them. MAPs service give people in the program the tools, technology, and support they need to meet the goal they set for themselves.
- TennCare Employment and Community First CHOICES is for people of all ages who have an IDD. This includes people who have significant disabilities.
- Higher Education and Employment (presentation)
- Educational Programs in Tennessee
- Access ETSU, Johnson City • IDEAL, Lipscomb University, Nashville, residential • Eagle Access, Dyersburg StateCommunity College, Dyersburg • Next Steps at Vanderbilt, Nashville • TigerEDGE at Tennessee State University, Nashville • TigerLife at the University of Memphis • EDGE Program at Union University, Jackson • FUTURE Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville • Mosaic Program, University of Tennessee Chattanooga (Autism-specific) • BEST Program, Lipscomb University • Full Spectrum Learning, Austin Peay University, Clarksville (Autism-specific) • BEST Program, Lipscomb University, Nashville
- Paying for Inclusive Education
- Tennessee STEPUP Scholarship, mirrors the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, for students who graduated from a Tennessee high school
- Vocational Rehabilitation provides financial support for VR clients who are interested in college and employment
- Federal Financial Aid funds are available for students enrolled in eligible Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTP) and who have demonstrated financial need
- Resources
- Think College, national Technical Assistance Center
- Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance
- College Autism Network
- AHEAD, Association on Higher Education and Disability
- Many of the Tennessee programs are currently holding open houses and other outreach activities.
- Educational Programs in Tennessee
- Aging and Housing Resources (presentation)
- Aging Resources:
- The Arc Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support Site provides descriptions of different decision-making supports available at every level of support (e.g. forms, legal documents, agreements) with the idea that a person has the right to make decisions to the full extent of their capacity
- LifeCourse Nexus Can help individuals and families organize ideas, vision, and goals
- National Task Group on IDD organization working to ensure that interests of adults with IDD affected by dementia – as well as their families and friends – are taken into account, offers resources (e.g. trainings, webinars, publications)
- Housing Resources (limited availability):
- Housing Choice Voucher
- Public Housing
- Inclusive Housing
- Segregated Housing
- Supported Living –through Employment and Community First CHOICES—Group 6
- Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities-ICF/IID-DIDD runs several; private organizations also operate a number of ICFs
- Aging Resources:
- Autism and IDD (presentation)
- Teaching Effective Self-Advocacy Skills (presentation)
- Self-Determination and Life Skills Development (presentation)
- Independent Living Toolkit
- Self-Determination Toolkit
- More toolkits can be found on the TRIAD website, in the Caregiver folder.
- Relationships and Sexuality (Autism) (presentation)
- The Peers Method to teach dating skills to adults with autism
- Flirting and Getting a Date
- Scarleteen
- Puberty and Adolescence in Autism
- Research Autism Finding your Way