Watch these videos to learn more:

A version of video 1 is available in Spanish here.

A version of video 2 is available in Spanish here.

ASSIST videos were supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH116058, PI: Taylor). ASISTIR videos were supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R03 MH129757, PI: Burke).

Below, we share some relevant resources in Tennessee. Click a resource title to visit its website. All resource descriptions are derived from the respective organizations.

Information last reviewed January 2026

To recommend other helpful resources, please send suggestions to ucedd@vumc.org.

How to Apply for Employment Programs

1. Check Eligibility
   • Review disability documentation, IEPs, medical conditions, or psychological evaluations.
2. Gather Documents
   • Photo ID, Social Security card, IEP, prior evaluations, and any benefits information.
3. Submit Applications
   • VR application
   • WIOA application (American Job Centers)
4. Attend Intake Meetings
   • Bring a list of goals, strengths, and areas needing support.
5. Follow Up
   • Request status updates and written timelines.
6. Advocacy Tips
   • Practice self-advocacy with students before meetings.
   • Request that VR and the school coordinate transition planning.

Advocacy Tips & Self-Advocacy Strategies

• Keep a binder of evaluations, IEPs, and medical documentation.
• Ask for written explanations when services are denied.
• Request supported employment (even if the individual is still in school).
• Ask agencies to communicate with one another!
• Practice explaining to the individual with extensive support needs:
  • “What do I like?”
  • “What am I good at?”
  • “What help do I need to do a job well?”
• Request accommodations such as visual supports, checklists, or a job coach.
• Practice interviewing with familiar staff.

If you are looking for more employment-related services and programs, search topics of interest on the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website.

Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start in Pathfinder. If you are struggling to understand how to find resources related to employment, here are some step-by-step directions:

1. Start at the main page and click "Employment"
2. Click next
3. Select the stage of life - Transition/Young Adult
4. Click next
5. Select the diagnosis that you or the individual identifies with/has
6. Click next
7. Choose the appropriate payment option that fits your needs
8. Click next
9. Select the appropriate city or search by your city and/or address
10. Take time to navigate the resulting resources to further find what fits your specific