Resources for Navigating Adult Disability Services:

Health

A row of nine different peoples faces in collage

This page helps individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, and professionals navigate healthcare supports, insurance, disability-related services, and community health resources in Tennessee.

Health services for individuals with disabilities may include:

  • Primary care (pediatricians, internal medicine, family medicine)
  • Specialists (neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, behavioral health)
  • Therapy services (OT, PT, speech-language therapy)
  • Behavioral health services (including mental health and counseling)
  • TennCare Medicaid & waiver programs
  • Durable medical equipment (DME)
  • Assistive technology
  • Home health and nursing supports
  • Health and wellness programs
  • Telehealth

*Families often interact with multiple providers, so coordinated communication and strong advocacy are essential*

What is Included Under Primary & Preventive Care?

  • Annual physicals
  • Vaccinations
  • Developmental screenings
  • Routine labs
  • Care management

What is Included Under Specialty Care?

Individuals with disabilities may need access to specialists such as:

  • Neurologists
  • Psychiatric providers
  • Gastroenterologists
  • Endocrinologists
  • Orthopedic specialists
  • Behavior analysts

Many Tennessee hospitals (ex, Vanderbilt, Le Bonheur, Erlanger) offer multidisciplinary clinics for individuals with complex support needs.

What is Included Under Behavioral & Mental Health Services?

  • Counseling
  • Trauma-informed therapy
  • Positive behavior support
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (varies by provider)
  • Crisis services
  • Community-based mental health programs

What is Included Under Therapeutic Services?

Covered through insurance, ECF CHOICES, or school IEPs:

  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Physical Therapy (PT)
  • Speech-Language Therapy
  • Feeding therapy
  • Vision & hearing services

What is Included Under Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment?

  • Communication devices
  • Walkers, wheelchairs, orthotics
  • Hearing aids
  • Vision supports
  • Home modifications
  • Remote monitoring

Funded through:

  • TennCare
  • ECF CHOICES
  • Tennessee Assistive Technology Project (TTAP)
  • Private insurance

What is Included Under Home Health & Nursing?

Home-based supports may include:

  • Skilled nursing
  • Medication management
  • Catheter care
  • Tube feeding support
  • In-home therapies

*Often funded through TennCare or HCBS waivers.*