Chattanooga
Autism Center
Adult Resources
DISCLAIMER: The CAC has compiled lists of autism-related resources in our region to help you save time searching for them on the web. This list of service providers is for informational purposes only and being listed does not constitute the endorsement of the CAC.
If you would like us to add a resource or update a resource, contact us at 423-531-6961 opt. 0 or email info@chattanoogaautismcenter.org
This is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. Their activities include public policy advocacy, the development of autistic cultural activities, and leadership trainings for autistic self-advocates. They provide information about autism, disability rights, and systems change to the public through a number of different educational, cultural, and advocacy related projects.
They have a group for girls! You can contact them at claire@atl-spectrum.com or susan.n.brasher@emory.edu if you are interested in this group.
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Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Website: http://autisticadvocacy.org/
Email: asan.atlanta@gmail.com
Behind the Wheel Driving Academy specializes in teen and adult driving education courses. We are locally owned and operated and our mission is to teach students how to be safe on the road. We offer courses for new drivers, learning permits, defensive driving, suspended licenses, and private lessons.
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Location: 5720 Skurlock Rd Suite 8500, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Website: https://www.chattanoogadrivingschool.com/
Phone: (423) 521-6637
This program provides year-round, quality-driven social, recreational, vocational, and programs designed to promote independent advancement for persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through a strength-based approach, a team of dedicated professionals assists individuals and families to achieve goals. Emphasis is placed on building self-advocacy skills, confidence, and independence. Their person-centered program offers many opportunities for individuals to realize their goals and reach their optimum potential.
Bridge health's day program is designed for independent advancement for persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. In keeping with their mission to serve and enhance the lives of every member of our community, their programs are a very special place for your family member.
Services Provided:
* Adult Day Program (22 years or older)
* Supported Employment (18 years or older)
* Family Support Services (Financial Support)
* Community Access Individualized (18 years or older)
* Residential Options
Website: https://www.bridgecsb.org/services/idd/
Adult Day Program (Formally Kaleidoscope)
Location: 1427 Lee Clarkson Road, Chickamauga, GA 30707
Phone: (706) 375-2142 opt 3
Contact: Melissa Fouts
Email: melissa.fouts@lmcs.org
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Bridge North IDD Program
1427 Lee Clarkson Road, Chickamauga. GA 30707
Phone: (706) 375-2142
Email: stephen.swanson@bridgecsb.org
Bridge South IDD Program
11630 Hwy 27, Summerville, GA 30747
Phone: (706) 857-5465
Email: jill.sitton@bridgecsb.org
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Learn to use the CARTA public transportation system! Alana will meet adults at their residence, provide training about bus fares, bus routes, bus etiquette and safety, and will take rides with the participants as part of the training.
Phone: (423) 634-1576
Email: shores_alana@gocarta.org
Cross Plains Community Partner is a nonprofit organization providing community-based day and employment services to adults in Northwest GA with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Their day program uses a person-centered approach to discover people's interests, gifts, and needs for support. Activities may include transportation to community locations and events, support connecting with friends in the community, volunteering and civic engagement, recreational activities, art sessions, and more.
They also provide supported employment services in partnership with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation.
Web address: https://crossplainscp.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/crossplainscp/
Location: 2738 Underwood Road, Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: 706-278-8143
Email: crossplains@crossplainscp.org
The Employment and Community First CHOICES program is administered by TennCare through it’s contracted managed care organizations. They offer services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services in the program will help people become employed and live as independently as possible in the community. To apply go to the web address below and fill out the Self-Referral form, by clicking on “Self-referral form” on the left-side of the webpage. The website will guide you to find further information on the application process.
Ages served: All ages
Web address: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/employment-and-community-first-choices.html
Phone: 1 (800) 342-3145
Email: Tenn.Care@tn.gov
The Emory Autism Center (EAC) offers individual support services for adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The EAC myLIFE program provides opportunities where adults on the spectrum can practice/build skills related to having successful relationships, learn how the characteristics of having an ASD influences thinking, and share personal insights with other individuals with and without ASD in a supportive environment on the Emory University campus.
Ages served: Adults
Web address: psychiatry.emory.edu/programs/autism/adult.services/mylife/index.html
Phone: 404.727.8350
Email: myLIFE.admissions@emory.edu
GCA is a support and social program for adults with Aspergers. They provide the following services:
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Support and Social Meet-ups
Ages served: 18 years old and older
Web address: http://www.gcaspies.org/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GCACentreAdultAutism/
Location: 1400 McCallie Avenue, Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 531-6961 x7
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment. There is currently no waitlist for services. They accept SSI, but it is not necessary to have SSI to qualify. ​
Ages Served: 14 years old and older
Web address: https://gvs.georgia.gov/
North GA offices serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade , Walker
Phone: (706) 638-5536
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Elijay office services Murray and Whitfield counties.
(706) 272-2303 - Contact is Matthew Salmon
Rome office that serves Gordon, Floyd, and Barto Counties
450 Riverside Pkwy, Suite 200, 30161 GA
Phone: 706-295-6400
Contact: Nicole Wells
Email: nicole.wells@gvs.georgia.gov
The new option program (NOW) and Comprehensive support wavier program (COMP) provide support for Georgians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The NOW waiver program offers services and supports to individuals to enable them to remain living in their own or family home and participate or live independently in the community. COMP serves individuals with more intensive needs, primarily those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require residential care. The NOW/COMP programs are accessed through the DBHDD system of services. The DBHDD is administered through 6 Field Offices that serve Georgia. Link to fact sheet and more information is file:///C:/Users/CAC%20Staff/Downloads/19now_comp%20(1).pdf.
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DBHDD link: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/regional-field-offices
Phone:(404) 657-2252
Location: 2 Peachtree Street NW, 24th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303
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Haman's New Drivers is able to teach students at all skill levels to be safe and defensive drivers. Their driving school staff teaches students who have a variety of physical, mental or intellectual impairments.
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Web Address: https://hamansnewdrivers.com/
Program for drivers with special needs: https://hamansnewdrivers.com/special_needs
Location: 253 Northgate Mall Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37415
Phone: (423) 894-9300
Email: info@hamansnewdrivers.com
LIFE Behavior Consulting believes everyone has it within to their best self. LIFE helps individuals with neurodiverse brain styles learn the skills to take action steps toward their goals. They provide training, coaching and support through individual sessions and classes focused on social skills, executive functioning, independent living and career development. LIFE offers PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) classes to reduce social anxiety and build confidence in social situations.
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Ages Served: Teens and Adults
No referral needed
Phone: 678-235-8817
Email: admin@lifebehaviorconsulting.com
Website: www.lifebehaviorconsulting.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifebehaviorconsulting/
DAY SERVICES:
Individuals in the region who have disabilities can apply to participate in the Life Bridges Day Program. Life Bridges staff get to know the individuals they support; learning their interests and goals, and helping them find activities. Outings and activities focus on a variety of skill building and exploration activities; including volunteering, learning about jobs and focusing on pursuing interests and building independence. Life Bridges also works with ECF Choices to help adults who are interested in pursuing a job in the community. Their employment support staff focus on identifying interests and skills and using them to discover a meaningful workplace. The person is supported in learning the skills necessary to interview for a job, learn on the job skills, and how to approach any workplace problems as they arise.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES:
Life Bridges has four ICF/IID homes that serve individuals with Intellectual disabilities and other disabilities who may be medically fragile and/or behaviorally challenged. Programming is tailored to the needs of the individual and is provided on a 24/7 basis. Supports include nursing, therapies and active treatment.
THERAPIES FOR ADULTS:
Therapies include occupational therapy, physical therapy and ABA therapy. Their clinic also has a nutritionist and 2 medical practitioners.
Ages served: 18 years and older
Web address: https://lifebridgesonline.com/
Location: 764 Old Chattanooga Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311
Phone: 423 472-5268
Email: charleshamby@lifebridgesonline.com, djackson@lifebridgesonline.com
Murray County Developmental Center
MCDC is a non-profit agency working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to provide services and support throguh the provision of community services which enhance the quality of their lives.
Services Include:
- community and group services
- individual services
- prevocational activities: training in job skills
- supported employment: develops jobs in community, provides ongoing suport and on the job training
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Location: 7345 W. Chestnut St. Chatsworth, TN 30705
Email: mcdc@windstream.net
Phone: (706)-695-4571
Omni Community Health is a full-service, statewide behavioral health organization helping to heal children and adults. Care Coordinators ensure clients have increased access to all health services, including mental and physical health, as well as a primary point of contact for emergencies, in-home care, and community based services.
Ages served: All ages
Website: http://omnicommunityhealth.theomnifamily.com/
Location: 1635 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37408
Chattanooga Office Contact: Amy Irvin
Email: amyirvin@omnicommunityhealth.com
Phone: 423-207-4712
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Orange Grove Center offers individual sessions currently on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for 30 minutes. The program utilizes content based on a version of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) called The Emotional Regulation Skills System (DBT-SS) specialized for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a community based program offering individuals an opportunity to improve their quality of life by working to improve their functioning in their environment. This program offers structure and support to promote and enhance stabilization.
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If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing the admission process, please contact IOP@orangegrove.org
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Ages served: 18 and older
Website: https://www.orangegrovecenter.org/intensive-outpatient-program
Location: 615 Derby Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 629-1451 EXT. 4001
The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (PSR) at Orange Grove Center runs from 9AM-3PM, Monday through Friday. Interventions are collaborative, person-centered, individualized, and ultimately results in the participant's wellness and recovery being sustainable within the community without requiring the support of Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation is a community based program that promotes recovery, community integration, and improved quality of life for participants with dual diagnoses of Intellectual and Developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses.
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If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing the admission process, please contact psr@orangegrove.org.
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Ages Served: 18 and older
Website: https://www.orangegrovecenter.org/pyschosocial-rehabiliation-program
Location: 615 Derby Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-629-1451 EXT. 4001
This organization has specialized in senior care but is now hiring staff with experience autism and are serving adults on the spectrum.
Services include:
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Cooking
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Light housekeeping
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Companionship
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Personal grooming and dressing*
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Shopping
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Doctor visits
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Transportation
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Mobility assistance
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Overnight stays (24-hour care)
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Long-distance check-ins
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Respite care​
Ages served: All ages
Web address: http://seniorcarechattanooga.com/
Location: 5901 Shallowford Road #200, Chattanooga TN 37421
Phone: (423) 883-6469
Expertly-trained professionals, support staff and volunteers provide adaptive recreation, life skills development, as well as job placements and training for adults with special needs. The program’s social and multi-generational focus brings children from the Signal Centers’ school, family members, visiting youth groups and guest presenters to share activities with attendees. Additionally, Signal Centers’ has an Employment Services Program designed to assist individuals in obtaining and retaining meaningful employment in a variety of settings based on the individual’s personal interests and strengths.
Ages served: 18 years old and older
Web address: https://signalcenters.org/index.php/adult-day-services/
Location: 109 N. Germantown Ave Chattanooga,TN 37411
Phone: Simone Davis, MS, Director of Adult Services, (423) 698-8528, Ext. 800
The STAR Center provides services for education, employment, and quality of life for all ages and needs. They will help a child learn to read, help a person get their first job, and help the elderly stay in their homes. They are dedicated to making West Tennessee a place where people with disabilities can make their dreams a reality.
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Ages served: All Ages
Referral: Needed
Web address: http://www.star-center.org/
Location: 1119 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: (731) 554-5123
Contact Person: Judy Duke
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR) provides a variety of individualized services to persons with disabilities in preparation for their employment in the competitive labor market. VR advocates employment outcomes for clients that are consistent with their individual strengths, resources, abilities, capabilities and informed choice.
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Services include
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Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Centers
There are seventeen Community Tennessee Rehabilitation Centers that provide employment related services to applicants and eligible customers of the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Vocational evaluation, employee development and employment services are designed to assist individuals with disabilities to reach gainful employment. The process involves identifying an appropriate vocational goal and assisting customers with attaining essential work behaviors to achieve and maintain employment.
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Web address: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/office-locator-trc-ttap.html
Location: Eastgate Center, Suite 602-B
5600 Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411
Phone: (423) 634-6700
The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna is a residential training center that provides VR services. TRC Smyrna provides comprehensive vocational evaluation, pre-vocational and vocational training, training for vision impairment and traumatic brain injury, physical rehabilitation and transitional life skills training services. Support services are also offered to include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf/Blind Services, speech services and psychological services.
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Web address: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/trc-smyrna.html
Location: 460 Ninth Avenue
Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone numbers: (615) 459-6811
Trousdale School is a post-secondary, not for profit, school providing programming for adults with developmental disabilities. "Learning for Life" is our school's vision, and they strive to provide "life-wide" learning opportunities which will equip their students to be the individual’s most independent and autonomous self. Trousdale School provides programming in the areas of functional academics, life skills, vocational training & placement. Additionally, they provide opportunity for social opportunities, health and fitness, the arts (drama, graphic art, music), and a variety of special interests clubs and classes.
Ages served: 22 years old and older
Web address: TrousdaleSchool.org
Location: 3171 Hewitt St. SE
Phone: (423) 479-7130
Email: info@TrousdaleSchool.org