Chattanooga
Autism Center
Vocation and Employment Assistance
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
Assists people with disabilities in preparing for, seeking, securing, and maintaining employment. Provides vocational evaluation, situational work assessment, work adjustment training, job readiness skills instruction, life skills instruction, job placement services and follow-up employment services. Employers are provided information about tax incentives, job analysis and job accommodations.
Website: caringinc.org/
Contact: June Grimes, Director
Email: caringinc@bellsouth.net
Jasper Office: (423) 942-1800
Dayton Office: (423) 775-4043
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
Join us for a 90-minute panel discussion featuring five Autistic entrepreneurs sharing their unique experiences and insights. Panelists will explore key topics such as starting and growing a business as an Autistic entrepreneur, balancing neurodivergence with business demands, effective cross-neurotype client communication, avoiding burnout, leveraging Autistic strengths, navigating neurotypical business norms, and marketing and funding strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable advice, learn from challenges, and hear success stories from Autistic entrepreneurs.
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Web address: https://autismtn.org/EmployME
When: November 4th, 2024 | 6:30 p.m. CT
Where: Online via Zoom
GVRA operates five programs that share a primary goal -- to help people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment. The largest of the programs is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Disability Adjudication Services and the Roosevelt Warm Springs. Two other unique divisions serve consumers with visual impairments -- the Business Enterprise Program and Georgia Industries for the Blind.
Services:
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Vocational assessment
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Vocational counseling and guidance
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Physical and mental restoration services
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Pre-Employment transition services
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Vocational training
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School-to-work transition
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Rehabilitation technology
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Supported employment
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Job search and job placement
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Referral to other agencies for needed services
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Website: www.gvs.ga.gov or https://gvs.georgia.gov/about-us
Dalton Office: serves Whitfield and Murray Counties
Phone: (706) 272-2303
Address: 1615 Hickory Street, Suite 106, Dalton GA 30720
Lafayette Office: serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker Counties
Phone: (706) 638-5536
Address: 202 W. Villanow Street, Lafayette GA 30728
For over 100 years, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has helped people transform potential into opportunity. We provide person-centered services that promote individual growth, self-sufficiency, and community integration. Services include:
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Job/Career Assessment
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Career/Job Search Support
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Employment Readiness
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Digital Skills Training
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Financial and Nutritional Education
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On-Site Job Coaching
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Resume/Interview Preparation
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Job/Community Resources & Events
Main Campus
6104 Preservation Drive
Chattanooga, TN. 37416
East Brainerd Opportunity Center
7601 E. Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, TN. 37421
Dalton Opportunity Center
1001 Market Street
Dalton, Ga. 30720
Contact: (423) 629-2501 or youmatter@goodwillchatt.org
Website: www.goodwillchatt.org​​​​
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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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
Claire Kraft understands the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in securing and maintaining employment. She can help autistic clients who are seeking new jobs or better jobs. Her services include: Resume Review, Mock Interview, LinkedIn Profile Setup/Optimization, and Networking Strategies.
Website: https://kraftops.com/
Contact: kraftops25@gmail.com
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Murray County Developmental Center
MCDC is a non-profit agency working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to provide services and support through 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
Networking & Neurodiversity is an ongoing event series hosted on Floor Five of The Edney by The Enterprise Center in partnership with Chattanooga Autism Center. They host a Neurodiversity Networking and Happy Hour. This event is for neurodivergent people, allies, friends, family, and also for employers who are seeking to hire people with disabilities and for employment specialists who help people with disabilities find or improve employment. It's a safe, welcoming, inclusive event where you can come have food, drinks, and play tabletop games. You also have the option of talking to other people including employers and advocates in our community.
Where: Enterprise Center, 5th floor
When: Quarterly, join newsletter to be alerted of dates
Cost: Free
Sign up for notifications: CLICK HERE
For more information, contact Gabrielle Chevalier at gabrielle@theenterprisectr.org.
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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.
Web address: https://www.star-center.org/employment/
Location: 1119 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: (731) 668-3888
Serve most counties in West and Middle TN
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.
​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.
Website: https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation.html​
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Chattanooga Location:
Eastgate Center, Suite 602-B
5600 Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411
Phone: (423) 634-6700
To find other locations, CLICK HERE
The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna, TN is a state-operated training center that provides career and technical education to prepare individuals with disabilities for greater independence and competitive integrated employment in their local communities. Students attending TRC participate in classroom instruction, hands-on-training, and campus life activities. This program is special in that they have dorms and a campus where people with disabilities can go to receive job training.
Address: 460 Ninth Avenue, Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone number: (615) 459-6811
Website: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/trc-smyrna.html
Brochure Link: Brochure