Family Support Program
If you or an immediate family member has a disability, you may be eligible to receive family support services.
Family Support Services is a program designed and funded by the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) to assist families who are caring for their relative who has a severe disability. Severe disability is defined as:
• Attributable to a mental or physical impairment
• Likely to continue indefinitely
• Result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities:
- Self-care Receptive/expressive language
- Learning Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self-sufficiency
An essential element of the Family Support Services program is family and consumer involvement. Local councils have been established and meet on a regular basis to oversee and provide advice on the distribution of local services.
Family Support Services may include such things as:
• Respite care
• Personal or attendant services
• Specialized equipment maintenance and repair
• Homemaker services
• Specialized equipment & supplies
• Specialized nutrition & clothing
• Child care
• Health related cost not otherwise covered
• Family counseling training & Support groups
• Transportation services
• Licensed nursing & nurses aid services
HOW TO RECEIVE SERVICES: Eligible Residents of Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Cocke, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, Jefferson, Sevier and Scott Counties please click the links below for additional information:
EVC Family Support Letter & Application
State of Tennessee Family Support Service Definitions
State of Tennessee Family Support Brochure
For additional help in receiving services please contact:
Special Services Director, Regina Wilson 865-813-0578
Special Services Administrative Assistant, Brandi Neikirk 865-813-0579
Special Services Administrative Assistant/ Interpreter, Estela Granado 865-813-0577
If funding has already been allocated for the current fiscal year, please request that your name be added to the waiting list for that county.