Who do I call first for disability services in Shelby County, Tennessee?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and Tennessee vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for Shelby County.

Is help available in Spanish in Shelby County?

Yes. This Shelby County guide includes Spanish-language support, and most Tennessee agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in Shelby County?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in Shelby County, Tennessee

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in Shelby County, Tennessee. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help, with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in Shelby County

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support: 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Local organizations in Shelby County

Disability-related organizations on file with an address in Shelby County. Details change, so always call to confirm before you visit.

Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis's Center for Independent Living ((901) 726-6404, Memphis)
Project SEARCH — Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (Memphis). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Project SEARCH — Methodist North Hospital (Memphis). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Project SEARCH — Nike Distribution Center (Memphis). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Project SEARCH — The Peabody Memphis (Memphis). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
The Arc of Tennessee. State chapter of The Arc — advocacy, family support, and connections to local chapters for people with intellectual and
NAMI Greater Memphis
Camelot Care Centers — Memphis (901-346-1270, Memphis)
Case Management Inc (901-821-5600, Memphis)
Chosen Vessel Ministries — Sanctuary (901-361-4763, Memphis)
Compass Intervention Center (901-758-2002 x105, Memphis)
Administrative/Outreach Offices (901-842-3160, Memphis)
ARcare - 156 (870-347-2534, Memphis)
Broad Avenue Dental Center (901-842-3171 x08541, Memphis)
Broad Avenue Health Center (901-842-3161, Memphis)
8th Wonder Foundation (ARLINGTON)
Avon School (Memphis)
Bodine Of Germantown Inc (GERMANTOWN)
Bodine School (GERMANTOWN)
1 On 1 Home Health Services (901-503-8912, MEMPHIS). Respite care
A & N Care Solutions (901-849-4511, MEMPHIS). In-home support
A Beacon Of Hope Homecare (901-329-7019, MEMPHIS). Respite care
A Better Solution Health Care, Llc (901-745-1506, MEMPHIS). Respite care
901 Home Health Care, Llc (901-361-5144, COLLIERVILLE)

Statewide programs serving Shelby County

These serve every county in Tennessee, including Shelby County.

University of Tennessee Center on Developmental Disabilities. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
Disability Rights Tennessee (800-342-1660). Protection & Advocacy: free disability rights legal help
Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities ((615) 532-6615). State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Tennessee Technology Access Program ((615) 313-5183). State assistive technology program: device loans, demos & reuse
Support & Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP) (423-639-0125). Parent center: free special-education help for families

Other counties in Tennessee

Browse every county from the Tennessee disability resources portal, choose a different state on the state portals index, or read more about PathAble AI.