Resources for Special Populations
The following community organizations and agencies may be able to support your student and family. These agencies are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.
Clarksville Housing Authority
721 Richardson Street
(931) 647-2303
TTY/TDD (931) 647-2303
Public housing authority that provides rental housing for eligible low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Action Agency
P.O. Box 487
(931) 896-1800
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Priority in energy assistance, as well as the level of assistance, is based on the energy burden, income, and size of the applicant’s household as well as the presence of vulnerable household members (i.e. frail elderly, handicapped, and infants).
- USDA Commodity Program
- Provides a supplemental source of nutrition to low-income families.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
Housing & Community Development
One Public Square, Suite 201
(931) 648-6133
The mission is to bring needs and resources together in a coordinated housing and community development strategy to create, maintain and expand decent housing, suitable living environment and economic opportunities for low and moderate income persons in the city. If you are elderly or disabled, we can also assist you by installing accessibility ramps, grab bars and other barrier-free improvements that will make it easier for you to get around. All work required in your home is completed by an approved, licensed contractor. Staff from the Office of Housing and Community Development will monitor the work to ensure that it is done correctly and within program guidelines.
Nia Association
375 Dover Road
(931) 906-3993
Affordable housing with Community Housing Developing Organization (CHDO) Services, monitored support staff as required and emergency housing for individuals in transition. A HUD multi-family dwelling that is safe and secure with deadbolt locks and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Barrier free according to ADA requirements, allows access and mobility to all areas with private bedrooms and shared common areas.
State/Federal Resources for Housing/Low-Income Housing
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
235 Cumberland Bend Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37228-1803
(615) 736-5600
TTY: (866) 503-0264
- HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.
- Designated Housing Vouchers enable non-elderly families with disabled persons who would be eligible for public housing if occupancy were not restricted to elderly families, to lease safe, decent, and affordable housing.
Affordable Apartment Search in Clarksville through HUD:
McAullife Apartments
2301 Formal Drive
(931) 645-3636
TAMCO Property Management, LLC
Meriwether Lewis Group Home
2807 Trough Springs Road
(931) 368-0037
Ramblewood Apartments
2400 Ramblewood Circle
(931) 645-4480
[email protected]
South Central Village Apts. of Clarksville
1420 Paradise Hill Road
(931) 645-1274
Sunset Village Apartments
J. Jerod & Associates, Inc.
151 Wallace Blvd.
(931) 431-4186
[email protected]
Walnut Grove Supportive Housing
651 W. Thompkins Lane
Taliafaro, Inc.
(615) 259-4332
[email protected]
Clarksville Montgomery County Public Library
Above is a link to the Children’s Programs available at the local public library. This a great resource for free activities available for a variety of ages all year long. Most activities are family-based and incorporate reading or the arts.
Progressive Directions, Inc.
(931) 647-6333
Day Habilitation Programs
Provide services to adults age 22 and older with a diagnosis of intellectual disabilities. Services include assessments, developmental and vocational training, behavior management, transportation, follow-along, community service employment contracts and federal contracts at Ft. Campbell.
Respite Services
Respite refers to short term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of caregiving. Unlike child care, respite services may sometimes involve overnight care for an extended period of time.
Supported Living Programs
Services include, but are not limited to daily living skills training, socialization skills, self-help skills, community integration skills and residential care services provided from 24-hour care to limited care as appropriate and required.
Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League
Buddy Ball helps individuals learn teamwork and promotes self-esteem, which is one tool needed to overcome the stigma often associated with a disability. The Buddy Ball league is aware of the extra expenses for those with special abilities, so it will not charge any fees to participate.
Early Intervention Program
Serves developmentally delayed children birth to three years and their families through developmental screenings and assessments, and behavior management offered through center-, home-, and community-based programs, family group activities, transportation, and transition into the school system.
Sunrise Community of Tennessee, Inc.
(931) 648-3011
[email protected]
The Sunrise group of companies is comprised of various private, not-for-profit corporations whose mission is to provide people with disabilities the assistance and support necessary to enable them to live valued lives in the community.
- Behavior Support
- Community Participation
- Personal Assistance
- Respite
- Supported Employment
- Supported Living
- Residential Habilitation
- Nursing
- Medical Residential
- Family Model Residential
Head Start
Head Start is a nationally recognized child development program designed to meet the educational, mental, nutritional, and social needs of 3- and 4-year-olds and their families. Head Start helps all children succeed. Special Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
Mid-Cumberland Childcare Resource and Referral
Providing child care resources, referral services, and Quality Coaches for Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, and Williamson counties.
State/Federal Programs and Agencies
Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD)
Administration for Community Living
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-202-401-4541
AIDD is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are able to fully participate in and contribute to all aspects of community life in the United States and its territories.
Programs include:
State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DDC)
Key activities include conducting outreach, providing training and technical assistance, removing barriers, developing coalitions, encouraging citizen participation, and keeping policymakers informed about disability issues.
State Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&A)
Dedicated to the ongoing fight for the personal and civil rights of individuals with developmental disabilities
National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service (UCEDD)
Affiliated with universities to address issues, find solutions, and advance research related to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
Projects of National Significance (PNS)
Supports the development of national and state policy and awards grants and contracts that enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion, and integration of people with developmental disabilities
The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID)
Goal is to improve the quality of life that is experienced by people with intellectual disabilities, by upholding their full citizenship rights, independence, self-determination, and life-long participation in their respective communities
Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
Make polling places accessible to voters with disabilities in order to provide equal opportunity for participation in the electoral process, including privacy and independence
NICHCY
NICHCY serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth. You’ll find easy-to-read articles on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, as well as researched-based information on effective practices, programs and services.
Child Development Institute
Provides the information and tools parents need to understand their unique child/children and to enable them to help each child develop into the successful human being they were meant to be.
Through the Looking Glass
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally recognized center that has pioneered research, training, and services for families in which a child, parent, or grandparent has a disability or medical issue. Our mission is “To create, demonstrate and encourage non-pathological and empowering resources and model early intervention services for families with disability issues in parent or child which integrate expertise derived from personal disability experience and disability culture.”
PACER
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER’s work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation.
Parents Helping Parents
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) strives to improve the quality of life for any child with any special need of any age, through educating, supporting and training their primary caregivers.
E-Ready Special Education Information for Parents
This page provides parents, as well as teachers, of children with disabilities with information on specific disabilities, a glossary of special education terms, and links to helpful resources.
U.S. Department of Education
The Department of Education provides a list of resources pertaining to the needs of children with disabilities.
Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
Angelman Syndrome Foundation
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation advances the awareness and treatment of AS through education and research and provides support to individuals and families.
TASH
TASH is an international leader in disability advocacy for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families, and self-advocates.
Special Education News
Special Education News is a newspaper that provides information on issues related to special education.
The Sturge-Weber Foundation
The Sturge-Weber Foundation is a non-profit organization for parents, patients, and all others concerned with SWS.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. We are committed to listening to and learning from families and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.
Family Voices
Family Voices aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families with tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.
Stop Bullying Parent Guide
StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on bullying, cyberbullying, who is at risk, and how to prevent and respond to bullying.
Team Of Advocates For Special Kids
Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK) is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to reach their maximum potential.
A Rosie Place
A Rosie Place provides a safe and nurturing haven for medically fragile children while giving family members periods of relief from the demands of full-time caregiving.
University of Illinois at Chicago’s Specialized Care for Children
The University of Illinois at Chicago is home to Specialized Care for Children, a network of professionals that work with Illinois families and communities to help connect children with special needs to services and resources.
Assistive Technology
Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
The mission of the ATA is to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations. ATA encourages and facilitates the empowerment of people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities. Through public education, information and referral, capacity building in community organizations and advocacy/policy efforts, the ATA enables millions of people to live, learn, work, define their futures and achieve their dreams.
Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is committed to ensuring that all students with learning disabilities graduate from high school with a standard diploma—prepared for college and the workplace.
LD OnLine
LD OnLine.org is the world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers and other professionals each month.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
Since 1964, the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers, and other professionals. Today, the LDA is the largest non-profit volunteer organization advocating for individuals with disabilities, and provides cutting-edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions and a comprehensive network of resources.
The International Dyslexia Association
The purpose of IDA is to pursue and provide the most comprehensive range of information and services that address the full scope of dyslexia and related difficulties in learning to read and write … in a way that creates hope, possibility and partnership.
Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
CHADD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. In addition to our informative website, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with ADHD.
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives.
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (FFCMH)
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs and their families.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Arc
We are the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We encompass all ages and all spectrums from autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X, and various other developmental disabilities.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
National Down Syndrome Congress
Founded in 1973, the National Down Syndrome Congress is the country’s oldest national organization for people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them. We provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome, and work to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.
Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The Autism Society
The Autism Society’s simple goal is to improve the lives of all people with autism. To this end, we focus on ensuring that all individuals with autism and their families have access to the help they need.
The Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)
Autism National Committee is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to “Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism” through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, pervasive developmental disorder and related differences of communication and behavior.
TEACCH Autism Program
TEACCH is a University-based system of community regional centers that offers a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the clinical, training and research needs of individuals with ASD, their families and professionals across the state of North Carolina. TEACCH conducts training nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers and other professionals from a variety of disciplines.
Autism Treatment Center of America
Since 1983, the Autism Treatment Center of America™ has provided innovative training programs for parents and professionals caring for children challenged by autism, autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and other developmental difficulties.
Communication Disabilities
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. Here you will find resources to help you understand communication and communication disorders.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
NIDCD is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH’s mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose and treat disease and disability.
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
AG Bell helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society.
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
ASCD supports and educates families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and advocates for high-quality programs and services. We believe that these children are entitled to full communication access in their home school and community; there should be access to identification and intervention by qualified providers, family involvement and educational opportunities equal to those provided for hearing children.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The NAD is actively involved in providing information about opportunities available for educating deaf and hard-of-hearing children, challenges that deaf and hard-of-hearing people encounter with high-stakes testing, and the legal obligations of public and private schools, post-secondary programs, colleges, and universities.
Visual Impairment
FamilyConnect
FamilyConnect is designed for parents of children with visual impairments and brought to you by the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. On FamilyConnect, you’ll find videos, personal stories, events, news, and an online community that can offer tips and support from other parents of children who are blind or visually impaired.
The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI)
NAPVI is a non-profit organization of, by and for parents committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments. NAPVI is a national organization that enables parents to find information and resources for their children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
The NFB improves the lives of blind people through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs that encourage independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation’s blind.
SPARKLE
Project SPARKLE is an individualized learning program that enhances the ability of parents of deaf and blind children to fulfill their roles in their children’s development and education. Through Project SPARKLE, parents will have access to information, training, and resources in their homes via DVDs and the Internet.
Brain/Spinal Cord Injury
Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
The mission of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. With a network of state affiliates, local chapters and support groups, we are the voice of brain injury.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA)
Our mission is to improve the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). We provide active-lifestyle information, peer support and advocacy that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential in all facets of life.
Epilepsy Foundation
The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to stop seizures and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy and research to accelerate ideas into therapies.
Legal/Advocacy Information and Resources
National Disability Rights Network
Every single day, our Network protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities across the United States and the territories. We fight to end abuse and neglect where we find it. We assist people in finding and keeping their jobs and work with kids, parents and schools to combat bullying and ensure educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The official website of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B (ages 3 to 21) and Part C (birth to 2 years).
National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ)
The National Center on Disability and Journalism is located in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. The center provides support and guidance for journalists as they cover people with disabilities.
Special Education Law Blog
A special education legal resource discussing case law, news, practical advocacy advice, and developments in state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations. Postings include insight and sometimes humor from Charles P. Fox, a Chicago, IL attorney who is also a parent of a child with special needs, and guest authors.
Wrightslaw
Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Best Buddies International
[email protected]
1585 Mallory Lane
Suite 208
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-891-2046a
A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This program is available for individuals in middle school through college.
Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League
A Division of Progressive Directions, Inc.
1249 Paradise Hill Road
Margaret Davis, Coordinator
931-647-6333
Buddy Ball provides individuals with a mental or physical disability the opportunity to play sports, regardless of their abilities. It helps individuals learn teamwork and promotes self-esteem, one of the tools needed to help overcome the stigma often associated with a disability. The league is aware of the extra expenses for those with special abilities and will not charge any fees to participate.
Clarksville Camp Rainbow
P.O. Box 3522 Clarksville, TN 37043
931-647-9865
A camp that caters to the needs of seriously ill children whose medical problems keep them from attending regular camps.
Clarksville Parks and Recreation
102 Public Square
931-647-6333
[email protected]
The Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of recreational facilities and activities for all ages. The department maintains more than 700 acres of parks and facilities within the city of Clarksville.
The city provides 22 park facilities with various amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and pavilions or picnic shelters. Several of the parks throughout Clarksville also feature restrooms, open play areas, basketball pads, tennis courts, and ball fields. Additionally, the CPRD maintains three community centers with year-round programming for youth, adults, and seniors, as well as five public swimming pools.
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department
Parks and Recreation
1030-B Cumberland Heights Road
931-648-5732
Special Olympics Tennessee Area 12
(931) 551-0720
Area 12 Coordinators: Tonya Golden and Emily Giles
Special Olympics Tennessee offers 17 sports for athletes to choose from. Special Olympics athletes have the opportunity to expand beyond competition by participating in the Healthy Athletes program or the Athlete Leadership Program, where athletes can train as coaches, officials, or public speakers. The program is free.
YMCA
260 Hillcrest Dr.
931-647-2376
Wellness resources, youth, and family services, swimming and aquatics programs.