August 23, 2012 | Press Release.pdf

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Brad Turner visited Community Options, Inc. of Nashville to meet with the organization’s leadership and to hear about their latest efforts in the state.

Community Options is a national nonprofit that supports 5,000 people with disabilities through innovative housing and employment programs in 10 states. In 1999, Community Options first entered Tennessee with their Nashville office, through which they provide community-based support to the city and surrounding areas including Antioch, Hendersonville, and Lebanon.

Commissioner Turner praised Community Options and the positive impact their supports have on Tennessee residents with disabilities.

“Our providers and their staff are essential to what we do to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state,” DIDD Commissioner Brad Turner said.  “I’m grateful we have partners like Community Options who provide high quality supports to ensure people with disabilities can live, work and engage in their communities.”

As the father of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Commissioner Turner understands the importance of community-based services. Under his leadership, DIDD has been recognized nationally for its leadership in using Employment First and Enabling Technology programs to promote full access, inclusion and independence for people with disabilities.

“It was great to have Commissioner Turner meet with us and hear about Community Options’ continued growth throughout Tennessee and our plans for the future,” said Community Options’ State Director Meika McClendon. “Commissioner Turner is an ally to our cause, and we are grateful for his shared passion in ensuring people with disabilities in Tennessee have the support they deserve to live their lives to their fullest potential.”

Community Options also has offices in Chattanooga, Cookeville and Maryville. The organization supports 250 Tennessee residents with disabilities.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 40 offices across 10 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information, please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.