Councils and Committees
The Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) participates in numerous councils, advisory boards and committees to build better partnerships in the community and improve the services it provides.
*State Rehabilitation Council (SRC)
Serving all citizens of Tennessee, the mission of the State Rehabilitation Council of Tennessee is to advise, evaluate and partner with the public vocational rehabilitation program in support of improving access to employment and promoting a diverse workforce statewide.
The State Rehabilitation Council of Tennessee envisions a statewide workforce that values disability and diversity and is committed to full participation of its citizens.
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) works in partnership with the Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to maximize employment and independent living for Tennesseans with disabilities. The SRC advocates for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program as well as advises DRS on issues facing consumers of the VR program. The SRC acts as the voice of the consumer and other stakeholders in the VR program.
For more information on the meetings of the SRC click here [https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/councils-and-committees/state-rehabilitation-council.html].
*Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
Meetings in Federal Fiscal Year 2024:
The next SILC quarterly meeting will be held on
May 31, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. CST – 12:00 p.m. CST
Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Bellevue
One Bellevue Place
7616 Hwy 70 S.
Nashville, TN 37221
The purpose of the meeting will be to review the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Centers for Independent Living and Statewide Independent Living Council’s responsibility under Title VII, relating to promoting a philosophy of independent living in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The SILC is required to hold regularly scheduled meetings that are open to the public.
Individuals who choose to attend remotely or require alternative modes of communication or accommodation should contact Edward Mitchell preferably by email at SILCDirector@silctn.org or by text or voice at (615) 255-0283 thirty days prior to meeting if possible.
Please use the contact information below for more details relative to SILC activities.
Statewide Independent Living Council
23 Federal Drive
Jackson, TN 38305
Voice or text: (615) 255-0283
Email SILCDirector@silctn.org
*Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing (TCDDBHH)
The TCDDBHH exists to serve as an advocate for culturally appropriate services affecting Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing persons through coordination, public awareness, and consultation in areas of public service, health care, and education and employment.
The Tennessee Council for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Quarterly meeting schedule is below.
February 2, 2024
May 3, 2024
August 2, 2024
November 1, 2024
*All meetings will be conducted virtually until further notice.*