Episode
Ep 140: Tennessee Leads with Innovative, Person‑Centered Support for People with IDD
- Podcast
- IDD Health Matters
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1931
- Processing state
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Summary
Brad Turner, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Disabilities and Aging, discusses how his personal experience as a parent of a daughter with cerebral palsy shapes his leadership and commitment to improving supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He highlights Tennessee's innovations, including extending early intervention services to age five, the Medicaid Alternative Pathways (MAPs) program promoting independence through technology, and the development of statewide Innovation Centers to expand assistive and enabling technologies. Turner emphasizes the need for inclusive, person‑centered systems, better mental health support for people with IDD, and addressing workforce and housing challenges. He also stresses the importance of broader advocacy, community integration, and ensuring people with disabilities have not only a seat and a voice at the table, but true belonging where their voices are genuinely heard.