At D&S, we are lucky to work with some amazing individuals. Today, we are taking time out to shine the spotlight on one of our very own superstars. Dameion (D-Boy Dynasty) began dabbling in Christian rap in 1995 and sings at Cross Roads Church the first Sunday of each month at the morning service.  His favorite scripture is John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life". When he is not creating … [Read more...]

D&S has recently embarked on a training initiative to provide home managers with a variety of tools, information and skills which are designed to enhance their leadership and management abilities. Home managers have a challenging responsibility.  They are responsible for managing day to day activities related to providing a safe, secure and comfortable home for the people we support.  That is huge!  I mean, when we think about ‘managing’ our own personal homes, the list is endless.  … [Read more...]

What is ECF? ECF is a wonderful new program offered to eligible residents of Tennessee and stands for Employment and Community First CHOICES, ECF is a program that will allow Tennessee to become the first state in the country to develop and implement an integrated, home and community based services program. It will align incentives toward promoting and supporting integrated, competitive employment and independent living as the first and preferred option for individuals with intellectual and … [Read more...]

In today’s world, many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their guardians are faced with difficult decisions when it comes to living arrangements. Often times, individuals and their caregivers seek a level of independence that just can’t be obtained in the individuals own home, or in the home of their family member. Currently, in Tennessee, there are waiver programs that provide a residential option, however there is a waitlist. Unfortunately, not everyone has the … [Read more...]

2016 has gotten off to an exciting start here at the Jackson, TN office of D&S. We have had some very inspiring events take place over the past several months. In February, our CEO and President, Mickey Atkins and our Regional Director, Cindra Jones, came to our office to announce that Shawn McAlister, a Home Manager who won the George Davis Service Award had also been selected as 2016 Direct Support Professional of the year by ANCOR!!  Shawn will travel to Chicago to receive this award in … [Read more...]

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live with someone who has Down Syndrome? Recently, D&S was honored to talk with Melanie Cole, MS on her radio show on RadioMD, Melanie Cole’s Health Radio. Listen here as our Abilene Executive Director, Korby Calley, shares the knowledge she’s gained while serving individuals who have Down Syndrome. Thanks to Korby for sharing your passion with all of Melanie’s listeners! It’s obvious how much you love what you do! We’re honored to have you as part of … [Read more...]

Honoring work in support of community living for people with disabilities On May 3, 2016, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) will recognize Shawn McAllister of D&S Community Services in Jackson as the 2016 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Tennessee “We at D&S Community Services are so proud of Shawn. This award shows the dedication Shawn has to support the people she works with and reflects the quality of services provided by D&S Community … [Read more...]

Davy Crockett is not the only frontier to walk the land of upper East Tennessee. Now D&S Community Services has as well. Like Davy Crockett D&S Community Services has traveled throughout all of Tennessee which includes West, Middle, Cumberland Plateau, South Tennessee, East Tennessee and now, what we locals call “upper East Tennessee”. In late spring 2014 D&S was approached regarding a possible requisition opportunity. After further exploration and discussion D&S chose to … [Read more...]

As a parent or guardian for an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability you may be asked if you want behavior supports on a treatment plan. Often, people aren’t quite sure what behavior supports are, but are told they can help manage behaviors. Typically, the person presenting this option is a service coordinator or case manager. Adding this type of support to the treatment plan seems reasonable to you, so you agree and viola - behavior supports are added to the treatment … [Read more...]