
Resource Assistance and Advocacy
Navigating resources to help you care for your child can be daunting! Luckily, we have an expert who can help you understand the process, fill out forms, and submit them to the appropriate organizations.
What is therapeutic education advocacy?
Therapeutic education advocacy is all about empowering parents to know what policies go into place and affect their children’s education. Additionally, advocates strive for lobbying for funding that will affect underserved children. Everyone has a right to education, and advocates can inform, fight, and vote for what will serve their children best.
The Therapeutic Studio has educated staff who can help you on accessing all the resources available to you. We can help you access everything you need to be an advocate and educate other parents. This is just another aspect of community, something we care about deeply.
Here is some of the key legislation that has helped improve graduation rates:
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“This bill incorporates mental health promotion and education into guidelines for school wellness policies that are used by local educational agencies participating in school meal programs.”
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“A bill to increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health services providers by low-income local educational agencies.”
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This bill is meant to amend current acts regarding school lunches and other child and adult care food programs. Essentially, providers can see larger reimbursements for their food programs, providing more meals and options for those they care for. You can view more information on the bill here.
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This bill specifically helps students with disabilities and their families to select the right college and to help the students succeed once they are enrolled. Again, education is for everyone! This act of legislation has made college more accessible for so many people.
Self-Advocacy Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee offers so many resources for advocacy, education, and resources. Here are just many of the options that you can dive into for you and your family. Click on each of the programs to view more information.
This program assists students with disabilities for preparing for life after high school. Transitional times are hard for anyone, but especially for students who have come to rely on the structure and stability of a regular school schedule. They offer online and in-person resources, training, and programs.
Students with developmental disabilities can experience a four-year inclusive higher education program that promotes independent living and equality. Vanderbilt offers a safe and inclusive space for students, and they can thrive academically and socially.
Finding the right program for your student can be challenging. You want to make sure they will be comfortable, treated with respect, and have the same access to educational opportunities as their peers. ThinkCollege is a national website that lists all the programs in Tennessee that best serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Read through this incredible PDF that outlines the different programs available for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a printable resource that includes the lived experiences of graduates and their success.
LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) prepares graduate-level professionals in 17 specialties so they can confidently lead and advocate for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. This increases education and access for students and family and promotes community-based services.
If you want to become a trained advocate for parents with children with disabilities, Vanderbilt offers a complete course with certification. You can become a special education advocate to provide support and care.

We want to give you support and access to resources available in Tennessee!
Here’s what you need to know…
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There are so many programs out there you can apply for to receive funding or care. You can get reimbursement assistance for hospitalization or for other forms of complex care you cannot afford on your own and your insurance won’t cover.
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The State of Tennessee offers a lot of funding opportunities for parents without Medicaid to provide services for their child. There are several programs that support parents, so children can receive complex care. Our expert helps you find these opportunities, apply for them, and benefit from them.
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Charissa Lynne is one of our admin assistants and a graduate student at the University of the Cumberlands for clinical mental health counseling. Charissa is very familiar with how a lot of these application processes work, and she is dedicated to helping you get as much care as you can for your family.
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You can schedule an appointment by clicking the button below! If Charissa’s availability does not work for you, you can email her at admin@thetherapeuticstudiollc.org to schedule an appointment.
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Charissa will meet with you online. She will get to know you and your situation, as well as figure out what resources you already have. With that information, she can help you with applications, navigating client portals, or researching more opportunities.