Getting Started with DCM

This page is still being updated (3/5/2026).

1. Am I eligible for your services?

You are eligible if:

You are a person with a disability. We do not require documentation or proof of your disability.
You are calling on behalf of a person with a disability (e.g., you're a parent, advocate, caregiver, etc.)
You reside in Shelby County. (Tipton, Fayette, and Lauderdale may be eligible depending on service)
You are needing help navigating life as a person with a disability and do not know where to start.
You simply have a question about our center.

If this sounds like you, reach out to us at (901) 726-6404 or info@disabilitymidsouth.org

2. What is your intake process?

What we do not require:

Proof of your disability, legal documents, forms of payment, or any private information that you do not wish to share UNLESS it is relevant for an external resource. In which case, we will notify you.

Intake Process:We do not have a formal intake process. To assist the process, one of our staff may ask simple demographic questions such as your name, age, physical address, and preferred method of contact (phone number or email address).Our services are free, but we do refer to outside resources. If there is a fee associated with said resource that our staff is aware of, we will also notify you.

3. I spoke with someone. Now what?

After contacting our office and connecting with an Independent Living Specialist, we may ask if you want to set an independent living goal to work towards.What are common goals:

"I need transportation"
"I need help with housing resources"

I live in Tipton, Fayette, or Lauderdale County. Can I receive help?

We are a small crew of six with an office located in Midtown Memphis, but we would love to connect with you to learn how we can serve you best! Depending on the service, we will do our best to assist you in reaching your goals of independence! Give us a call at (901) 726-6404 or email info@disabilitymidsouth.org

I live in another state or somewhere else in TN.

If you live in another state or a county in TN that is not Shelby, Tipton, Fayette or Lauderdale, we strongly recommend reaching out to the nearest Center for Independent Living in your area or that serves your county directly:

If you need help locating your nearest CIL, reach out to us by calling (901) 726-6404 or emailing info@disabilitymidsouth.org