Welcome!

If you are interested in getting services started with Disability Connection Midsouth, we hope this page will help you understand the process. You can locate our F.A.Q. at the bottom of the page.

1. What services do you provide?

Our services are individualized to the person! Here are some examples:

Advocacy: Learn your rights as a person with a disability, writing letters of reasonable accommodation, and individual advocate support
Independent Living Skills Training: Braille lessons, iPhone accessibility feature training, and public transit training
Information and Referral: Answering general inquiries and referring to the relevant person, organization, and resource
Peer Mentoring and Support: Game night, line dancing and fitness group, and advice from peers
Transition Services: Youth transition from school to life, nursing home transition back to the community, and new to the city

If you have interest in a service outside of those listed above, contact us today to see how we can help.

2. 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 need help navigating life as a person with a disability and do not know where to start.
You simply have a question about our center.

We serve people of ALL disabilities and ages.If this sounds like you, reach out to us at (901) 726-6404 or info@disabilitymidsouth.org

3. What is your intake process?

We do not have a formal intake process. 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.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.

4. I spoke with someone. Now what?

After contacting our office and connecting with an Independent Living Specialist, we may ask if you want to work towards an independent living goal(s). You may have more than one!Common goals:

"I want to fill out three job or housing applications this month"
"I want to get out of the house and meet people"
"I want to improve my computer skills"
"I want to learn how to use my assistive technology"

Everybody's goal is unique to them and decided by the individual (you!), not by us.

5. Your goal. Our mission!

We hope that, by working with us, we can empower you to live as independently as you see fit. Our staff will follow up to review your active goals and their progress, but you decide when you have completed your goal. There is no rush or time limit. We work with you on your terms!Disability Connection Midsouth's mission is to facilitate the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of community life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your office located?

1000 South Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104We have an office located in First Congregational Church (often referred to as First Congo).

Head to the back parking lot located off Blythe St.
You can park in front of the blue door with a red overhang and a large sign above titled: "Disability Connection Midsouth"

Attention: There are two sides to the First Congo parking lot. One faces Walker Ave and has a community fridge. The other lot faces Blythe St. and has multiple entrance doors, one of which is for our office. If you are having difficulty locating us, don't hesitate to contact us at (901) 726-6404.

I need housing right now. Do you have a place for me to stay?

Unfortunately, no. Disability Connection Midsouth does not own or provide any housing. If you are in an emergency crisis, please contact the Hospitality Hub at (901) 730-1736. If you are making preparations to secure housing in the future and require some assistance, you may contact us at (901) 726-6404 to begin working with a specialist on your goals.

Do you accept walk-in appointments?

Yes, but availability may vary. To ensure we can serve your needs best, we do recommend calling us to connect with a Specialist and set an in-person appointment.

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

It depends on our capacity and availability! If you are wanting a house visit, we may be able to accommodate that. 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. How can I get help?

If you live in another state or a county in TN that is not Shelby, Tipton, Fayette or Lauderdale, we strongly recommend contacting 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