NASHVILLE -- Agencies serving people with disabilities are gathering in Nashville for Tennessee’s first-ever assistive technology reutilization conference. Assistive technology (AT) devices are often called tools for life. They help people with disabilities live more independently.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Hamilton County Child Support Office is launching a week-long effort to bring in thousands of overdue child support dollars. The “Helping Hand” program will target hundreds of parents—both mothers and fathers—who are facing jail time for their failure to pay court-ordered support.

NASHVILLE – Amid the current dismal economic news, there finally was some good news for citizens who are struggling to pay their utility bills. The Tennessee Department of Human Services was granted more than $80 million to provide heating and cooling assistance to low income families. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) late Thursday released $5.1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).   Tennessee’s share is $80.5 million, which is $50 million more than last year’s allocation.

NASHVILLE – With the nation facing an economic downturn, Tennesseans more than ever need to be aware of the threats of fraud and financial abuse.  That’s why Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed October Fraud and Financial Abuse Awareness Month.

EVENTS TO HIGHLIGHT ABILITIES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SCHEDULED ACROSS STATE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen is designating October as Disability Employment
Awareness Month to generate awareness about the talents and abilities of Tennessee’s citizens with
disabilities.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Human Service is making sure child care providers across the state gear up for flu season. Licensed agencies are required to keep detailed health records on the children in their care and must report any cases of the flu to their local health department, but legislation passed in the most recent General Assembly session mandates they now must also inform parents about the benefits of the flu vaccine.

NASHVILLE. --The Tennessee Department of Human Services will be increasing the budgets of local social services agencies that provide heating and cooling assistance to low income families. Congress today released $121 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).   Tennessee’s share is $1.32 million. The emergency aid was approved in anticipation of higher heating fuel costs this season. The benefits will be made available this winter through the local LIHEAP agency.     

Licenses on the Line for Thousands of Tennesseans

NASHVILLE — More than 15,000 parents who are not paying child support face losing their driver’s, professional and/or recreational licenses if they don’t pay up soon. Letters from the Department of Human Services warning delinquent parents are arriving in mailboxes across Tennessee. The notices inform parents that if they are behind at least $500 in their child support and haven't made a payment in more than 90 days, they could lose their license(s).

SMYRNA, Tenn.– Dozens of young men and women with significant disabilities donned cap and gown today and proudly walked or rolled their wheelchairs across the stage at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna. The students come from every corner of the state, but all are filled with the same determination and drive to enter or re-enter the workforce and better