Tenn. Rehabilitation Center Celebrates Achievements of New Graduates

TRC graduates prepared to enter Tennessee’s workforce 

NASHVILLE, TN. – Today at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Smyrna, more than 80 men and women with disabilities celebrated the completion of workforce development and pre-vocational skill programs designed to help them reach their employment goals.

TRC students come from all over the state to participate in programs designed to help them reach their employment goals. The graduation ceremony culminates their completion of vocational training programs including Auto Detailing and Lubrication, Retail, Business Education, Food Service, Commercial Cleaning, Warehouse, Grounds Keeping, and Employment Readiness as well as Vision Impairment Services and Traumatic Brain Injury Programs. Vocational training programs are designed to meet the pace of today’s work environment while equipping students with foundational knowledge to help them grow in their careers.

Dr. Lance Alexis, Director of the Disability and Access Center at Middle Tennessee State University provided the commencement address, and encouraged graduates to seize the opportunities they create for themselves. A student speaker, Re’Nekque Shannon shared the podium as well. Shannon serves as Vice-President of the Student Council and is a graduate of the Warehouse Program.

“TRC students are strong, capable and driven,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner for Rehabilitation Services Cherrell Campbell Street. “They are not afraid to meet challenges head on, and are sure to find success in all that they do.”

“We are always honored to play a part in the future success of Vocational Rehabilitation clients,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Dr. Raquel Hatter. “We’ll continue to match the commitment of our clients and help strengthen Tennessee’s workforce with their contributions.”

The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, one of only eight centers in the nation, is a state operated comprehensive rehabilitation facility. TRC provided vocational rehabilitation services to nearly 600 students in FY 2015 and has a graduation rate of 93 percent. Since opening its doors in 1977, the TRC has provided life and job skills trainings to approximately 34,000 Tennesseans living with disabilities.

Services are provided on campus and the majority of students live in residential units on the campus while receiving services. The TRC is located at 460 9th Avenue in Smyrna, just east of the Smyrna Airport near Sam Ridley Parkway. For more information on the center, please visit http://www.tn.gov/humanservices/topic/trc-smyrna or call (615) 459-6811.

###

 

Contact:  Devin Stone
Office:  615-313-4707