Tennessee Department of Human Services Announces New Partnership with CVS Health to Increase Employment Opportunities for Tennesseans with Disabilities

NASHVILLE, TN – In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is pleased to announce today that the Division of Rehabilitation Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program has partnered with CVS Health to offer a Pre-Apprenticeship Program in pharmacy technician through its Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna, TN. The program is currently available to students enrolled in the center through the VR program and is designed to integrate academic and technical classroom instruction with part-time work experience, offering Tennesseans with disabilities an opportunity to reach competitive, integrated employment in their communities of choice.

In addition, and as a part of NDEAM, the department will also host an array of job fairs, employment and interview training sessions, and conferences across the state throughout this month to increase awareness of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and promote job readiness for Tennesseans with disabilities.  A list of events can be found by visiting the Events page on the TDHS website.

“At TDHS, we are focused on connecting Tennesseans with disabilities to resources that pave pathways to competitive, integrated employment and elevated levels of independence,” commented Kevin Wright, Assistant Commissioner for TDHS’ Rehabilitation Services.  “Over the last year, we are delighted to report that we have assisted more than 10,000 adults and 11,000 students with disabilities navigate their personal journey to employment, or exploration of employment and more than 3,000 businesses welcome their new talent. Through the new Pre-Apprenticeship Program with CVS Health, we believe this represents another significant milestone within our department to create new employment opportunities, ensuring that all Tennesseans can work, thrive, and contribute their amazing talents, skills and innovation to Tennessee’s growing workforce demands.”

The CVS Health Pre-Apprenticeship Program will combine coursework, professional mentorship, and structured training in pharmacy technician to prepare individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to enter and excel in a registered apprenticeship program. Once participants complete the pre-apprenticeship program, participants will be able to interview with an employer to enter a registered apprenticeship program leading to gainful employment.

In addition, vocational rehabilitation services are available to all Tennesseans with disabilities who desire a job that is integrated and at fair wages consistent with their strengths, capabilities, and interests. Within the VR services umbrella are programs like Project SEARCH, Transition School-to-Work Services, Business Employment Services, and individualized services to connect people with disabilities to work opportunities in their local community.

For more information about VR services and resources within your region of the state, please visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation.html or call (833) 772-TDHS (8347).

ABOUT TDHS DIVISION OF REHABILITION SERVICES

The Division of Rehabilitation Services supports Tennesseans with disabilities as they strive to achieve their employment and independent living goals. The goal of the division is to ensure that no Tennessean is defined by their disability, but able to leverage their strengths, resources, and abilities in contributing to our state’s community and economy. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR) provides a variety of individualized services to persons with disabilities in preparation for their employment in the competitive labor market. Within the VR services umbrella are programs like Project SEARCH, Transition School-to-Work Services, Business Employment Services, and individualized services to connect people with disabilities to work opportunities in their local community.

# # #