TN-NADD is the Tennessee Chapter of. the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed. It is a not-for-profit membership association for professionals, care providers, and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs.

The group’s theme this year is “Dealing With Difficult Emotions: Come Walk With Me.”

John Weston, President of TN-NADD, describes the conference like this: “Within many systems, we are required to “protect” persons with IDD from harm but we cannot protect them from experiencing feelings of frustration, confusion, sadness, etc. Nor should we. These are feelings all persons need to learn how to manage. This year we are going to learn how to teach persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers how to develop systems of support. By providing open communication, sharing relevant information, and developing relationships with others; persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers can find safety, stability, and build resilience. They can build bridges and assemble personal toolboxes of practical self-care. These can be difficult conversations and persons may struggle along the journey. But it is necessary journey.”

You can register for the conference here.