(GALLATIN, Tenn.) — House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) recently joined with Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Commissioner Brad Turner to visit Habilitation and Training Services, Inc. (H.A.T.S.) in Gallatin, Tennessee.
The tour gave Leader Lamberth and Commissioner Turner the opportunity to meet many of the people impacted by H.A.T.S. and to learn more about the facility’s work supporting Tennesseans with disabilities so they can work and engage within their communities.
“I enjoyed visiting with Commissioner Turner, H.A.T.S. staff members, and the men and women who rely on our facility for high-quality services that help them flourish,” said Leader Lamberth. “These types of partnerships support so many citizens across Tennessee, and I appreciate facilities like H.A.T.S. for their tireless work, as well as our Commissioner and his team for all that they do for Tennesseans.”
“We value our lawmakers’ support and recognize the important role of our community providers in promoting inclusion, independence, and employment,” Commissioner Turner said. “I’m seeing first-hand how our partnerships are working to remove barriers so that Tennesseans with disabilities can live the lives they envision for themselves.”
William Lamberth is the House Majority Leader for the 111th Tennessee General Assembly. He is also a member of the House Finance, House Government Operations, and House Calendar & Rules Committees, as well as the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Lamberth lives in Portland and represents Tennessee House District 44, which includes part of Sumner County.
About the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is the state agency responsible for administration and oversight of community-based services for approximately 8,000 people with intellectual disabilities as well as 4,000 people through the Family Support Program. Every day, the department strives to support people to live rewarding and fulfilling lives. It does so by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DIDD is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
About H.A.T.S.
Habilitation and Training Services, Inc (H.A.T.S.) is a community-based provider that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Sumner, Robertson, and Trousdale Counties. The agency’s mission is “Assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by clearing the way to maximize community integration in its various forms and by providing support to ensure a healthy and meaningful life. Our goal is to promote opportunities of inclusion, safety, self-direction and choice.”