July 1, 1971 – The West Tennessee Easter Seal Society announced a grant to open a day care center for 32 children who had been excluded from school because of their handicaps. A staff of eight was hired and trained and children from Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties were recruited. The doors opened for the first time in September 1971 in a house on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Faculty and students helped provide approximately 5000 volunteer hours.

Federal and state funding was made available for the first time for such services but was required to be matched locally. A wonderful cooperative spirit was demonstrated with our matching funds coming from the Area Lions Club Telethon, cities and the four county governments, churches, organizations and individuals. By 1974 legislation was passed mandating public education for children with disabilities so the children transferred to public school. The adults who had never had an opportunity to attend school or to receive an appropriate education became the agency’s priority. In 1975 adults from Henry County were included in the service delivery area. In 1984-85 the Tennessee Easter Seal Society dissolved its three regional chapters, consolidating administration under one office in Nashville.

The Martin Easter Seal Advisory Committee determined this was an opportune time to become a “free-standing” agency. On December 1, 1985 Community Developmental Services, Inc. was chartered with a local advisory committee. CDS continued to provide day activity and residential services. The agency has expanded service provisions that include sheltered work, supported employment, follow-along and supported living.

The vision of CDS is to establish a person-focused, community and employment based service network. CDS will continue to develop programs revolving around this vision. Residential programs such as supported living and semi-independent living programs will increase depending upon client preferences. Community work related and community involvement programs will expand with appropriate staff training and support.

Quality Assurance
CDS is one the Tennessee Quality Tier Providers as designated by the Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS). CDS programs and staff have been honored by many organizations for our outstanding and innovative programs. Honors such as West Tennessee Supported Employment Agency of the Year in 2001 and 2004, Job Coach of the Year in 2005, Outstanding Direct Support Professional in 2005 and 2004 are just a few of recent awards received by CDS. All staff members are trained in the required core components. Many staff attend additional training in order to increase competency in the areas of supported employment, community based activities and disability specific related training.

Growth and Development
CDS has grown in the past thirty-five years from an agency composed of 8 employees and a budget of $72,000 to its present state of 90 employees and a 2.5 million dollar budget. The service area has grown to include five counties in Northwest Tennessee: Lake, Obion, Weakley, Henry and Carroll. The types of services provided have also developed over the thirty-five years to include not only day services, but various residential services as well as community activities, group employment programs.