Welcome to the Consumer Direct Care Network Tennessee (CDTN) newsletter! Published quarterly, this newsletter shares CDTN news, helpful hints, and training topics for members, caregivers, and employers.
Caregiver Spotlight—
Tina Hodge
This month we would like to recognize Tina Hodge for her outstanding dedication and compassion. She consistently goes above and beyond in her role and has become a dependable source of support for the members she serves.
Tina currently works with two members and is always there when they need her. Whether it is providing daily care, offering encouragement, or stepping in to help when extra support is needed, she continues to show what true commitment looks like.
We are grateful for her hard work, reliability, and the positive impact she makes every day. Thank you, Tina Hodge, for all that you do!
E-Badge Academy
Good news!CDTN has partnered with TennCare to offer the NationalAlliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy to caregivers and direct support professionals (DSP) supporting members in all self-directed programs. This program allows DSPs and Frontline Supervisors to earn nationally recognized certifications.
Participants in the E-Badge Academy may pursue up to three levels of certification. Upon successful completion of each level, DSPs and Frontline Supervisors are eligible to receive an incentive bonus.
The NADSP E-Badge Academy elevates the caregiving profession by providing national recognition for DSPs and Frontline Supervisors. This program affirms that caregiving is more than just a job—it is a respected and skilled profession. Through the E-Badge Academy, DSPs and supervisors receive formal acknowledgment for their daily contributions and commitment to excellence.
Additionally, the program ensures that individuals receiving support are cared for by professionals who have demonstrated the competencies required to deliver high-quality, person-centered care.
We want to let you know what improvements to expect. The new format is interactive and allows users to complete the training at their own speed.
Training requirements will not change. Members and caregivers are required to take it every year.
You can still find the training on our website 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Accessibility features will remain the same, like screen readers and alt text.
These changes will make training easier to take and a better way to help you learn. Please let us know if you have questions about the new format!
Tennessee Community Resources
We want our members and caregivers to know that help is available across the state of Tennessee. If you or a loved one needs additional support, here are some trusted resources:
To ensure you continue receiving important updates and communications from our team, please notify CDTN as soon as possible if any of your demographic information changes. This includes changes to your address, phone number, and email. Keeping information current helps prevent delays in receiving important information and allows us to provide the best support possible.
Do you like going to the zoo?If so, CDTN has great news!
The Knoxville Zoo has confirmed that caregivers can get free admission when they are with the person they support. To get free admission, caregivers would need to request a “caretaker ticket” and show their worker badge. If you don’t have a badge, just let the front desk know and they can assist with getting the free “caretaker ticket.”
We obey federal and state civil rights laws. We do not treat people in a different way because of their race, color, birth place, language, age, disability, religion, or sex.
Do you think we did not help you or treated you differently? Then call for free:
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