About
Signal Centers Youth Programs include Summer Camps where children with disabilities take part in stimulating activities that build social skills and independence. The program also offers specialty camps that address speech challenges and visual impairments. Adult Day Services uses arts and recreation for adults, and Tech Fridays are virtual, hands-on workshops where seniors and adults with intellectual disabilities practice using everyday technology such as smartphones, voice tools, and assistive devices in interactive classes with real-time guidance.
• Schedule: Tech Fridays classes are interactive, with opportunities to practice skills in real time and receive one-on-one guidance, and participants can join at any time and build skills at their own pace from home.
Beginning in 1957, two schoolteachers brought together nine families with children with cerebral palsy to advocate for services, and Signal Centers was created. The mission of Signal Centers is to strengthen children, adults, and families through services focusing on disabilities, early childhood education, and self-sufficiency. Signal Centers has been serving Chattanooga since 1957 and focuses on disabilities, early childhood education, and self-sufficiency through programs that partner with families and connect them to resources that support personal independence goals. Children’s Services offers an inclusive early learning environment that focuses on the developmental milestones of each child, and Developmental Therapy provides home-based services that position families of children with developmental disabilities as the drivers of their child’s development. Adult Day Services follows a social model that focuses on improving quality of life and promoting independence for adults with disabilities and older adults while also providing respite and support for caregivers. Assistive Technology Services promotes enabling technologies and strategies for individuals with disabilities to improve accessibility at school, work, and home. Early Childhood Assessments serve as a first step to early intervention for young children at risk of developmental delay or with health conditions that may lead to a delay. The Child Care Resource & Referral Network, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, provides early childhood resources to families, child care professionals, employers, and the community. Family Forward uses an intensive case management model to provide support and resources that prepare families for long-term success. Summer Camps also provide respite for families or caregivers to work. Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is an education-based salary supplement program that aims to reduce turnover in child care providers, address low pay for educators, and reward higher education. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives families in Hamilton County access to free, developmentally appropriate books from birth to age five. Hart Gallery offers artists who have disabilities, experience homelessness, or face other challenges a place to create and sell their art and highlights the healing aspects of artistic expression. Work Ready offers intensive case management to families eligible for public assistance, paid internships in child care, access to post-secondary education, and employment help. The Speech & Hearing Center provides audiology, speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. Signal Centers holds a Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency. Signal Centers partners with the Tennessee Department of Human Services through the Child Care Resource & Referral Network, which is a statewide initiative.
One volunteer, Julianna Seder, describes volunteering at Signal Centers as a way to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and to be part of a mission that supports people in living more independent and fulfilling lives. Caregiver Reagan Kibler shares that time at the Adult Day Center included crafts, dog therapy, and movie days, and notes a strong sense of joy there. Parents Kyndal and Kenton Aiken say their weekly one-hour home sessions in Developmental Therapy have given them confidence to support their child Amelia’s unique needs and to use activities throughout the week, and they connect Amelia’s progress on her goals to the collaboration and consistency from these sessions. Family Forward participant Vinelba Gonzalez says that during the pandemic, Family Forward provided resources, supplies, and support, which she describes as meaning less stress and more happiness. Children’s Services mother Quinntessa Goodwin says her daughter’s growth, including changes in walking, communication, and social interaction, would not have been possible without Signal Centers. Hart Gallery artist Dominique Pruitt says doing art at the Hart Gallery gave her a tool to cope with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and helped her feel she has purpose and a voice. Adult caregiver Bobby Carpenter says that Adult Day Services allows him and his wife to work while knowing their family member Destiny is well cared for and experiencing self-sufficiency and independence, which he says brings their family closer when they reunite at the end of the day. Children’s Services mother Kristen Schrader describes being accepted at Signal Centers as a huge relief and says knowing her children are well cared for has made her less stressed as their mother.
Last updated August 3, 2026.
• Schedule: Tech Fridays classes are interactive, with opportunities to practice skills in real time and receive one-on-one guidance, and participants can join at any time and build skills at their own pace from home.
Beginning in 1957, two schoolteachers brought together nine families with children with cerebral palsy to advocate for services, and Signal Centers was created. The mission of Signal Centers is to strengthen children, adults, and families through services focusing on disabilities, early childhood education, and self-sufficiency. Signal Centers has been serving Chattanooga since 1957 and focuses on disabilities, early childhood education, and self-sufficiency through programs that partner with families and connect them to resources that support personal independence goals. Children’s Services offers an inclusive early learning environment that focuses on the developmental milestones of each child, and Developmental Therapy provides home-based services that position families of children with developmental disabilities as the drivers of their child’s development. Adult Day Services follows a social model that focuses on improving quality of life and promoting independence for adults with disabilities and older adults while also providing respite and support for caregivers. Assistive Technology Services promotes enabling technologies and strategies for individuals with disabilities to improve accessibility at school, work, and home. Early Childhood Assessments serve as a first step to early intervention for young children at risk of developmental delay or with health conditions that may lead to a delay. The Child Care Resource & Referral Network, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, provides early childhood resources to families, child care professionals, employers, and the community. Family Forward uses an intensive case management model to provide support and resources that prepare families for long-term success. Summer Camps also provide respite for families or caregivers to work. Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee is an education-based salary supplement program that aims to reduce turnover in child care providers, address low pay for educators, and reward higher education. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives families in Hamilton County access to free, developmentally appropriate books from birth to age five. Hart Gallery offers artists who have disabilities, experience homelessness, or face other challenges a place to create and sell their art and highlights the healing aspects of artistic expression. Work Ready offers intensive case management to families eligible for public assistance, paid internships in child care, access to post-secondary education, and employment help. The Speech & Hearing Center provides audiology, speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. Signal Centers holds a Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency. Signal Centers partners with the Tennessee Department of Human Services through the Child Care Resource & Referral Network, which is a statewide initiative.
One volunteer, Julianna Seder, describes volunteering at Signal Centers as a way to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and to be part of a mission that supports people in living more independent and fulfilling lives. Caregiver Reagan Kibler shares that time at the Adult Day Center included crafts, dog therapy, and movie days, and notes a strong sense of joy there. Parents Kyndal and Kenton Aiken say their weekly one-hour home sessions in Developmental Therapy have given them confidence to support their child Amelia’s unique needs and to use activities throughout the week, and they connect Amelia’s progress on her goals to the collaboration and consistency from these sessions. Family Forward participant Vinelba Gonzalez says that during the pandemic, Family Forward provided resources, supplies, and support, which she describes as meaning less stress and more happiness. Children’s Services mother Quinntessa Goodwin says her daughter’s growth, including changes in walking, communication, and social interaction, would not have been possible without Signal Centers. Hart Gallery artist Dominique Pruitt says doing art at the Hart Gallery gave her a tool to cope with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and helped her feel she has purpose and a voice. Adult caregiver Bobby Carpenter says that Adult Day Services allows him and his wife to work while knowing their family member Destiny is well cared for and experiencing self-sufficiency and independence, which he says brings their family closer when they reunite at the end of the day. Children’s Services mother Kristen Schrader describes being accepted at Signal Centers as a huge relief and says knowing her children are well cared for has made her less stressed as their mother.
Last updated August 3, 2026.
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