Strength in Collaboration: A Unified DD Network Approach to a Statewide Needs Assessment

Authors

• Emily R. Lanchak, Vanderbilt UniversityFollow
• Julie Lounds Taylor, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterFollow
• Bruce L. Keisling, University of Tennessee Health Science CenterFollow

Abstract

To strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, and reduce respondent burden, the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network launched a first-of-its-kind integrated statewide needs assessment. This two-year, mixed-methods effort gathered input from nearly 1,500 individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals through an accessible survey and follow-up focus groups. Tennessee DD Network partners co-developed measures, coordinated outreach efforts, and pooled resources to ensure broad representation and inclusive participation across communities statewide. Community members with lived experience were involved throughout the process, helping to ensure materials were usable, relevant, and respectful of diverse needs. The resulting shared dataset provides a foundation for each organization’s strategic planning and supports more aligned program development, service delivery, and statewide advocacy.

Tennessee’s experience demonstrates that a collaborative approach to needs assessments can reduce duplication, elevate community voice, and build a shared foundation for system improvement. As a result of these joint efforts, the process is expected to help identify new areas for cross-network collaboration and more targeted responses to emerging challenges. While informal coordination among DD Network partners is common, only a few examples exist of fully joint efforts from planning through dissemination. This brief outlines the process and key lessons for other states seeking to replicate this model.

Plain Language Summary

In Tennessee, four organizations that support people with developmental disabilities worked together to better understand what people in their state need. These programs are part of a national group called the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network. Every U.S. state and territory has these groups. They help people with disabilities and their families by improving services, supporting inclusion, and building communities that support people in living the life they want.

Usually, each group collects its own data to help with planning and making decisions. However, in this project, all four groups worked together on a shared effort called a “needs assessment.” A needs assessment helps identify what works well, what does not, and what supports people need. Together, the partners created a survey that asked about disability services and problems people face when getting help. Almost 1,500 people answered the survey, including people with disabilities, their family members, and professionals. The team also held focus groups to talk about specific topics from the survey in more detail.

Working together helped the partners reach more people. It also helped them avoid asking the same questions more than once. It made it easier to coordinate how they collected and used information. Other states can learn from Tennessee’s example and use a similar approach to strengthen their own DD Networks. Working together helps programs make better decisions, speak with a stronger voice, and better support people with disabilities across the country

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Lanchak, Emily R.; Taylor, Julie Lounds; and Keisling, Bruce L. (2026) "Strength in Collaboration: A Unified DD Network Approach to a Statewide Needs Assessment," Developmental Disabilities Network Journal: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 16.
DOI: 10.59620/2694-1104.1155
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ddnj/vol5/iss2/16