We work to create a better life for our community

Signal Centers has been serving Chattanooga since 1957 through a tapestry of 13 local, regional, and statewide programs focusing on disabilities, early childhood education, and self-sufficiency.

Our vision centers around
 a community that fosters lifelong independence
Joyful woman in motorized chair
Older woman reading to a child
Small girl smiling with hands on her chin

Our agency began when two mothers of children with cerebral palsy joined together to advocate for services for their loved ones. Nearly 35 years before the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated accommodations for individuals with disabilities, Signal Centers’ mission was to ensure that all people, regardless of ability or circumstance, could achieve a life of self-sufficiency.

Signal Centers has since added 12 programs that advance that goal. Whether you are a caregiver looking for respite, a new parent feeling overwhelmed, an educator building an early childhood career, or an aging adult seeking information about recent hearing loss, we are here for you.

Happy man with vibrant orange shirt

We create opportunities for lifelong independence

Achieving self-sufficiency doesn't have a blueprint. That is why our programs are designed to meet our families where they are, to partner with them, and to train or connect them to resources that will help them achieve their personal independence goals.
Need
Provide those on welfare a path to stable employment
Response
48
Individuals secured jobs in licensed child care facilities (Work Ready)
Need
Increase the early identification of developmental delays in children
Response
2,527
Children, ages birth to five, were screened for a potential disability (The Speech & Hearing Center)
Need
Help teen parents find stability
Response
100%
Teen parents are on track to graduate high school (Family Forward)
Need
Enroll all eligible children in Hamilton County in the Imagination Library
Response
14,000
Children receive free books every month (Imagination Library)
Need
An inclusive classroom model for children with and without disabilities
Response
85%
Children eligible for special education on track to meet their Individualized Education Program goals (Children's Services)
Need
Promote quality care by providing caregiver respite
Response
5,500
Respite days for caregivers last year (Adult Day Services)
Need
Elevate the quality of care of Tennessee's Early Childhood workforce
Response
54,000
Early childhood professionals received on-site technical assistance and coaching (TN CCR&R)

We seek to fill the gaps

Across Tennessee, underserved families, child care professionals, and individuals with disabilities experience a lack of support in several key areas.
We’re working to change that.

A
Labor shortages in child care
B
Tracks to stable employment
C
Access to assistive devices
D
Neuro-development in children
E
Caregiver support
F
Child care resources & support
G
Family support & mentoring
H
Access to quality books for young children
I
Developmental therapy
J
Art therapy for children and adults
K
Salary supplements for early child care professionals
L
Social and emotional development in early childhood

Signal Centers' programs

A place where everyone can find connection and encouragement

Explore programs

Partners

In good company with our longstanding partners

The work of Signal Centers is vast and unified in its commitment to advancing self-sufficiency. It would not be possible without committed funders, community partners, individual contributors, and volunteers who believe in our mission.

Together we can create
A better world for Chattanooga and beyond

Featured Event

High School Summer Art Intensive: Mixed Media Week

Give your teen the opportunity to grow as an artist and thinker in this weeklong deep dive into mixed media. Mixed Media Week is designed for high school students who want to develop artistic skills, express themselves creatively, and build advanced creative techniques. Throughout the week, students will explore advanced techniques that combine drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. They'll build confidence in their artistic voice while working with both traditional and unconventional materials, perfect for students considering art in college or simply wanting a space to explore their creativity at a deeper level.

People on stage
People talking in chairs on stage
Person presenting art

Featured Event

Art Traditions of the World: Middle School Summer Art Camp

Art Traditions of the World is a global journey through art, tailored specifically for middle schoolers ready to explore new cultures, express themselves creatively, and build advanced artistic techniques. Students will explore art styles and traditions from five continents, using various materials and methods to bring each region to life. Projects encourage creative risk-taking, deeper thinking, and skill-building in drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and more.

People on stage
People talking in chairs on stage
Person presenting art

Featured Event

20th Annual ABC Event

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Friends of Special Children's partnership with Signal Centers. This special event will look back on all the ways Friends have supported the families at Signal Centers, while also building excitement for the future. This year's event will raise funds for Signal Centers' endowment, ensuring stability and sustainability for the agency's programming for years to come.

People on stage
People talking in chairs on stage
Person presenting art

Careers

Join the mission on
Signal Centers' team

Our staff of hundreds of compassionate individuals care deeply about our impact. And we do all we can for our team, working to make every employee feel consistently cared for and appreciated.

Happy people doing art
Group photo of team outside

Testimonials

Hear from our community

Volunteering at Signal Centers is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Every moment spent there reminds me of the power of community and the importance of inclusion. It's not just about giving my time—it's about being part of a mission that empowers people to live more independent and fulfilling lives. The smiles, the progress, and the connections I witness are a constant reminder of why I love being involved.
Julianna Seder
Volunteer