Programs and Admissions
Building Confidence and Maximizing Talents
At the heart of BrightStone’s mission is education and vocational training, helping our students gain new skills while developing confidence and self-esteem. The day program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum of vocational training, music, health and wellness, visual arts, and elective programs that offer individual choice. Each class is purposefully taught with our students in mind, working to improve, dexterity, interaction, and skill development. Advanced Assistive technologies and virtual reality are also incorporated to offer students the best outlets for exploring real-life learning and to facilitate communication with staff and other students.
BrightStone's Educational Day Program
BrightStone’s year-round Day Program offers life-changing opportunities for personal growth, vocational training, community involvement, and individualized support in a nurturing environment.
At the heart of BrightStone's mission is the education of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), emphasizing the development of new skills, enhancement of confidence, and fostering self-esteem in a positive, respectful, and nurturing environment. This comprehensive approach not only focuses on job training but also on lifelong learning and health and wellness, aiming to expand the horizons of our students and promote a sense of self-worth.
In BrightStone's P.A.T.H Program (Preparation and Training for Hireability), students intern in various work environments within the community to explore and identify their job interests. Students in the P.A.T.H program spend class time learning responsibilities of employment, productive work habits, and job skills. They strengthen their skills through job responsibilities at various community partner locations. Through these responsibilities, students also learn the importance of punctuality, following instructions, and respectful communications with their leaders.
BrightStone helps adults learn and engage with the community through various recreational opportunities. This engagement supports the belief that life should be enjoyed by all, encouraging social citizenship and participation in community activities like theater, sports events, and bowling. Emphasizing social and emotional skills, our programs aim to foster the well-being and resilience among the students, engaging them in both social and recreational activities on a regular basis.
BrightStone's health and wellness program emphasizes living a healthy life through a comprehensive approach that includes balance, strength, endurance, cardio exercises, and regular community visits to the YMCA. In addition to good nutrition practices, a full-time RN oversees the daily health needs of BrightStone students.
Take a Virtual Tour of BrightStone
The Admissions Process
To learn more about BrightStone and our Admissions Process, simply fill out the Prospective Family Admissions Inquiry Form located here. After submitting the form we will get in touch with you, providing detailed information and next steps.
Take a Tour
If you would like to see our program first hand, we encourage you to explore further by joining us for a tour. Your tour will be scheduled upon completion of the Admissions Inquiry Form.
The Interview
Following the tour, if BrightStone seems like the right fit, the next step involves a Family interview for the applicant and their parent(s) or guardian(s) with the Director of Programs and the Program Coordinator.
The Application
If the Program Leadership Team feels BrightStone can serve your loved one, you will be offered an Application for Enrollment. BrightStone recognizes that we aren’t equipped to serve every individual request; therefore, a detailed study of the Application and all supporting documentation will be completed by the Admissions Team. There is a $150 non-refundable application processing fee.
Recommendation
The Admissions Team will inform you of their decision, which may include the need for further evaluation, an inability to provide services at this time, or provisional acceptance of the applicant.
Enrollment
If the applicant is accepted for trial attendance, we’ll arrange an Intake Meeting to discuss enrollment and intake details.
Initially, all new students are admitted on a three-month review period, after which time their fit with BrightStone’s capabilities is reassessed.
Residential Homes
Residential Program
BrightStone launched its residential program in 2024 by opening two homes named, The Ferrell Home for men and The Craig Home for women. Each home provides a private bedroom for four adults and includes an in-home care manager for support. All homes are licensed by the State of Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA).
BrightStone’s approved master Residential Plan includes building 18 additional homes on our Land of Dreams campus providing housing for adults with I/DD.
Why Choose us
For 25 years, BrightStone has provided faithful and reputable work through life-changing solutions for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a spiritual, caring environment.
The Stinnett Center for Learning, Art and Enterprise is a state-of-the-art learning center providing the best resources to help adults who learn differently maximize their talents. The 140-acre Land of Dreams serves our students in a beautiful setting where adults can enjoy nature and recreation.
We understand that each individual has different interests and abilities. We work with each student on an individual basis to challenge their capabilities while helping them explore their talents and interests.
Education is at our core. Our programs are comprehensive to include reading, social skills, visual arts, music, vocational exploration and experience, health and wellness, and more.
Visit our BrightStone Shop!
The BrightStone enterprise program is a key part of the student day program. Products include dip, tea, and cookie mixes along with beautiful ceramics and homemade crafts. The enterprise program is geared towards improving each student’s dexterity, coordination, focus, leadership, and ability to follow instructions while providing opportunities for creative choice.
Pick up some mixes today for your next get-together, and shop for a one-of-a-kind piece of art made with love by our students!
Visit our campus lobby Mon-Fri 9a-3p at 3000 BrightStone Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37064
