Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-50-104

It is the policy of the state to give positive emphasis to the recruitment, evaluation, and employment of disabled persons in the public service. The department of human resources shall develop methods and programs to assist and encourage the departments, agencies and institutions of the state and the various political subdivisions of the state in carrying out the stated policy, and shall provide for appropriate study and review of the employment of disabled persons in the public service. Private employers in the state may in like manner develop policies for complying with § 8-50-103.