More Than Back-to-School: Navigating the school year with the Future in Mind

Posted on by Mimi Sanders
Close-up photograph of four JanSport backpacks hanging side by side outdoors in a school-like setting. The backpacks vary in color, including light lavender, muted blue, deep red with a tan bottom, and light blue, with additional darker backpacks partially visible behind them. Several bags feature the recognizable JanSport logo on their front pockets. The blue backpack has decorative keychains attached, including a fluffy pom-pom and small charm. A green, orange, and white sports drink bottle sits in the side pocket of the red backpack. The image evokes back-to-school preparation, school supplies, and students getting ready for a new academic year.

Back-to-school preparation often comes with a long list: school supplies, schedules, paperwork, transportation, and new teachers. For families of students with disabilities, it may also mean reviewing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), checking accommodations, and sharing medical or therapy updates. But preparing for a new school year can be about more than getting ready for… Read more More Than Back-to-School: Navigating the school year with the Future in Mind

Spotlight: Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A vibrant Resource Spotlight graphic for Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Diverse transition-age students, including a young woman using a wheelchair, stand together beside colorful arrows representing future pathways. Text highlights career exploration, work-based learning, postsecondary planning, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy, with the message “Plan Today. Build Tomorrow.” and Tennessee Department of Human Services/Vocational Rehabilitation branding.

Planning for life after high school can feel exciting, overwhelming, and uncertain all at once. Students may be thinking about work, training, college, transportation, or learning how to live more independently. Families may be asking what support is available and when the process should begin. In Tennessee, one important resource for that journey is Vocational… Read more Spotlight: Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – August 2026

Posted on by Sarah Silberberg, TNP Intern
Wide Tennessee Disability Pathfinder “Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories” graphic for August 2026 centered on education, resources, and self-advocacy. A smiling young woman with long dark curly hair and a colorful patterned headband sits at a wooden table in a sunlit campus setting, writing in an open spiral notebook. On the left, the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compass logo appears above the large title “Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories.” A navy brushstroke beneath the title reads “Education. Resources. Self-Advocacy.” On the table is a stack of books labeled “Disability Rights,” “Higher Education Access,” “Communication Strategies,” “Self-Advocacy,” and “Building Independence.” A blue mug beside the books reads, “My voice. My future. My choice.” On the right, a notebook-paper collage labeled “August 2026” includes a photograph of books topped with a graduation cap and another photograph showing a group of college-age students, including a young woman using a wheelchair, talking together outdoors. A circular navy graphic at the bottom reads “Knowledge opens doors.” The overall design uses navy, purple, gold, green, and warm campus imagery to emphasize education, disability resources, communication, independence, self-advocacy, and preparing for future opportunities.

Educational Empowerment: Disability Resource Literacy and Self-Advocacy Written by Sarah Silberberg, Summer Intern, Pathfinder Educational Empowerment: Disability Resource Literacy and Self-Advocacy Starting at the University of Memphis, I registered myself with Disability Resources for Students the summer before my freshman year. I toured the campus and my tour guide informed me that I could receive… Read more Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – August 2026

Community Connections – August 2026

Posted on by Linda Brown
Split-screen graphic with two sections. On the left, a textured teal and green background features large white text reading “COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS” with a gold compass logo below and the words “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.” On the right, an illustrated design shows diverse individuals, including people using wheelchairs, gathered around a globe labeled “Connectability.” Surrounding the globe are icons and speech bubbles with words such as “Resources,” “Access,” “Empower,” “Support,” “Language,” and “Engage.” The background includes abstract patterns and symbols representing communication and collaboration.

Community is stronger when we support one another. This section spotlights peer support groups, caregiver networks, community-based programs, and organizations that foster belonging, encouragement, and shared experiences. By highlighting opportunities to connect, we aim to strengthen relationships and ensure no one has to navigate their journey alone It Takes More Than One Meeting: Building a… Read more Community Connections – August 2026

Navegando Juntos (Navigating Together) – August 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
Newsletter graphic for “Navegando Juntos” with the title in navy and blue on the left and the phrases “Información. Apoyo. Posibilidades.” and “Juntos hacia un futuro con propósito.” Below the text is a large compass illustration. On the right, a family of four walks together down a rural path toward a warm sunset. Beside them, a wooden signpost points toward “Apoyo,” “Recursos,” and “Posibilidades,” reinforcing the theme of finding guidance and moving toward the future together.

Navigando Juntos reconoce que encontrar recursos para discapacitados puede ser un desafío, especialmente cuando las diferencias en las habilidades, la cultura y el idioma crean barreras adicionales. Esta sección comparte herramientas prácticas, recursos confiables e información útil para facilitar la navegación por los servicios, empoderando a las personas y familias para encontrar el apoyo que… Read more Navegando Juntos (Navigating Together) – August 2026

Quick Tips: Five Questions to Bring to the Transition Meeting

Posted on by Pathfinder
right “Quick Tips” newsletter graphic with orange, teal, green, and yellow accents. On the left, large text reads “Quick Tips” and “5 Questions for the Transition Meeting,” followed by five icons labeled Goals, Strengths, Supports, Connections, and Progress. A reminder at the bottom says, “Save for your next IEP or transition meeting.” On the right, a transition-age student and an adult sit together at a table, smiling as they review information on a tablet in a bright classroom or learning space. Pathfinder's compass logo is replacing the circular part of the letter "q".

A transition meeting can cover a lot of information in a short amount of time. Having a few focused questions ready can help families and students leave the meeting with clearer responsibilities, timelines, and next steps. 1. What should happen between now and the next meeting? Ask the team to identify specific actions that should… Read more Quick Tips: Five Questions to Bring to the Transition Meeting

EmployAbility – Aug 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A promotional graphic with a modern design featuring an office setting with gray cubicles and a bright red partition in the foreground. On the right side, large bold text reads “EMPLOY ABILITY.” Below, smaller text states “Employment and Volunteer Opportunities” next to a gray vertical bar with a red circle accent. At the bottom, a gray banner displays “TNPathfinder.org.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo with a compass icon appears in the lower-left corner.

Education is about more than what happens in the classroom. It is also about building the knowledge, confidence, and real-life skills that help people with disabilities pursue meaningful goals and make informed choices about their future. Across Tennessee, students and adults with disabilities are continuing their education, exploring careers, developing new skills, volunteering, advocating, and… Read more EmployAbility – Aug 2026

Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – August 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder

Each month brings a new set of celebrations, awareness observances, community gatherings, and local events happening across Tennessee. From statewide disability awareness months to family‑friendly activities, workshops, resource fairs, and special community spotlights, there’s always something meaningful to explore. Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar, where you can discover events… Read more Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – August 2026

Resource Corner – August 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
Green and centered white color block background image with light green sunburst on the right side of the image. Text in the white color block "Resource Corner." On the top left of the image is a circular framed photo of Pathfinder's website on a laptop screen. To the bottom right of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic in a white circular frame. On the bottom right of image on a small white geometical shaped color block is text, "TNPathfinder.org."

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder offers a growing library of disability resources available at TNPathfinder.org. In addition to the growing directory of resources on Pathfinder’s website, here are some we’re highlighting this month. We’ve got new Pathfinder swag, and we can’t wait to share it with you! From handy everyday items to fun giveaways, our latest Pathfinder… Read more Resource Corner – August 2026