From our Communications Manager: Love Leads the Way, The Compass_February 2026

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

Dear Friends of Pathfinder, February is often associated with love, and at Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, we believe love is most powerful when it moves us to action. Love shows up when we listen deeply, advocate persistently, and work to ensure individuals with disabilities and their families have access to the resources they need to live… Read more From our Communications Manager: Love Leads the Way, The Compass_February 2026

LOVE IN ACTION: Advocacy that Changes Lives

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Illustrated scene of a diverse group of people standing in a flower-filled field with mountains and a bright sunrise in the background. A glowing compass symbol appears in the center of the sky. Individuals hold signs that say ‘Love’ and ‘Support,’ while another raises a red heart. The group stands together in a gesture of unity and connection.

Advocacy means speaking up for your needs or the needs of someone you care about. To do that, people often need clear information and help finding the right place to start. Pathfinder does not provide advocacy services, but we help Tennesseans by connecting them to programs, tools, and organizations that support their needs as they… Read more LOVE IN ACTION: Advocacy that Changes Lives

Supporting What Matters through Financial Support Services

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Flyer promoting the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder webinar titled “Navigating Financial Assistance Resources with Families First & SNAP.” The flyer includes the Pathfinder logo, event date and time, a photo of a family sitting together reading, presenter names, interpreter availability, and logos for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The flyer highlights that the webinar will explain eligibility rules, application steps, and how Families First and SNAP support essential household needs. QR code with registration information is on bottom right of image.

When families in the disability community face financial pressures, having clear and trustworthy information can make an immediate difference. This upcoming webinar is designed to help families better understand two important financial support programs: Families First and SNAP. The webinar, Navigating Financial Assistance Resources with Families First & SNAP, will explain the newest eligibility requirements,… Read more Supporting What Matters through Financial Support Services

Adventures in Access: Advocating with YOUR VOICE at Disability Day on the Hill 2026

Posted on by Hannah Kehrer
A person using a wheelchair moves along a wide walkway toward the Tennessee State Capitol building, with the text “Disability Day on the Hill 2026” displayed to the right against the sky.

“I hear you, and I appreciate you sharing your story. My office will take this up with the state, and we’ll work on this together.” That’s the kind of conversation you’ll hear every year at Disability Day on the Hill (DDH). Everyday Tennesseans sharing their stories with legislators, determined to make things better for everyone.… Read more Adventures in Access: Advocating with YOUR VOICE at Disability Day on the Hill 2026

Advocating in School Systems: When Advocacy is an Act of Love

Posted on by Mimi Sanders
Two people sit close together on green grass, with one sitting behind the other and gently wrapping their arms around them. Both wear long-sleeve patterned tops and jeans. Their hands rest together in a supportive, affectionate pose, creating a calm, connected atmosphere.

The word “love” can be used in many environments with varying meanings. Maybe you tell your friend you love their outfit, or perhaps you use the word to describe your favorite food. Or maybe you use the word to let friends and family know how much you care about them. From lighthearted to deeply personal… Read more Advocating in School Systems: When Advocacy is an Act of Love

Connection Is Care: How DRT Advocates for Tennesseans Through Its Resource & Referral Process

Posted on by Lee Sherwood & Nicole Allen ,Disbility Rights Tennessee
A webpage from Disability Rights Tennessee displays a header with the organization’s colorful logo and navigation menu. The page section titled “Who We Are” includes text describing the nonprofit’s mission to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities or mental illness. Beside the text is a photo of several people standing in a circle, reaching toward the center and holding hands in a gesture of unity and support.

February is often seen as a month of love. Flowers, sweet treats, and kind words take the spotlight. For Tennesseans navigating disabilities, mental health needs, or trouble accessing services, Disability Rights Tennessee shows care and compassion through advocacy, all year round. Advocacy is the foundation of Disability Rights Tennessee’s Resource & Referral (R&R) Program. At… Read more Connection Is Care: How DRT Advocates for Tennesseans Through Its Resource & Referral Process

SPOTLIGHT – February 2026: For the Love of Advocacy – We See You, Memphis

Posted on by Bre'Asia Bradley
A purple‑themed epilepsy awareness graphic featuring a stethoscope, a purple epilepsy awareness ribbon, and a small purple brain‑shaped model arranged on a lavender background. Centered black text reads: “B.E.A.T.S Bringing Epilepsy Awareness to Society.” Below, smaller black text says: “Together we can give a voice to those who are silent.” The overall design uses shades of purple associated with epilepsy awareness.

We See You, Memphis Advancing Disability Belonging on Purple Day Story by Bre’Asia Bradley, Founder & CEO of B.E.A.T.S On March 26, 2026, B.E.A.T.S (Bringing Epilepsy Awareness To Society) will host We See You, Memphis, a Purple Day community event focused on disability awareness, connection, and visibility, especially for individuals living with epilepsy and other… Read more SPOTLIGHT – February 2026: For the Love of Advocacy – We See You, Memphis

Community Connections – February 2026

Posted on by Jennifer Padron
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.

Navigating resources can be difficult, and differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to strengthen connections to the resources and support people need most. This section highlights programs and shares tools that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to access disability resources and creating… Read more Community Connections – February 2026

Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – February 2026

Posted on by Rainbow Mosho

Autism doesn’t stop me. It challenges me. Story by Rainbow Mosho, Artist  And every time I rise to meet that challenge, I grow stronger. You know me, Rainbow Mosho, and I am a teen artist, author, and unstoppable creative force. I have written five books (with my sixth, The Rogue Kingdom, on the way), exhibited my… Read more Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – February 2026

Quick Tips for Finding Advocacy Support – February 2026

Posted on by Carvis Russell
A purple graphic with a textured background features the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compass logo in the upper left corner beside the text “TENNESSEE DISABILITY PATHFINDER.” Large stylized text in the center reads “TIPS & Tools,” with “TIPS” in outlined block letters and “Tools” in white. Along the bottom, wooden letter tiles spell out the word “ADVOCACY” in a diagonal line from left to right. A bright pink heart icon appears to the right of the final tile. The overall design emphasizes advocacy tips and tools.

Advocacy starts with knowing where to turn, what to ask, and how to keep track of the information that matters most. This month’s quick tips are designed to help you use Pathfinder’s tools to find the right advocacy resources, prepare for conversations, and stay organized as you move forward. When you’re speaking up for someone… Read more Quick Tips for Finding Advocacy Support – February 2026