Nothing Without Us: Disability Day on the Hill 2024

Posted on by Hannah Kehrer
Image of the Tennessee State Capital surrounded by clouds, trees, and stars. On the right of the image is a graphic with hands holiding a white sign with text, "Nothing Without Us DDH 2024."

Whether you’re speaking up for your own needs or the needs of our community, advocacy is an important and powerful tool. And it doesn’t have to happen in a vacuum!

There are THOUSANDS of self-advocates across Tennessee and when we ban together, we can see meaningful change happen in big ways.

While there is strength in numbers, it’s important to note that the strength we have together is born out of our connections. In fact, at the Tennessee Disability Coalition, we say, “the lifting power of many wings achieves twice the distance of flying alone.”

But how do you find other self-advocates and connection? You go where the people are!

One of the best ways to connect with other advocates is through Disability Day on the Hill (DDH).

DDH is our chance to gather as a community and take part in shaping the laws that shape our lives.

The theme for DDH 2024 and throughout the year is “Nothing Without Us;” an updated version of the decades-long disability rights rallying cry, “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”

Graphic with hands holiding a white sign with text, "Nothing Without Us DDH 2024."

 

Long are the days when the majority of our community was relegated to institutions, or other spaces deemed “about us.”

We’re out now – living, working, and connecting in our communities. We’re going to school, going to work, and staying in our homes. No longer do laws and policy have to be “about us” to make our presence relevant, and our feedback welcome.

From healthcare to education to housing and everything in between, every policy decision, in some way, impacts the disability community. “Nothing Without Us” is our way to represent the collective voices of the disability community in Tennessee and highlight the impact of our communities continued advocacy. Moreover, it’s a reminder that legislators, businesses, and all leaders need to consider the voices of everyone who lives here.

So, how do you add your voice to the mix?

Let’s start with the virtual options:

  1. DDH Webinar with Legislators on February 15th at 1-2 p.m. CST
    • You can join us for a Webinar with Legislators on February 15th. This is a great opportunity to hear from our Public Policy Director, Jeff Strand, and our legislative partners about bills we are working on getting passed to help improve the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities.

 

  1. Disability Advocacy Day on March 11th – All Day!
    • Another virtual option is to participate in Disability Advocacy Day. For the fourth year in a row, March 11th will be declared “Disability Advocacy Day” in Tennessee. Disability Advocacy Day is a day of celebration dedicated to honoring the hard work and advocacy of the 1.6 million Tennesseans with disabilities who are improving our state laws for the better. To celebrate, Tennessee will light up “Coalition Blue.” You can join in on the fun by wearing blue, finding Tennessee landmarks that are lit up in solidarity, and even lighting up your own social media feed. A list of participating landmarks will be available on our website closer to March 11th.

In-person opportunities:

  1. TDC Community Party on Tuesday, February 27th at 5-7 p.m. CSTImage of a group of people standing outside in from of a building "Fat Bottom Brewing."
    • Let’s party! Join us in Nashville for the party of the year! The TDC Community Party is your opportunity to connect, network, and ultimately build community with other advocates from across the state. The Community Party is a family-friendly event, so feel free to pack up the van and bring the whole family. There will be heavy appetizers (including kid-friendly options), drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and a dedicated sensory space…all the makings of a good party.
  1. Disability Day on the Hill on Wednesday, February 28th at 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST 

Image of four men in blue suits sitting around a round table with papers on top in an office with a Tennessee flag.

    • Disability Day on the Hill is held at the Cordell Hull Legislative Building in downtown Nashville. This is your chance to meet with your legislators and advocate! You can schedule meetings in advance with your legislators and make sure your voice is heard. (Follow this link to learn how to schedule your own meeting.) In the lead-up to DDH, we’re releasing policy videos and other advocacy tools to help prepare you to advocate on the big day. You can find these resources on our website at tndisability.org/ddh.

Now that you’ve heard of all of the amazing ways to advocate and connect at DDH, there’s only one thing left to do…RSVP! You can RSVP for any and all of the events mentioned above at this link: https://form.jotform.com/233534735401148

Connection is a powerful notch on your advocacy toolbelt, so let’s be sure and foster it. Together, we can make “Nothing Without Us” echo throughout the halls of Cordell Hull, and across Tennessee.

A headshot of a young white woman with red hair outside smiling.Hannah Kehrer joined the Tennessee Disability Coalition in October of 2021. In her role, she supports the communications team with outreach, engagement, and storytelling. She’s also responsible for TDC’s social media presence, video production, and digital content. Hannah previously worked with advocates at the state and federal levels to fight for causes like Medicaid expansion, and keeping youth from being criminally tried as adults. She’s a fierce, passionate social justice advocate and is excited to work with the TDC to support and empower Tennesseans with disabilities. Hannah is originally from Texas and will be sure to let everyone know! She graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Social Work.