EmployAbility – September 2025

Posted on by Pathfinder
Pathfinder logo on the bottom left. An image of a cubicle is towards the left. "Employability" is written towards the right.

Hey job seekers! Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to a more inclusive and understanding workplace? Whether you’re looking for your dream job or the perfect volunteer opportunity, we’re sharing employment and volunteer opportunities and resources in the Tennessee disability community. Join us in embracing a future where every person has the opportunity to contribute their strengths and talents.

Employment Opportunities

Four people are sitting around a small white table having a discussion in a modern office setting. The top of the image features the Synchrony and Disability Solutions @Ability Beyond logos. Large yellow text across the bottom reads 'HIRING,' and below that is the website 'JOBS.DISABILITYTALENT.ORG.'" This image likely represents teamwork or collaboration in a professional environment. The prominent "HIRING" message and website link indicate that this is an advertisement for job opportunities, specifically targeting disability talent through Synchrony and Disability Solutions.

Synchrony is hiring!
Apply to the Disability Solutions‘ Career Center by clicking here: https://hubs.ly/Q03Ck9910
Join Synchrony, a leading company that offers personalized financing solutions for industries like retail, healthcare, auto, travel, and home. They also provide top-rated banking products for consumers.
Sign up for a free account and have alerts sent to you notifying you of new jobs in your area here:https://hubs.ly/Q03Ckgsx0

Image shows the logo for Tennessee Schools for the Deaf. The logo features three stylized human figures forming a star shape, with the central figure wearing a graduation cap. Below the logo, the text reads "Tennessee Schools for the Deaf." This design uses abstract human shapes to form a star, symbolizing unity and achievement, with an emphasis on education through the graduation cap. The logo visually represents inclusivity and academic success within schools serving deaf students.

Need a job? Tennessee Schools for the Deaf has job openings – check this out!
Knoxville, Nashville, and Jackson, Tennessee, locations have positions available for you!
Employment Programs

 

If you know of anyone with disabilities who would like to work, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program can help. Contact Cathy Klingelhoets at 931-968-3474 for more information or visit their site: https://www.tn.gov/HumanServices/DS/Vocational-Rehabilitation/VR-Business-Services.html

Employment Events

 

Flyer for Project SEARCH® advertising a 'Coffee and Doughnuts' event. The top features the Project SEARCH logo with a stylized figure holding stars and swirls. Large teal text reads 'COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS.' Below, smaller text invites people to see interns in their departments and learn about internship opportunities. Event details are listed: August 19th, 10AM-11:30AM at Friendsview, 1301 Fulton St, Newberg OR 97132. Contact email is [kkobs@mvadvancements.org](mailto:kkobs@mvadvancements.org). The bottom of the flyer shows an illustration of a doughnut with blue icing and colorful sprinkles; similar sprinkles decorate the flyer’s border."

Project SEARCH is an internationally offered program that helps people with disabilities turn talent + training into real jobs.

✅ Tour the site
✅ Meet graduates & staff
✅ Learn how to apply

💡 If you (or someone you know) wants hands-on work experience and support to land a job, this is the place to start. Please reach out to tokkobs@mvadvancements.org. with any questions. See you on August 19th, 10 AM – 11:30 AM CT!

Promotional banner for an upcoming webcast titled “A Person-Centered Approach to Paid Employment in High School.” Hosted by Vanderbilt University’s Leah Burgess, Jessica Awsumb, and Justine Hrvatin. Scheduled for September 16, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM Central Time. Includes a call to action: “Click on this banner to register.” Logos at the bottom for Transition Tennessee and NIDILRR.

In this webcast on Tuesday, September 16th, Transition Tennessee will introduce a new resource titled “A Person-Centered Approach to Paid Employment in High School”. This course promotes early work experiences for youth with significant support needs through person-centered employment planning, originally developed during a multi-year study called the Transition Pathways Project.

Participants will:

Explore the different lessons that this course offers

Learn how to use an Employment Planning Meeting Tool through practical examples

Plan for an Employment Exit Meeting

Discover resources you can use to connect students to employment in high school

If you have any questions, please reach out to Leah Burgess at leah.d.burgess@vanderbilt.edu

Mentoring Opportunities

 

 

A new mentoring option is available this year! Wherever you live in Tennessee, please consider becoming either an access mentor, or workforce mentor through tnAchieves!