Events & Opportunities – January 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A blue graphic background with snowflake patterns and light bokeh effects. Large gradient text reads “UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES,” with the word “UPCOMING” featuring a compass icon in place of the letter “O.” Additional text shows “January 2026” in silver and white script near the top left corner.

Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar and begin your journey with events that enhance your life experiences.  Also, follow us on social media to stay updated with events in the disability community.

Pathfinder Events

Rectangular flyer with a white background and diagonal color accents in red and navy blue. At the top left is the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo—a gold-rimmed compass with green directional points and the text “TENNESSEE DISABILITY PATHFINDER” in green uppercase letters. Below the logo, large bold text in red and black reads: “NAVIGATING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES WITH FAMILIES FIRST & SNAP.” A red banner underneath says: “UP NEXT DETAILS COMING SOON.” At the bottom, a “SAVE THE DATE” section includes event details in blue and black text: “THURS. 3/26/2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CT | Virtual | Presented in English via Zoom.” Icons indicate that ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available upon request. On the right side of the flyer is a large gold compass graphic with green directional points, partially overlapping a background image of tall glass buildings in shades of red and orange. Logos for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities appear at the bottom.

📅 Save the Date: Navigating Financial Assistance Resources

Join Tennessee Disability Pathfinder for an important virtual session on Navigating Financial Assistance Resources with Families First & SNAP. This event will guide on accessing benefits and understanding available support for individuals and families.

Event Details:

🗓 Thursday, March 26, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Virtual via Zoom (Presented in English)
🗣Interpretation Support: Arabic, ASL, and Spanish interpretation will be available upon request

Stay tuned, more details coming soon!

Community Events

Bright, colorful flyer promoting Sibshops at Vanderbilt University. The top section features the Sibshops logo with playful cartoon figures and the Vanderbilt University logo. A yellow banner reads “Support for Brothers and Sisters of Kids with Special Needs.” Below, text explains who Sibshops are for—siblings of kids with intellectual or developmental disabilities, special medical needs, and mental health concerns—and what they offer: peer support, educational programming, and fun activities like cooking, crafts, and games. A large QR code for registration is displayed prominently on the right. At the bottom, two circular photos show children engaged in group activities and painting with watercolors. The background is teal with orange accents and includes the contact email: VanderbiltSibshops@Vanderbilt365.onmicrosoft.com.

Spring 2026 Sibshops – Meeting Dates Announced!

Mark your calendars for these fun and supportive gatherings for siblings of children with special needs:
January 24 • February 28 • March 21 • April 18

Sibshops are lively, interactive workshops designed for siblings ages 8–13 who have brothers or sisters with intellectual or developmental disabilities, special medical needs, or mental health concerns. These sessions provide a safe and welcoming space for kids to:
✔ Connect with other siblings
✔ Share experiences and feelings
✔ Enjoy games, crafts, and educational activities
✔ Learn more about their sibling’s needs

When: One Saturday per month, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
Where: Vanderbilt University (new location TBD due to campus construction)

All Sibshops are led by trained volunteers, including Vanderbilt graduate students, staff, faculty, and adult siblings of people with disabilities. Every facilitator has completed a background check and training in the protection of minors.

🔗 Learn more and register today: https://redcap.link/VanderbiltSibshops

TRIAD Autism Webinar: Winter 2026

📚 Academic Engagement: Shared Stories for Reading Comprehension

Are you looking for better ways to support autistic learners in reading and writing? This webinar is for you!

🗓️ Date: February 5, 2026
🕝 Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m. CST

💡 Learn how autism impacts literacy
📖 Discover how to implement story-based lessons
🧰 Build a toolkit of supports and resources

Use practical strategies to make reading more engaging and effective for autistic students.

🔗 Register today and strengthen your literacy instruction! Click this link to register.

Blue logo for Disability Day on the Hill featuring a stylized illustration of the Tennessee State Capitol dome inside a circle, flanked by two speech bubbles. Text below reads “Disability Day on the Hill” and “Hosted by Tennessee Disability Coalition.”

Have you heard? Disability Day on the Hill is shifting dates. Are you ready?

The Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) is lining up a bigger, smoother DDH experience this year, and they want you there. Mark your calendar and join these important events:

TDC Community Party

NEW DATE: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. CT
Location: Adventure Science Center, Nashville
Family-friendly, free entry, and heavy appetizers provided.

Disability Day on the Hill

NEW DATE: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. CT
Location: Cordell Hull Building, Downtown Nashville
Boxed lunches provided.

Disability Advocacy Day (Virtual)

NO DATE CHANGE: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Celebrate from anywhere in Tennessee as landmarks light up Coalition Blue.
Registration link coming soon. Watch for details

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Promotional flyer for DDH 2026 Virtual Advocates Workshop Series. The design features bold blue and orange text announcing the series and its purpose: helping participants build confidence, learn about the legislative process, and prepare for advocacy at Disability Day on the Hill. A graphic of a person seated at a desk with a laptop displaying the DDH logo appears at the top right. Workshop dates—January 15, January 22, January 29, and February 5—are listed in blue boxes. Additional text notes that ASL and captions will be available. A QR code for registration is displayed at the bottom with instructions to RSVP or visit www.tndisability.org/DDH.It’s never too early to prepare! Join the DDH Virtual Advocates Workshop Series and get the tools you need for confident, effective advocacy.

Over four weeks, you’ll learn:
✔ What to expect on DDH
✔ How to connect with your legislators
✔ Tips for tracking disability-related legislation
✔ Navigating the Cordell Hull Building
✔ Creating impactful leave-behinds
Plus, hear from past DDH participants and ask your questions as we gear up for the big day!

Workshop Dates:

  • January 15
  • January 22
  • January 29
  • February 5
    Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m. CT (Thursdays)

American Sign Language (ASL) and captions will be available for each session.

🔗 RSVP now: https://form.jotform.com/260064598196063

Creative Showcase Opportunities

over of Breaking Ground magazine’s 2025 Annual Arts Issue. The design features two large illustrated flowers—one pale pink and one blue, against a green background filled with smaller yellow and orange flowers and abstract shapes. The title “breaking ground” appears at the top in large letters, with “2025 Annual Arts Issue” and “Issue 121” in smaller text at the bottom corners.

CALL FOR ARTISTS!! Final Day for Submissions!

The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is preparing its annual Breaking Ground Arts Issue, and editors are looking for Tennesseans with disabilities who want to showcase their art!

Deadline to submit: January 15

Who can submit:

  • Tennessee residents with disabilities
  • Loved ones may assist with submitting, but the art must be created by the artist
  • Works generated mostly or entirely by AI are not eligible

What you can submit:

  • Written Word: Stories, poems, or essays (up to 800 words)
  • Visual Creations: Paintings, drawings, digital art, sculptures (up to 3 pieces)
  • Photography & Crafts: All photographic styles and handmade creations welcome
  • Performance Art: Theater, dance, music, spoken word (photos or short video link)

Check out last year’s Arts Issue here and learn more or submit your work here.

Research Participation Opportunities

Research is a key component for making new discoveries and improving the lives of people with disabilities. It can also provide participants with insight and support regarding their conditions, especially when there is a gap in services. Here are a few studies that may be of interest:

Promotional graphic for a Belmont University research study titled “It Takes a Village: Unpacking How Black Communities Heal Racial Trauma.” The design features a blue gradient background, Belmont University logo at the top, and text explaining the study’s aim to explore social support for Black individuals in healing from racial trauma. A circular photo shows raised hands in a group setting. Eligibility criteria and contact information for Dr. Carmen Reese Foster are listed at the bottom, along with a QR code.

Research Study: Participants Needed
It Takes a Village: Unpacking How Black Communities Heal Racial Trauma

Belmont University is conducting a study to explore the nature of social support for Black individuals and examine its role in the healing process from racial trauma.

Eligibility:
✔ Must identify as Black or be of African descent
✔ Must be 18 years or older

To complete the survey or learn more, contact:
Dr. Carmen Reese Foster
📧 carmen.foster@belmont.edu

Add to Calendar:
Click here to access the study information and to complete the survey.

Please note: This is the last week to participate.

White rectangular banner with a thin gold border. Large black text in the center reads: “Research Notification Distribution List.” Below, smaller text says “Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research” above the acronym “VICTR,” which is styled with bold black letters inside circles connected by colored dots in blue, orange, green, and yellow.

VICTR invites parents/caregivers and their child with autism to participate in an intervention study to support children’s imitation, communication, and social skill development. Children receive assessments of their developmental and social communication skills and participate in weekly play-based intervention sessions with a therapist. Families receive feedback on their child’s development and can receive a written report with results and recommendations, as well as intervention sessions, at no cost.

Participants will be asked to:

  • Complete questionnaires about themselves and their child.
  • Child receives assessments of their developmental and social communication skills.
  • Child receives ~3 months of intervention; intervention sessions occur 2-3x per week (sessions 40-60 minutes)
  • Attend study visits before and after the intervention program
  • Child completes a movie- watching activity

Participant Criteria

Children with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism between the ages of 16 and 42 months and their parents. Participants must be able to attend ~3 months of intervention sessions.

Compensation

Up to $150 in gift cards. Child receives intervention sessions at no cost. Results of developmental testing and assessment for autism will be provided at no cost. Families can receive a written report with results, recommendations, and referrals at no cost.

Visit Requirements

2-3 intervention sessions per week (40-60 minute sessions) for up to ~30 sessions. Study visits before and after the intervention program

Contact Information

socialmusicresearch@vumc.org or 615-576-0320 (call/text)

Disability Awareness Dates to Remember

Mark your calendars! These upcoming disability awareness observances are great opportunities to share resources, raise awareness, promote acceptance, and celebrate the disability community. Click on each image below to learn more about the event and how you can participate.

Image of an American football player wearing a blue jersey with number 12, holding a helmet against a bright sky background. Text reads “CTE Awareness Day” in bold white letters, with the date January 30, 2026 at the bottom left and Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo at the top left.