Dear Friends of Pathfinder,
Happy Disability Pride Month! As we honor this occasion and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we are excited to embrace our theme: Proud. Informed. Empowered: A New Year for Disability Access and Advocacy. Although we celebrate every July, 2025 has brought extra challenges, reminding Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (Pathfinder) staff of the importance of the work we do to uplift the disability community.
The Compass’s theme reaffirms Pathfinder’s commitment to providing opportunities for engagement, appropriate resources, relevant information, individualized assistance, and empathetic customer service, ensuring that everyone we assist feels acknowledged, valued, and confidently prepared for their life’s journey. Furthermore, we aim to foster a society of acceptance and understanding, where everyone is welcome and no one is shamed.
Disability Pride Month is a dedicated time to be proud of who and how you are, speak up for your rights, reflect upon the history of the disability civil rights movement, and highlight our strengths as humans. This particular year warrants a showcase of outward expression demonstrating the spectrum of natural beauty within a collective, unified culture. Therefore, I invite you to join us this July in boldly wearing colors that best represent you and your connection to our vibrant community. Here is a list for fashion inspiration:
- Red – physical disabilities
- Gold – cognitive/intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence
- White – invisible/nonapparent and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue – emotional and psychiatric disabilities
- Green – sensory disabilities
- Faded Black – honoring those who have died because of neglect, suicide, standing up against oppression, sickness, or harmful practices like eugenics, the practice of trying to “improve” the genetic makeup of a population by controlling who can have children.
Because all of us at Pathfinder have direct experience with disabilities professionally, personally, or both, we are deeply aware of the recent concerns we are facing. This means you are not alone. Whether you are an individual with a disability, a loved one of someone with a disability, or a professional with clients who have disabilities, we here at Pathfinder can relate to your situation and offer one-on-one, expert guidance with a compassionate heart and warm smile. We aim to equip everyone who searches our website or contacts a team member with access to the tools and supports they need to be proud, be informed, and be empowered.
Joyfully,
April D. Meredith
Statewide Information and Referral Coordinator
Click here to continue reading the July 2025 Issue of The Compass