Author: Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

A New Year of Possibilities: Finding What You Need, When You Need It

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Split-screen image. On the left, a laptop displays the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website homepage, featuring a green and white design with navigation buttons and text that reads “Let Us Help You Find the Way” and “Start Your Search.” Below the screen is a green banner with a gold compass logo and the text “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.” On the right, a group of people is gathered in a modern office setting with large windows and bright orange and blue walls. One person stands with both arms raised in a celebratory gesture, while others are seated and appear engaged in conversation.

Discover resources and celebrate success with Tennessee Disability Pathfinder! From online tools to community support, we’re here to help you find the way. A new year often brings new questions. Maybe you’re supporting a loved one through a transition, looking for services you didn’t need before, or simply trying to plan ahead with better information.… Read more A New Year of Possibilities: Finding What You Need, When You Need It

Plan Smarter for 2026: Navigating Future Financial Assistance with ABLE TN

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Promotional graphic for a webinar titled “Navigating Future Financial Assistance with ABLE TN.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears at the top left. Large text highlights the event name, with “ABLE TN” in bright blue. A section below explains that the webinar will cover saving and investing without affecting benefits, eligibility, tax advantages, qualifying expenses, and account management tips. Event details show the date as Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM CT, held virtually via Zoom. Accessibility options include ASL and Spanish interpretation upon request. Presenter information lists Edward Mitchell, MBA, ABLE NRC Ambassador, and Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of TN. A QR code for registration is displayed at the bottom right.

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT Location: Virtual via Zoom Securing your financial future is important, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. ABLE TN empowers individuals with disabilities to save and invest while protecting access to vital benefits. This free, virtual webinar will give you practical tools and… Read more Plan Smarter for 2026: Navigating Future Financial Assistance with ABLE TN

New & Emerging Tools That Support Daily Living

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A person wearing a white virtual reality headset sits at a table holding a green coffee mug. Another individual next to them holds a tablet displaying the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website, which includes a button labeled “Start Your Journey.” In the background, a third person is seated using a digital device. The setting appears to be a modern living room with a beige couch, decorative pillows, and shelves with small plants and decor items.

Exploring new ways to connect and access resources with TN Disability Pathfinder and TN Tech Connect, technology meets empowerment! Discover Practical Solutions for Independence and Everyday Life Starting the year with the right tools can make a big difference. Assistive and enabling technology can help with communication, mobility, and daily routines, giving individuals more independence… Read more New & Emerging Tools That Support Daily Living

Spotlight: Building Healthier Pathways for All Tennesseeans – January 2026

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
nterior of a Tennessee Department of Health office with a large sign on the wall reading “TN Department of Health” in bold letters. The setting includes light-colored walls, large windows letting in natural light, and modern seating. Several people are standing and conversing; one person is wearing a white lab coat with a stethoscope, and two others are dressed in blue medical scrubs. Another individual is holding a notebook or folder while speaking with someone nearby.

Collaboration in action at the Tennessee Department of Health, working together to support healthier communities. (Image created using AI) Building Healthier Pathways for All TennesseeansNew Investments Strengthen Access for People with Disabilities In 2026, the Tennessee Department of Health is making historic investments to modernize public health infrastructure, an effort that benefits every Tennessean, including… Read more Spotlight: Building Healthier Pathways for All Tennesseeans – January 2026

It’s Giving Comfort & Joy: Holiday Gifts That Just Make Sense

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Holiday-themed graphic featuring two large red-and-white striped candy canes positioned behind a person sitting cross-legged in front of a bright red background. The image includes colorful Christmas ornaments and a decorated tree on the right side. Text on the left reads “TENNESSEE DISABILITY PATHFINDER” with a compass logo above it, and below, the phrase “‘tis the season to be jolly” in festive fonts.

  Take a warm stroll down memory lane with us as we revisit one of our most popular holiday guides: Gift Ideas for People with Disabilities. First published to share thoughtful, practical suggestions, this guide returns refreshed for 2025 with updated tools, fresh categories, and quick ideas to help you choose gifts that bring comfort… Read more It’s Giving Comfort & Joy: Holiday Gifts That Just Make Sense

A Gift that Keeps on Giving – Then & Now

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A glittery gold gift box tied with a bright red ribbon hangs on a decorated Christmas tree. The tree is adorned with white paper ornaments and warm string lights. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears in the upper left corner.

How the Devices for Autism program continues to turn used tech into opportunity and purpose in 2025. Take a moment to revisit one of Pathfinder’s most impactful stories on the Devices for Autism program. First shared in 2024, this initiative turned old electronics into hope, jobs, and a brighter future. We’re resurfacing it now with… Read more A Gift that Keeps on Giving – Then & Now

Encouraging Connection Through Reading

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Dark blue banner with large marquee-style letters spelling “READ” in glowing yellow lights. Decorative icons above the letters include a rainbow, a book with an apple, a banner reading “Acceptance,” and a wheelchair accessibility symbol. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears in the top left corner, and a green potted plant sits in the bottom right corner against a beige wall.

Promoting Reading for Everyone A refreshed look at Pathfinder’s reading tools and ongoing initiative Books have the power to bring people together. For years, Pathfinder has shared stories and tools to help families and readers connect through books. This piece gathers our earlier newsletter message, the Pathfinder Bookmark, and our reading initiative into a single,… Read more Encouraging Connection Through Reading

Special Ed 101: Turning Holiday Disruptions into Smooth Transitions

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Green chalkboard with colorful chalk drawings of a sun, clouds, and a bell, along with large text reading “School’s Out.” A yellow cup filled with colored pencils and stacked notebooks sits at the bottom. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo is in the top left corner, and a small sign in the corner reads “Happy Holidays.”

The holidays often interrupt routines that families work hard to build during the school year. For students who receive special education services, these disruptions can bring questions, stress, and confusion, especially when school schedules, services, or meetings change. This article revisits a 2023 Pathfinder piece that helped families understand what to expect and how to… Read more Special Ed 101: Turning Holiday Disruptions into Smooth Transitions