Author: Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

From Questions to Connection: Where Support Comes to Life

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A diverse group of individuals and families sits together at a table in a welcoming community setting, speaking with a navigator while reviewing brochures and resources. A child wearing noise-reducing headphones sits beside a parent, while another adult gestures during conversation. In the background, a child participates in a sensory-friendly activity, and two women—including one using a wheelchair—review information on a tablet outdoors. The image represents connection, guidance, and real-world autism support across different ages, backgrounds, and disability experiences. Pathfinder's logo is on the top right of the image.

For many individuals and families, the journey with autism does not begin with a clear roadmap. It begins with questions. What does this mean? Where do we start? Who can help? Information is everywhere, but knowing what to do with that information is where many people get stuck. That’s where Tennessee Disability Pathfinder comes in.… Read more From Questions to Connection: Where Support Comes to Life

Discussing Autistic Traits

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A wide horizontal illustration shows overlapping colorful profiles of people facing different directions, representing diverse perspectives and communication styles. Bright silhouettes in blue, orange, green, yellow, red, and gray are layered across the image, connected by dotted lines and floating icons such as hearts, light bulbs, and conversation bubbles. The flowing background transitions from blue to green, creating a sense of movement and dialogue. The image symbolizes varied ways of thinking, communicating, and understanding, reflecting respectful conversations about autistic traits and recognizing both strengths and support needs.

How we talk about autism matters. The words used to describe autistic traits can shape understanding, influence expectations, and impact how individuals are supported in everyday environments. Our partners at TRIAD have developed a thoughtful resource designed to help shift conversations toward language that reflects both strengths and support needs. The Discussing Autistic Traits tip… Read more Discussing Autistic Traits

When the Path Forward Isn’t Clear: Why the Right Information Matters

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A scenic outdoor image showing three individuals traveling along a wide dirt path surrounded by tall green grass. The person in the center is using a wheelchair with “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder” printed on the back. The individuals on the left and right are walking beside the wheelchair user. The path leads toward rolling hills in the distance, with a warm golden sunset on the horizon. A circular Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compass logo appears in the sky above the hills.

  How Pathfinder walks with people, navigating complex situations, one question at a time. People often reach out to Pathfinder after they’ve tried everything they can think of. Search results conflict, eligibility language is dense, and “what to do next” isn’t obvious. Some are looking for developmental disability resources for the first time; others return… Read more When the Path Forward Isn’t Clear: Why the Right Information Matters

From our Communications Manager: Love Leads the Way, The Compass_February 2026

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

Dear Friends of Pathfinder, February is often associated with love, and at Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, we believe love is most powerful when it moves us to action. Love shows up when we listen deeply, advocate persistently, and work to ensure individuals with disabilities and their families have access to the resources they need to live… Read more From our Communications Manager: Love Leads the Way, The Compass_February 2026

LOVE IN ACTION: Advocacy that Changes Lives

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Illustrated scene of a diverse group of people standing in a flower-filled field with mountains and a bright sunrise in the background. A glowing compass symbol appears in the center of the sky. Individuals hold signs that say ‘Love’ and ‘Support,’ while another raises a red heart. The group stands together in a gesture of unity and connection.

Advocacy means speaking up for your needs or the needs of someone you care about. To do that, people often need clear information and help finding the right place to start. Pathfinder does not provide advocacy services, but we help Tennesseans by connecting them to programs, tools, and organizations that support their needs as they… Read more LOVE IN ACTION: Advocacy that Changes Lives

Supporting What Matters through Financial Support Services

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Flyer promoting the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder webinar titled “Navigating Financial Assistance Resources with Families First & SNAP.” The flyer includes the Pathfinder logo, event date and time, a photo of a family sitting together reading, presenter names, interpreter availability, and logos for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The flyer highlights that the webinar will explain eligibility rules, application steps, and how Families First and SNAP support essential household needs. QR code with registration information is on bottom right of image.

When families in the disability community face financial pressures, having clear and trustworthy information can make an immediate difference. This upcoming webinar is designed to help families better understand two important financial support programs: Families First and SNAP. The webinar, Navigating Financial Assistance Resources with Families First & SNAP, will explain the newest eligibility requirements,… Read more Supporting What Matters through Financial Support Services

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