Author: Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

Connecting Through the Language of Care

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Colorful illustration of a playground scene on a yellow and green background. Cut-out silhouettes of children are shown playing, including figures using wheelchairs, on swings, and climbing structures. A real hand is raised in the center, and the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears in the top left corner.

Spreading Joy and Understanding: Spanish Services Across our Centers Written by Gerardo Castillo II, Chief Operating Officer, Wellspring LC As the holiday season approaches, we want to ensure our parents and caregiversfeel supported with the latest resources. At Wellspring Learning Centers, creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive is at the heart of what… Read more Connecting Through the Language of Care

Guiding the Way Through the Holidays: Support & Connection for Tennesseans with Disabilities

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A scenic graphic showing an empty two-lane road lined with tall trees fading into mist in the background. At the center, a large gold and green compass icon is displayed. Above the compass, text reads “Start Your Journey,” and below it, the words “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder” appear in white.

The holidays can be both joyful and challenging. It’s a season filled with light, laughter, and togetherness, yet also moments of stress, change, and uncertainty. For Tennesseans with disabilities and their families, this time of year can bring unique challenges: managing physical and sensory considerations at gatherings, coordinating support needs while traveling, or carving out… Read more Guiding the Way Through the Holidays: Support & Connection for Tennesseans with Disabilities

Finding Financial Relief: Pathfinder’s Four-Part Webinar Series on Navigating Financial Assistance Resources

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Pathfinder

For many Tennesseans with disabilities and their families, the financial side of care can feel overwhelming. From medical supplies to respite care and adaptive equipment, expenses add up quickly, especially during the holidays. Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is here to help make those costs more manageable. To provide real, practical guidance, Pathfinder is launching a free, virtual… Read more Finding Financial Relief: Pathfinder’s Four-Part Webinar Series on Navigating Financial Assistance Resources

Opening Doors to Work in Tennessee: How Tennesseans with disabilities are finding new pathways, resources, and opportunities 

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A group of individuals with visible disabilities entering through large wooden double doors into a professional office setting. One person uses a wheelchair, another uses a cane, and another carries a backpack and appears to have Down Syndrome. The right door features the Pathfinder logo, symbolizing access. Bright natural light streams through windows along the hallway, and a person in business attire is visible in the backgroundThis image was created using AI by S.Adams-Avery

Across Tennessee, people with disabilities are proving every day that they have the skills, determination, and drive to succeed in the workplace. The challenge isn’t talent, it’s access to the right opportunities, support, and guidance to turn potential into meaningful employment.  This year marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). While… Read more Opening Doors to Work in Tennessee: How Tennesseans with disabilities are finding new pathways, resources, and opportunities 

Spotlight (October 2025) – From Recovery to Opportunity: Steady jobs through IPS in Tennessee

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Two individuals are seated at a wooden table in a professional setting, with a notepad and a closed tablet placed on the table. The background includes a framed picture on the wall and a large window showing part of a building exterior. On the right side of the image, there is a dark blue panel featuring the word “Spotlight” in cursive text, the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo, and a white box with the logo and text: “IPS Individual Placement and Support – Recovery through Employment.”

Picture this: You’re focusing on your mental health and want to work, but you’re unsure how to connect with the right employer or what support will be available once you start. That’s where  IPS Supported Employment makes the difference. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is designed for people living with mental health conditions. Instead of… Read more Spotlight (October 2025) – From Recovery to Opportunity: Steady jobs through IPS in Tennessee

Using AI Tools to Help Access Transportation in Tennessee

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
The image shows a group of people boarding and exiting two city buses at a bus stop in an urban area. One bus has passengers stepping off, while another bus has a person in a wheelchair using the ramp to board. In the background, there is a large domed building with columns and an obelisk monument, suggesting a notable or historic location. The scene is bright and lively, with diverse individuals interacting around public transportation. Brief description: This image depicts a public transportation scene where people of different backgrounds and abilities are using city buses near prominent architectural landmarks. It highlights community interaction, features like wheelchair ramps, and the importance of public transit in connecting people within urban environments. This image was created by AI.

Transportation in Tennessee is entering a new chapter. Instead of spending hours on phone calls or digging through websites, people can now turn to tools powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find the rides they need in minutes. From healthcare visits to work shifts to community events, AI is reshaping how Tennesseans connect to the… Read more Using AI Tools to Help Access Transportation in Tennessee

Spotlight – September 2025

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

Navigating the 2025 Transportation Planning Grant The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Office of Community Transportation has opened applications for the 2025 Transportation Planning Grant (TPG), a funding opportunity aimed at helping Tennessee cities and counties improve their transportation systems. This grant focuses on supporting the development of plans that enhance mobility, traffic flow, safety,… Read more Spotlight – September 2025

Empowered Education: Your Pathfinder Educator’s Guide

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Graphic with a chalkboard background reading "How can schools use TN Disability Pathfinder to help students?" Text explains that Pathfinder connects people with disabilities, their families, and teachers to resources and services. On the right is the cover of the Educator’s Guide titled "Connecting Classrooms to Community Resources for Student Success."

At Pathfinder, we understand that education reaches well beyond the classroom. Our tools and services help you connect students with resources that foster learning, skill development, and preparation for the future. Educators play a key role in linking students to opportunities that help them thrive. That’s why we created the Pathfinder Educator’s Guide. Our Educator’s… Read more Empowered Education: Your Pathfinder Educator’s Guide

Spotlight – August 2025

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
The image features a stylized design with the word "Spotlight" in cursive neon-like letters at the top left, accompanied by a yellow dot over the "i". To the right, bold uppercase text reads: "PUBLIC EDUCATION NEEDS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP" stacked in four lines on gray rounded rectangles. Below, there is a diagonal section with a close-up photo of several yellow pencils and white text that says "PENCIL" next to an icon resembling a pencil tip.

Empowered Education: Back-to-School Tools in Action PENCIL – Equipping Classrooms for Every Student’s Success Back-to-school season is full of lists: supplies, schedules, and new routines. For students with disabilities, preparation and ongoing support can make the difference between a stressful year and a successful one. In Nashville, PENCIL helps schools meet these needs by connecting… Read more Spotlight – August 2025