News from Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
The holidays and school breaks can be filled with excitement, laughter, and cherished traditions, but they can also feel overwhelming. Changes in routine, new activities, crowded gatherings, and extra expectations can make even the celebrations stressful for students with disabilities. It is normal for students to feel anxious, frustrated, or overstimulated during this time. At… Read more Embracing Changes in Routines: Helping Students with Disabilities Thrive During Holidays and Breaks
Do you remember your very first job? Maybe it was scooping ice cream, babysitting, or stocking shelves at a local store. That first paycheck felt exciting, but more than money, it was about accomplishment, responsibility, and the confidence that came from contributing. For students with disabilities, those same opportunities are equally important, and schools and… Read more Employment Planning for Next Gen
Take a moment to think about your daily routine and how much of it involves transportation. Whether it’s driving to work, taking children to school, or heading to the grocery store, transportation plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of life. In fact, the average person spends about 12,480 minutes, or roughly 208 hours,… Read more Navigating Transportation Through the IEP and Beyond
Dear Friends, As another school year approaches, a mix of emotions often comes with it: excitement, nervousness, dread, joy, and anticipation. Whether you’re a student, educator, or caregiver, the back-to-school season can feel like a rollercoaster. There’s the thrill of a fresh start, the uncertainty of change, the pressure of preparation, and the hope that… Read more A Message from our Education & Resource Coordinator – August 2025
Everyone wants a place they can belong and feel safe. Fostering a safe classroom can allow students to feel seen and valued for who they truly are. For a student who is neurodivergent, an inclusive environment is a critical part of creating a place of belonging within the school setting. Inclusive practices take time and… Read more Embracing Neurodivergence in the Classroom
Child development is a vital component of caregiving. Caregivers are constantly making sure the child is meeting various milestones and growing in all areas of life. What happens when a caregiver has questions about specific developmental stages and possible concerns the child may not be meeting the developmental stages? March is Developmental Delay Awareness month,… Read more Early Intervention Matters: Empowering Caregivers to Seek Help Throughout the Year
Have you ever seen a service dog team in public and immediately wanted to approach the dog because they were so cute? Maybe, you are a dog lover and wanted to share all your favorite stories about your furry friends. Maybe, you wanted to make noises to get the dog’s attention? While all of these… Read more Advocating Heartfelt Ways to Support Service Dog Teams in Your Community
As we continue to plan for a new year in 2025, goals are on our minds. Whether you created a goal to get outside more, move your body, or establish a new routine, the new year allows time for intentional reflection to consider hopes and dreams for the next year. While many of our goals… Read more Goals in the New Year: IEP and Education – January 2025
As the holidays approach and the weather turns colder, it can be tempting to put special education in the back of your mind, especially when the students are home for winter break. Did you know holiday breaks offer a great time for reflection on how to continue to collaborate with your school system? Students with… Read more IEP Checklist for the Holidays, Checking it Twice
You probably remember being asked when you were younger: What do you want to be when you grow up? Maybe you wanted to be a firefighter, ballerina, teacher, doctor, or veterinarian. Children may be thinking about future employment goals even at a young age. It is truly never too early to start thinking about employment.… Read more IEP: A Roadmap from School to Employment