News from Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It is a question we often ask, encouraging students to dream about their futures. Their answers may change from year to year, from becoming a firefighter or veterinarian to discovering a passion for technology, art, or helping others. Regardless of the answer, these early conversations… Read more Dream Big, Start Early: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Meaningful Employment
Emergencies are something none of us really wants to think about. We hope the individuals we care about will never experience a fire, severe weather event, medical emergency, evacuation, lockdown, or other dangerous situation. But whether someone is sitting in a classroom or relaxing at home, the unexpected can happen. For students with disabilities, emergency… Read more When the Unexpected Happens: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Emergencies
Back-to-school preparation often comes with a long list: school supplies, schedules, paperwork, transportation, and new teachers. For families of students with disabilities, it may also mean reviewing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), checking accommodations, and sharing medical or therapy updates. But preparing for a new school year can be about more than getting ready for… Read more More Than Back-to-School: Navigating the school year with the Future in Mind
There is a moment many caregivers recognize, even if they do not talk about it out loud. It might happen at the kitchen table, flipping through IEP paperwork you have seen a hundred times before. Or sitting in a school meeting, listening carefully, asking the right questions like you always do. And then, almost in… Read more When Caregiving Becomes a Lifetime Role
There is a kind of love that reshapes a person quietly over time. It does not announce itself. It grows in small moments of observation, adaptation, and understanding. For many caregivers of individuals with autism, the journey begins with questions rather than answers. A child may communicate differently than expected, respond to the world in… Read more Acceptance in Action: Supporting Individuals with Autism Across the Lifespan
Imagine a student walking into a classroom for the first time. They have a desk. Their name is on the roster. Their accommodations are documented. On paper, they have access. But do they feel known? Do they feel valued? Do they feel like they truly belong? In education, we often focus on access. Access to… Read more Access Opens the Door. Belonging Invites You In
The word “love” can be used in many environments with varying meanings. Maybe you tell your friend you love their outfit, or perhaps you use the word to describe your favorite food. Or maybe you use the word to let friends and family know how much you care about them. From lighthearted to deeply personal… Read more Advocating in School Systems: When Advocacy is an Act of Love
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