News from Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
What does Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) really mean? We often hear the word “free,” but do you know how it applies to special education? Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 legally requires all public schools to provide free and appropriate education to students with disabilities, but what does it mean? To better understand,… Read more Special Ed 101: Free Appropriate Public Education
Freshly sharpened pencils, new backpacks, and school supplies are starting to fill stores again. A new school year is right around the corner, and with each new academic year, there is an opportunity to foster collaberation. Back-to-school season is a great time to start thinking about collaboration if your child has an IEP. An Individual… Read more Back to School, Back to IEP Basics
We all have a desire to be as independent as possible. Independence is something we strive to achieve, starting at a very young age, and to regain as we grow older. It is quite a journey learning how to manage to ask for and need help while maintaining your independence. As an individual ages, it… Read more Aging Independently
What comes to mind when you hear the word “team”? Maybe you picture playing your favorite sport or working on a project with coworkers. The word can hold different meanings for everyone, but a team always requires collaboration and connection with others. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a specialized learning plan for students with… Read more Team IEP: Britt Henderson Training Series Spring 2023
“You are not allowed to come into this store.” Hearing these words can cause anxiety especially when you have done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, I have been denied access to different types of businesses because of my medical alert service dog. Not only is this illegal according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but it… Read more In Their Own Words: Perspectives In View – Animals can be Resources Too
The word home can have several different meanings and carry various emotions for different people. Merriam-Webster defines the word “home” as a building that serves as living quarters for one or a few families. When you hear the word, what comes to mind? Housing (a physical space), which is a great need for individuals with… Read more A Place Where You Belong
Money can be a sensitive subject with family members, especially as you age. However, it is important to intentionally have conversations about finances to ensure you have a voice in the way you would like your money spent. Having conversations around finances is more than just talking about spending money but also about whom you… Read more Financial Planning as you Age
Former British prime minister Winston Churchill once said, “Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.” As we age, it is important to have a plan in place for the future and communicate this frequently with loved ones. Often when future planning is mentioned, one might think of planning where they want to live… Read more Following Your Path to Aging: Planning for the future
Maya Angelou, who is an American poet, said “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to advocate for yourself. However, it can be hard to… Read more Advocate as You Age
The winter holidays, known for its bright lights, pretty decorations, and merriment can bring up various emotions especially for individuals who are either alone or feel isolated. Memories of family gatherings that are no longer possible, or harder to partake in, often bring forth mixed emotions. As we approach another holiday season during a pandemic,… Read more Overcoming the Fa La La La Blahs: Tips for Overcoming Holiday Loneliness