Category: January 2026

From the Director: A New Year Message, The Compass – January 2026

Posted on by Megan Hart
Dark blue banner with gold confetti scattered across the background. Large bold text in white and blue reads “THE COMPASS.” To the right, there is a detailed illustration of a gold-rimmed compass with green and brown directional points. Below the title, a tagline in blue text reads “New Beginnings, Clearer Pathways, Connecting You to What’s Next,” followed by “January 2026 Issue” in smaller font inside a white box.

Dear Friends of Pathfinder, Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is off to a great start after an enjoyable holiday season! A new year is often associated with new beginnings that lead to new pathways forward. At Pathfinder, we continuously strive to create new pathways forward for Tennesseans with disabilities and their supporters, helping them… Read more From the Director: A New Year Message, The Compass – January 2026

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

Community Connections – January 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
Split-screen graphic with two sections. On the left, a textured teal and green background features large white text reading “COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS” with a gold compass logo below and the words “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.” On the right, an illustrated design shows diverse individuals, including people using wheelchairs, gathered around a globe labeled “Connectability.” Surrounding the globe are icons and speech bubbles with words such as “Resources,” “Access,” “Empower,” “Support,” “Language,” and “Engage.” The background includes abstract patterns and symbols representing communication and collaboration.

Navigating resources can be difficult, and differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to strengthen connections to the resources and support people need most. This section highlights programs and shares tools that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to access disability resources and creating… Read more Community Connections – January 2026

Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – January 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A conceptual image featuring a long, empty road stretching into the distance under a cloudy sky. The word “START” is painted in large white letters on the pavement near the foreground. At the center of the image, a large gold and green compass graphic is prominently displayed, symbolizing direction and guidance. Below the compass, the text reads “TENNESSEE DISABILITY PATHFINDER.” In the background, a faint silhouette of a modern city skyline appears through a hazy atmosphere, suggesting progress and opportunity ahead.

When Every Hour CountsA Mother’s Journey to Find Help Story by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP, Communications Manager, with information provided by Linda Brown, Statewide Information & Referral Coordinator, TN Disability Pathfinder When Sarah realized her 15-year-old daughter was struggling with severe anxiety and depression, she knew a quick fix wasn’t enough. After an emergency 72-hour… Read more Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – January 2026

Quick Tips for the New Year – January 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
Three individuals seated at a table in a bright indoor setting, engaged in discussion. One person is holding a tablet device while another gestures toward it. Behind them, a white wall displays a graphic with the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo and the words “TIPS & Tools” in bold blue and yellow text.

Starting the year with the right tools can make a big difference. These quick tips are designed to help people with disabilities, and those who support them, find resources more easily, ask the right questions, and stay organized throughout 2026. Whether you’re planning ahead or just getting started, these practical steps can simplify your journey.… Read more Quick Tips for the New Year – January 2026

EmployAbility – January 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A promotional graphic with a modern design featuring an office setting with gray cubicles and a bright red partition in the foreground. On the right side, large bold text reads “EMPLOY ABILITY.” Below, smaller text states “Employment and Volunteer Opportunities” next to a gray vertical bar with a red circle accent. At the bottom, a gray banner displays “TNPathfinder.org.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo with a compass icon appears in the lower-left corner.

Hey job seekers! Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to a more inclusive and understanding workplace? Whether you’re seeking your dream job or the ideal volunteer opportunity, we’re sharing employment and volunteer opportunities, as well as resources, within the Tennessee disability community. Join us in embracing a future where every person has… Read more EmployAbility – January 2026

Events & Opportunities – January 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A blue graphic background with snowflake patterns and light bokeh effects. Large gradient text reads “UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES,” with the word “UPCOMING” featuring a compass icon in place of the letter “O.” Additional text shows “January 2026” in silver and white script near the top left corner.

Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar and begin your journey with events that enhance your life experiences.  Also, follow us on social media to stay updated with events in the disability community. Pathfinder Events 📅 Save the Date: Navigating Financial Assistance Resources Join Tennessee Disability Pathfinder for an important virtual… Read more Events & Opportunities – January 2026