Category: October 2025

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 

Beyond the Job: A Pathway to Financial Independence

Posted on by Pathfinder
A person seated in a wheelchair wearing a mustard-colored sweater and dark pants is positioned next to a large orange piggy bank with the logo “ABLE TN: Achieving a Better Life Experience” on its side. The person is holding a gold coin with a dollar sign, and two additional gold coins float nearby. Behind them, three large white arrows point upward, symbolizing growth or progress. In the upper left corner, there is a compass graphic with the text “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.” The background is a muted gray tone, creating a professional and financial planning theme. This image was created using AI by S.Adams-Avery

You’ve landed the job, so what’s next? Employment is a major milestone, but the journey doesn’t stop there. The next step is building financial independence, which gives you control, stability, and the ability to plan for your future. For Tennesseans with disabilities, opportunities like ABLE TN accounts are opening doors to smarter saving and long-term… Read more Beyond the Job: A Pathway to Financial Independence

Employment Planning for Next Gen

Posted on by Mimi Sanders
Teacher explaining illustration process to paralyzed student with disability working at painting project during artistic lesson in creativity studio. Diverse team sketching vase using graphic pencil.

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

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

ConnectAbility – October 2025

Posted on by Pathfinder
colorful cartoon graphic image with different people of different abilities, colors, etc. surrounding a globe with text "ConnectAbility." Quote bubbles around the image near the people figures say "Support, Access, Empower, Language, Educate, Engage." On the top left of the image in a blue circle is the disability symbol. On the top right of the image is Pathfinder's logo. And text on the top center of the image says, "RESOURCES."

Navigating resources can be difficult, but differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to emphasize the connection to the necessary resources and support. We’re highlighting programs and sharing resources that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to utilize disability resources and creating stronger connections… Read more ConnectAbility – October 2025

Upcoming Events – October 2025

Posted on by Pathfinder
A large white sign with bold red letters reads “UPCOMING EVENTS,” and below it, in smaller yellow text, “OCTOBER 2025.” The sign is placed in a pumpkin patch with several large orange pumpkins scattered on the ground. In the foreground, a small child wearing a floral top and blue jeans is standing near the pumpkins, facing the sign. The background shows green foliage and trees under a clear sky. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo is visible in the upper 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. disAbility Employment Events ResourceAbility Fair | 2025 The Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services is… Read more Upcoming Events – October 2025

Resource Corner – October 2025

Posted on by Pathfinder
Green and centered white color block background image with light green sunburst on the right side of the image. Text in the white color block "Resource Corner." On the top left of the image is a circular framed photo of Pathfinder's website on a laptop screen. To the bottom right of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic in a white circular frame. On the bottom right of image on a small white geometical shaped color block is text, "TNPathfinder.org."

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder offers a growing library of disability resources available at TNPathfinder.org. In addition to the growing directory of resources on Pathfinder’s website, here are some we’re highlighting this month SNAP Income Limits Have Changed In between jobs? Every year, USDA updates income limits, benefit amounts, and deductions to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes.… Read more Resource Corner – October 2025