Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – April 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder

Each month brings a new set of celebrations, awareness observances, community gatherings, and local events happening across Tennessee. From statewide disability awareness months to family‑friendly activities, workshops, resource fairs, and special community spotlights, there’s always something meaningful to explore.

Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar, where you can discover events that support your goals, spark connections, and enhance your everyday experiences.

And don’t forget to follow Pathfinder on social media to stay updated on monthly celebrations, community happenings, and upcoming opportunities across Tennessee.

Pathfinder Events

Save the Date!

For the final webinar of the Navigating Financial Assistance Resources Series

Navigating Financial Assistance Resources for Technology & Equipment
🗓 Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Virtual via Zoom. Presented in English.
Presented by Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP)

Join us for this upcoming webinar focused on exploring financial assistance options for assistive technology and equipment. More details and registration information coming soon.

Interpreter Support:
ASL, Arabic, and Spanish interpretation will be available upon request during registration.

Community Events

A colorful flyer announces support for Champ’s Toy Chest at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The graphic lists requested donation items including stress balls, fidget items, board books in English, Spanish, and Arabic, travel-size toiletries, and brand-new youth and adult clothing such as tops, bottoms, pajamas, and undergarments. The drop-off location is The Manna Foundation, 411 Industrial Drive, White House, TN 37188. Contact information for scheduling includes Roni Anderson, 615-388-0828, and doo@themanna foundation.org. The flyer features playful stars, clouds, and a child reading, with a message encouraging donations by April 14.

The Manna Foundation is hosting a Mission Project to support Champ’s Toy Chest at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. This donation drive is an opportunity for individuals, families, churches, and community groups to come together and support children receiving care by providing comfort items and everyday essentials.

Requested items include stress balls, fidget items, board books (English, Spanish, and Arabic), travel-size toiletries, and brand-new youth and adult clothing such as tops, bottoms, pajamas, and undergarments. These items help provide comfort and support to children and families during their hospital stay.

A flyer from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt titled “Champ’s Toy Chest Wish List.” The graphic notes that all donations must be brand new and in original packaging. The list is organized by age groups and categories including Infant & Toddler (newborn to 2 years), Preschool (3 to 5 years), School-age (6 to 12 years), Adolescents (13 years+), Comfort Items, and Sensory and Coping Items. Suggested donations include toys, dolls, craft kits, LEGO sets, puzzles, blankets, books, gift cards, stuffed animals, stress balls, bubbles, and other sensory items.

Donations are due by April 14. Drop-off is available at The Manna Foundation, or arrangements can be made for pickup by contacting the organizer listed on the flyer. Community members are encouraged to share this opportunity and help expand the impact.

Every contribution helps bring comfort and support to children and families when they need it most.

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s TRIAD program, in partnership with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), is offering a free one‑hour webinar for daycare providers on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. CT. This online session will introduce practical, evidence‑based strategies that support young children with developmental delays in childcare settings.

Participants will learn how to plan classroom approaches that set children up for success, collaborate effectively with TEIS developmental therapists, and guide caregivers in beginning the TEIS referral process. This training is ideal for childcare staff looking to strengthen their toolkit and better support the children and families they serve.

Register here.

A banner image shows a modern circular glass building lit from inside, identified as the John P. Holt Brentwood Library. Overlaid on the right is a circular logo reading “Social Connections — Kate Deitzer & Missy Shaw,” along with a hanging lantern-style Brentwood Library logo. The graphic promotes a Social Connections gathering at the Brentwood Library.

Join Social Connections at the Brentwood Library for an evening focused on understanding AuDHD, the co-occurrence of ADHD and autism. This presentation will explore how AuDHD may present, including the experience of craving both routine and novelty, and share practical ways to support individuals navigating this unique neurodevelopmental profile.

Wednesday, April 22
6:00 p.m.
Brentwood Library

The session will be led by Kate Deitzer and Missy Shaw of Social Connections, master-level clinicians with more than 30 years of combined experience in special education and therapeutic services. Their work focuses on supporting neurodivergent young adults as they build independence and develop skills for everyday life.

Learn more and register:
https://brentwood-tn.libcal.com/event/16533110

About Social Connections:
https://www.socialconnectionsnashville.com/

A graphic titled “#IPSEDay” promotes an informational webinar from the Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance. The text explains the session will provide an overview of the nine IPSE programs in Tennessee, share student outcomes, and offer resources for students and families, along with ways to get involved. The webinar is scheduled for May 1 from 10:30–11:30 AM CST with a registration link provided. The TN Inclusive Higher Education Alliance logo appears at the bottom, with abstract color shapes decorating the background.Please join the TN Inclusive Higher Education Alliance in a webinar on Friday 5/1 at 10:30 AM CST, describing college options for students with intellectual/developmental disability (ID/DD). This webinar will be in celebration of IPSE Day, a national movement to raise public awareness on inclusive postsecondary education programs. We will share information on 9 existing college programs in TN, how to prepare students with ID/DD for college, and the positive outcomes from these programs. This webinar is designed for anyone who supports and works with young adults with disability. Linked below is an infographic with a Zoom registration link. 

A bright yellow promotional graphic reads “Join us on May 2nd — Get Move’n — 6th Annual Race for MOVE Inclusive Dance.” The design includes a playful illustration of a smiling character using a wheelchair holding a boombox, surrounded by stars and shapes. A banner at the bottom reads “Click here to learn more.”

Lace up and turn back time at the Get MOVE’n 5K Retro Run, a fun, family-friendly event supporting MOVE Inclusive Dance. Participants are invited to run or walk while enjoying a high-energy morning filled with music, community, and activities for all ages. Costumes inspired by your favorite decade are encouraged, making this event as festive as it is meaningful.

Saturday, May 2, 2026
8:00 a.m.
Edwin Warner Park – Picnic Shelter #10
98 Vaughn Road, Nashville, TN

The event includes a 5K run/walk, dance performances, family-friendly activities, community vendors, and awards. Participants who prefer not to run can still attend and enjoy the performances and activities.

Proceeds from the Get MOVE’n 5K help fund adaptive dance classes, scholarships, and programs that expand access to dance opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

Learn more and register:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Nashville/GetMoven5k

Join TriStar Hendersonville and partner HCA hospitals for the Color Our Community Safer 5K, a free community event taking place May 30, 2026, at Drake’s Creek Park in Hendersonville, TN. This event, held in recognition of Trauma Awareness Month and National Stop the Bleed Month, will also include a one-mile fun run/walk and a community safety fair.

Participants are invited to run, walk, or explore a variety of health, wellness, and safety booths. The event is open to individuals, families, and community members looking to connect, learn, and engage in a fun and supportive environment.

Organizers are currently seeking runners, walkers, vendors for health, wellness, and safety booths, and volunteers. Those interested in participating in the 5K or one-mile run/walk can register using the QR code on the event flyer. Organizations interested in sharing resources with the community are also encouraged to inquire about booth opportunities.

 

Graphic promoting the Tennessee Disability MegaConference. At the top, text reads “MegaSavings. MegaResources. MegaImpact. MegaConference!” in bold lettering with each “Mega” phrase highlighted in different colors. To the left of the text is a circular swirl design made up of multicolored curved lines. Below the text is a centered black‑and‑white QR code for more information.

 

The Tennessee Disability MegaConference returns on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro! This annual event brings together individuals, families, professionals, and community organizations for a full day of learning, connection, and practical information.

If you’re interested in presenting during one of the breakout sessions, the call for proposals is now open. Presenters are invited to share insights, tools, and strategies that support Tennesseans across a wide range of needs and life stages.

Submit your session proposal here: https://forms.gle/i79PxurjN2DoG9G36

 

Pathfinder & Community Celebrations

A teal celebration graphic reads “Congrats on your Milestone” above a photo labeled “Mimi” with “5 Years” below. The image features a smiling woman wearing a floral top and bright pink tassel earrings. Decorative confetti-style lines appear around the design, along with the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compass logo.
Congratulations to Mimi on 5 years — thank you for the dedication, support, and impact you bring every day.

A colorful birthday graphic with balloons and confetti reads “Happy Birthday April!” A circular photo shows a smiling woman holding a white cane, labeled “Information & Referral Coordinator,” with the date “April 20” below. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears on a balloon in the design.
Happy Birthday to our Information & Referral Coordinator! Wishing you a wonderful day on April 20.

A recognition graphic reads “Congratulations on your Award” beside a photo of a plaque presented to Sheena Adams-Avery for the B.E.A.T.S. Recognition Award. The plaque acknowledges exceptional leadership and guidance in empowering the community, dated March 26, 2026. A portrait of Sheena appears alongside the award, with the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo in the corner.
Congratulations to Sheena Adams-Avery on receiving the B.E.A.T.S. Recognition Award for exceptional leadership and community impact.

A graphic for Autism Acceptance Month shows a globe surrounded by colorful human-shaped figures arranged in a circle, representing community and connection. A rainbow infinity symbol overlays the globe beside the words “Autism Acceptance Month.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears in the corner, and the words “Awareness, Understanding, Connection, Support” are displayed at the bottom.
Autism Acceptance Month is a time to center understanding, celebrate differences, and strengthen connections.

A soft pastel awareness graphic for Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month featuring a large teal and purple awareness ribbon centered on a light glowing background. Surrounding the ribbon are butterflies, sparkles, and a lotus flower, with a faint illustration of a brain on the left. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears on the ribbon. Curved text at the top reads “Functional Neurological Disorder,” and bold text at the bottom reads “Awareness Month.”
Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month highlights a condition that affects how the brain and body communicate. Raising awareness helps increase understanding, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to support and resources.

Two athletes with lower-limb prosthetics stand on a rocky mountain overlook at sunrise. One person runs forward using a curved running blade prosthetic, while the other stands with a hiking backpack and raises a prosthetic leg overhead in celebration. A warm golden sky and mountain landscape fill the background. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears at the top center. At the bottom, an orange awareness ribbon appears next to bold text reading “Limb Loss Awareness Month,” with “Awareness Month” displayed on an orange banner.
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, which highlights resilience, innovation, and the many ways individuals with limb loss and limb difference live, work, and stay active in their communities. Awareness helps reduce stigma and connects supports.

A graphic for Parkinson’s Awareness Month shows a collage of older adults from diverse backgrounds arranged inside green ribbon-shaped elements. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears on the right, alongside text reading “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” and “April 2026.”
Parkinson’s Awareness Month highlights the experiences of individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s. This month, we recognize the importance of awareness, education, and meaningful support. Resources and connections can make a difference every step of the way.

A collage graphic titled “Black Women’s History Month” features a group of Black women from past and present arranged together. The image includes historic and contemporary figures, along with two Tennessee Disability Pathfinder team members in the foreground. The background uses warm brown tones to unify the portraits and highlight the theme of leadership, resilience, and lasting impact.
Black Women’s History Month honors the leadership, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black women past and present. We’re proud to recognize members of our  team alongside these trailblazers. Their work and dedication help move our mission forward every day.