Navigating resources can be difficult, but cultural and language differences can make it even more challenging. We’re spotlighting programs and sharing resources that address these issues and promote diversity and inclusion.
Multicultural
As the new school year approaches, Pathfinder’s Multicultural Team wants to remind parents that you’re not alone. Weather your child is starting Kindergarten, Middle, or High School we are here to help.
How does the Multicultural Team support Parents?
- We help parents create a Student ID
- Guide parents through the Registration Process
- Find Zoned School
- Request ASD reports or proof of disability.
- Provide interpretation assistance.
- Guide parents through the TEIS transition process.
- Connect parent to IEP resources.
- Connect parents to Pre-Employment Transition Services
- Connect parents to the Local Educational Agency, LEA Representative.
- Provide resources in their native language.
- Advocate for parents (Encourage parents to report abuse, bullying, or discrimination)
- Connect parents to Inclusive Higher Education Programs
- Connect parents to different MS Educational/ Informative webinars throughout the year.
- Provide resources on the different types of Diplomas.
- Provide resources on Alternative Education Programs.
If you need help navigating resources contact us at 1-800-640-4636 (option 2) or via email at TNPathfindermulticultural@vumc.org. Don’t forget to follow our Spanish Facebook Page.
Community
Navigating resources and support can be a daunting task for anyone, but cultural perceptions and stigmas surrounding disabilities and language barriers can add to the difficulty. That is why it is important for those Tennesseeans living with disabilities who face the unique challenges of speaking different languages and finding their place in a new community to have accessible options, connect with local organizations, and empower each other to thrive. Everyone needs people around them to help and care for them, to feel connected and supported. So sharing resources and support networks for individuals with disabilities who are seeking community connections is important.
The Kurds -the people of Kurdistan – are a group of individuals divided amongst the states of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. The repressive, and often genocidal, policies of these states have forced many Kurds from their homeland, resettling in small communities in Europe, Australia, and the United States, most notably in Nashville, Tennessee. The thriving economy and the natural beauty of the South, along with Music City’s reputation for hospitality and the welcoming hearts of its citizens has attracted many Kurds, with estimates numbering over 10,000 (15,000 in the South), allowing them to build a thriving community. It indeed has become one of the largest communities of its kind, affectionately becoming known as Little Kurdistan to many.
As a dynamic community, like any other group of people, Nashville’s Kurdish community faces many challenges. These range from teaching English to those which have recently immigrated, to ensuring that the youth of the community do not fall victim to the many urban issues we face as a city, and the lack of resources and cultural barriers and stigma surrounding those living with disabilities. The Tennessee Kurdish Community Council (TKCC) was formed to respond to these challenges, especially those specific to our community.
The KCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose board of directors and council, include members of the community from diverse backgrounds. They are active in the Kurdish community and is an integral part of the greater Nashville community. While they concentrate their efforts on the Kurdish community, their programs are open to anyone else wishing to participate. The KCC does not have any political or religious affiliations and has become a safe space for initiatives working to improve the community integration of Kurd refugees no matter their abilities.
If you speak Kurdish or are a part of the Kurd community, don’t hesitate to connect with TKCC. Get in touch by contacting them at (615)-710-2355 or via Facebook: /TNKCC. For more information about TKCC visit their website: www.tnkcc.org.