Events & Opportunities – February 2026

Graphic with a red and pink heart-themed background announcing ‘Upcoming Events & Opportunities.’ A circular badge on the left displays ‘February 2026.’ The TNPathfinder.org website address appears at the bottom right.

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

Flyer promoting the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder webinar titled “Navigating Financial Assistance Resources with Families First & SNAP.” The flyer includes the Pathfinder logo, event date and time, a photo of a family sitting together reading, presenter names, interpreter availability, and logos for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The flyer highlights that the webinar will explain eligibility rules, application steps, and how Families First and SNAP support essential household needs.

Don’t forget to register for our webinar!

Navigating Financial Assistance with Families First & SNAP

🗓 Thursday, March 26, 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Virtual via Zoom. Presented in English.

Join us for a quick, practical overview of two key financial support programs, Families Firstand SNAP. Learn the newest eligibility updates, what to expect during the application process, and how these programs can work together to help cover essentials like food, transportation, and basic living needs.

Presenters:
Lakecia Peterson, Families First
Michelle Joyner, SNAP

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

👉 Register Now!

CommunityEvents

Virtual Lunch and Learn: Hiring Individuals with Vision Loss or Blindness – February 18, 2026

Looking to widen your talent pipeline? Join the Tennessee Department of Human Services for a virtual Lunch and Learn designed for employers and HR professionals interested in interviewing and hiring individuals with vision loss or blindness. This session offers practical guidance, real‑world insight, and clear next steps for confidently navigating the hiring process.

You’ll hear from Quinn Howard, a Vocational Rehabilitation Field Supervisor who brings lived experience as both a job candidate and a hiring manager. A short presentation will be followed by an interactive Q&A, giving attendees a chance to ask questions and get direct answers about building a more informed hiring approach.

Date & Time:
February 18, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST

Location:
Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Learn more here.


 

Healing Arts Project Inc. (HAPI) invites you to the 16th Annual Phoenix Art Gala: The Awakening — A Journey From Shadows to Light. This inspiring event brings the community together for a night celebrating healing, creativity, and transformation through the arts.

Join guests, advocates, artists, and community partners for an unforgettable evening featuring:

  • Exclusive art auction with one‑of‑a‑kind pieces
  • 🎨 Live painting and creative demonstrations
  • 🌟 Award ceremony recognizing local changemakers
  • 🤝 Networking with community supporters and arts advocates

This Gala isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action.
Your support helps replace stolen supplies, restore creative spaces, and expand classes for people who need them most. Every contribution fuels HAPI’s mission to make healing arts accessible across Tennessee.

Event Details

📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM CT
📍 Trevecca Community Church, Nashville, TN

🎟 Standard Ticket: $75

Reserve your seat!

Sponsorship Opportunities

A variety of sponsorship levels are available for those who want to deepen their impact. For details, contact:
Lynece Benton‑Stewartlbstewart@healingartsprojectinc.org

Diamond Sponsorship includes:

  • Premier seating for 12
  • Full‑page program ad
  • VIP access to the pre‑auction & artist meet‑and‑greet
  • Enhanced logo placement
  • Special recognition during opening remarks
  • Exclusive sponsor gift package

A promotional flyer for Arts for All features a purple background with blue theater curtains at the top. Bold text reads “THEATRE MY WAY! Sensory Friendly Theatre Workshop.” Below that, the event details appear: “March 14th, 9am–12:30pm, Everett Hills Baptist Church.” A paragraph explains that the workshop is open to individuals with special needs ages 10–22 and includes peer buddies, music, acting, and choreography, with a final performance for family and friends. A yellow starburst graphic on the left says “We hope to see you in the theater!” At the bottom, two theater masks—one smiling, one frowning—are joined by a ribbon‑like swirl. The Tennessee Arts Commission logo appears in the lower left corner.

Theatre My Way: Sensory‑Friendly Theatre Workshop

Arts for All is hosting a sensory‑friendly theatre workshop designed for youth and young adults ages 10–22. This fun, supportive event takes place on Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Everett Hills Baptist Church. Participants will be paired with trained theatre peer buddies for a morning of learning theatre foundations, including music, acting, and choreography. At the end of the workshop, attendees will present a short choreographed musical number for family and friends.To support a positive experience, participants should not have a history of dangerous, self‑injurious, or significantly disruptive behaviors in group settings. Campers must also be able to manage basic daily routines with minimal support or bring an aide with them. Cost: $50 per camper

Space is limited. Apply here: https://forms.gle/uNV7FwbntXmpP2er8
This workshop is supported by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

 


 


W
e See You, Memphis

First Annual Event Celebrating and Supporting Individuals with Hidden Disabilities

📅 Date: March 26
⏰ Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT
📍 Location: Accessible indoor venue (full details coming soon)

About the Event

B.E.A.T.S proudly presents the first annual “We See You, Memphis,a community-centered event created to uplift and affirm individuals and families impacted by hidden disabilities. These include epilepsy, autism, ADHD, mental health conditions, and a wide range of neurological or chronic conditions that may not be immediately visible but impact daily life in meaningful ways.

This inaugural gathering aims to promote recognition, understanding, and connection across the Memphis community.

What to Expect

Attendees will experience a welcoming environment designed with intention and care:

  • 100+ community vendors, advocates, speakers, and organizations
    Offering resources, education, and supportive services.
  • Sensory‑friendly activities
    Thoughtfully designed accommodations to ensure accessibility and comfort.
  • Interactive experiences & family‑friendly entertainment
    Creating opportunities for learning, engagement, and connection.
  • A community coming together
    To better understand the realities of hidden disabilities and the meaningful ways we can support individuals and families living with them.

Community Partners

This year’s event is co‑sponsored by Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, a statewide leader dedicated to expanding access, resources, and support for Tennesseans navigating disability-related needs.

As “We See You, Memphis” grows, B.E.A.T.S welcomes supporters, partners, and community organizations to join the mission through:

  • Financial contributions
  • In-kind donations
  • Sponsorships
  • Collaborative partnerships
  • Hosting a resource table or sharing information about their services

Every contribution helps reduce barriers and expand access for the communities served.

About B.E.A.T.S

B.E.A.T.S is committed to creating experiences that raise awareness, strengthen families, and uplift communities. Through education, advocacy, and engagement, the organization fosters supportive environments where individuals with hidden disabilities feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Their work has been featured by regional and statewide media, including WREG News Channel 3 and Action News 5, for leadership in epilepsy advocacy, community education, and advancing seizure‑safety legislation across Tennessee.