This section is dedicated to important events, surveys, etc., from organizations across the state, where participation from the community is needed. The only way for organizations to know how best to serve you, is that you let your voice be heard. Check out opportunities to engage below.
Feedback Needed
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is leading an effort to update the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (CHSTP) to understand the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older 
adults, veterans, and people with low incomes across Middle Tennessee and Southwestern Kentucky. This plan will help us improve our local and regional transit services to offer better on-demand or all-access transportation to those who need it the most. Please review their website, GNRC.org/CHSTP, for more information and to access surveys and factsheets “About CHSTP” (all materials are provided in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Kurdish).
Please note: For Kurdish-speaking communities, the survey is an interactive PDF that must be sent back to GNRC by email (see email below) or by mail (see address below).
Please contact Emery Hartz at ehartz@gnrc.org if you have any suggestions and/or questions.
Stories Needed
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, The Arc Tennessee, and Able Voices are in search of volunteer interview subjects for the next issue of Kindred Stories of Disability. The topic of the 2025 issue is “Behavior Supports and Practices in Tennessee Schools.”
Your stories and experiences will educate Tennessee legislators and policymakers about the barriers that students with disabilities and teachers face as they work to meet the needs of students in Tennessee schools.
They want to hear from students and parents who have lived experience with behavioral supports and practices in Tennessee schools and the impact they have had on the student and caregivers/family. They also want to hear from educators who have experienced and addressed challenging behaviors in the classroom.
Interviews will be with:
- Current and former students with disabilities
- Parents and caregivers of students with disabilities
- Teachers and school administrators
What you have to do:
- A one-hour conversation with a Vanderbilt student over Zoom, with questions shared in advance — Interviewees may choose to remain anonymous
- Optional photo session to give young photographers with disabilities experience using photography for advocacy — may be anonymous
- Final review of your story, written by the student
- Having your story and photos printed and shared with legislators and policymakers during Tennessee Disability Day on the Hill.
Check out the Kindred Stories flyer below or full details.
Interested in participating? Fill out this interest form to sign up for interviews or email Courtney Taylor.
