The Compass

Dear Friends of Pathfinder, Happy Disability Pride Month! As we honor this occasion and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we are excited to embrace our theme: Proud. Informed. Empowered: A New Year for Disability Access and Advocacy. Although we celebrate every July, 2025 has brought extra challenges, reminding Tennessee Disability… Read more A Messager from our Information & Referral Coordinator

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, my team and I are proud of the role the Pathfinder website plays in supporting part of this year’s theme of “informing” and “empowering” individuals with disabilities. To continue serving as a premier hub of disability information, our website continues to evolve with new features, making it easier for… Read more Taking Pride in Pathfinder’s New Website Features

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) is proud to share two new toolkits and online courses. These educational resources were created by the VKC’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) and the Vanderbilt Consortium LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Training Program. Cognitive Behavioral/Instructional Strategies (CBIS) are interventions based on the simple principle… Read more VKC TRIAD, Vanderbilt Consortium LEND present two new toolkits on Cognitive Behavioral/Instructional Strategies for Autistic Students

When I received my autism diagnosis at 18, I was told it didn’t change anything. “You are more than your autism,” my therapist, family, and teachers repeated over the years. But it wasn’t a surprise to me. I had always known I was different. I struggled to fit in, but because I excelled academically and… Read more From Isolation to Insight: An Autistic Advocate’s Journey

Joint Needs Assessment: What We’ve Learned for the Work Ahead By Jolene Sharp, Chief Strategy Officer, TN Council on Developmental Disabilities Tennessee’s Developmental Disabilities Network has made national history with its just-completed joint needs assessment. What does that really mean for Tennessee’s disability community? First, some background: The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network exists in every… Read more Spotlight – July 2025

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 – July 2025

Hey job seekers! Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to a more inclusive and understanding workplace? Whether you’re looking for your dream job or the perfect volunteer opportunity, we’re sharing employment and volunteer opportunities and resources in the Tennessee disability community. Join us in embracing a future where every person has the… Read more EmployAbility – July 2025

Research is a key component for making new discoveries and improving the lives of people with disabilities. It can also provide participants with insight and support regarding their conditions, especially when there is a gap in services. Here are a few studies that may be of interest. RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED!If you are pregnant and are… Read more ResearchAbility – July 2025

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. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center 60th Anniversary Virtual Celebration Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future Tuesday, September 9, 2025 5:30… Read more Upcoming Events – July 2025