The Compass

Emergencies do not discriminate, but their impacts are not experienced equally. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), preparedness must account for individual support needs while recognizing an important reality: no emergency plan can anticipate every situation. The response needs encountered during and immediately following Hurricane Helene and its devastating impacts on East Tennessee… Read more Emergency Preparedness in the I/DD Community

Emergencies are something none of us really wants to think about. We hope the individuals we care about will never experience a fire, severe weather event, medical emergency, evacuation, lockdown, or other dangerous situation. But whether someone is sitting in a classroom or relaxing at home, the unexpected can happen. For students with disabilities, emergency… Read more When the Unexpected Happens: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Emergencies

Knowing a preparedness resource exists is useful. Knowing how to use it before you need it is what can make the difference. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the state. As part of that work, TEMA recognizes that emergency planning cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach. That… Read more Spotlight: TEMA Accessible Emergency Information Designed with Disability in Mind – September 2026

How the Scariest Emergency of My Life Made Me Better Prepared Written by William Bell, Tennessee Resident When Winter Storm Fern moved through Tennessee, I knew we could lose power. I mean, where we live if the wind blows too hard we lose power. I had lived through bad weather before, and I have always… Read more Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – September 2026

Community is stronger when we support one another. This section spotlights peer support groups, caregiver networks, community-based programs, and organizations that foster belonging, encouragement, and shared experiences. By highlighting opportunities to connect, we aim to strengthen relationships and ensure no one has to navigate their journey alone Build Your Readiness Circle: Support Without Giving Up… Read more Community Connections – September 2026

Navigando Juntos reconoce que encontrar recursos para discapacitados puede ser un desafío, especialmente cuando las diferencias en las habilidades, la cultura y el idioma crean barreras adicionales. Esta sección comparte herramientas prácticas, recursos confiables e información útil para facilitar la navegación por los servicios, empoderando a las personas y familias para encontrar el apoyo que… Read more Navegando Juntos (Navigating Together) – September 2026

Quick Tips: 10-Minute Readiness Search with Pathfinder You do not have to wait for an emergency to figure out where to look for help. Set aside 10 minutes and get familiar with two Pathfinder resource pages that may be useful when life takes an unexpected turn: Trauma-Related Resources and Tennessee Disaster Support. 1. Open both… Read more Quick Tips – September 2026

Emergency preparedness can also be a pathway to employment, service, and skill-building. Across Tennessee, people with disabilities can explore training, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, and careers connected to public safety, emergency response, community support, communication, planning, and recovery. These experiences can help strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills while creating meaningful ways to contribute… Read more EmployAbility – September 2026

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… Read more Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – September 2026