The Compass

Dear Compass readers, Happy Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! This annual celebration offers our community a chance to pause, reflect, and think about where we are headed. The theme of this month’s newsletter – “Awareness Starts with Access to Information” – is the perfect place to start. I began my work at the TN Council on… Read more A Message from the Chief Strategy Officer of Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities (TN Council on DD)

  How Pathfinder walks with people, navigating complex situations, one question at a time. People often reach out to Pathfinder after they’ve tried everything they can think of. Search results conflict, eligibility language is dense, and “what to do next” isn’t obvious. Some are looking for developmental disability resources for the first time; others return… Read more When the Path Forward Isn’t Clear: Why the Right Information Matters

This March, as we focus on how the right information helps people move forward when next steps aren’t clear, Pathfinder is excited to share a new community partnership that reflects that same spirit of guidance, clarity, and steady support. Pathfinder is partnering with Little Blue Theatre Company for their debut production, All Smiles, a joyful,… Read more Spotlight Partnership: Pathfinder Joins Little Blue Theatre for All Smiles

Imagine a student walking into a classroom for the first time. They have a desk. Their name is on the roster. Their accommodations are documented. On paper, they have access. But do they feel known? Do they feel valued? Do they feel like they truly belong? In education, we often focus on access. Access to… Read more Access Opens the Door. Belonging Invites You In

Navigating resources can be difficult, and differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to strengthen connections to the resources and support people need most. This section highlights programs and shares tools that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to access disability resources and creating… Read more Community Connections – March 2026

Dual DiagnosisHelping a Family Navigate a Challenging Transition Story provided by April Meredith, Statewide Information & Referral Coordinator, TN Disability Pathfinder Edited by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP, Communications Manager Every day, parents, caregivers, educators, and service providers encounter moments that feel bigger than the resources they have on hand. These aren’t emergencies, they’re crossroads. And… Read more Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – March 2026

Awareness starts with having the right information in the right place. During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), many people often search for DD-related information for the first time or explore topics they haven’t needed before. Here are a few simple ways to use TNPathfinder.org to find what you need quickly.   🔎 Try AI‑Assisted Search… Read more Quick Tips for Navigating Developmental Disability Resources

Ready to take the next step on your path, job seekers? With love leading the way, we’re sharing job and volunteer opportunities, as well as helpful resources, from across Tennessee to support you in finding the roles that match your strengths. Discover new ways to grow, contribute, and advocate for what matters most to you.… Read more EmployAbility – March 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 – March 2026