Resource Corner – October 2023

Green and centered white color block background image with light green sunburst on the right side of the image. Text in the white color block "Resource Corner." On the top left of the image is a circular framed photo of Pathfinder's website on a laptop screen. To the bottom right of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic in a white circular frame. On the bottom right of image on a small white geometical shaped color block is text, "TNPathfinder.org."
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder offers a growing library of disability resources available at TNPathfinder.org. In addition to the growing directory of resources on Pathfinder’s website, here are some we’re highlighting this month

With Tennessee celebrating ten years of Employment First, we wanted to take a look at how it’s all going.  Tennessee’s “Close the Gap” infographic from the last E1st Task Force report: Members of the Employment Roundtable, TennesseeWorks Partnership, and Employment First Task Force collaborated to identify a statewide employment goal.

With the employment gap decreasing by 5.2% between 2017 and 2020, we think it safe to say we are definitely making strides in closing the employment gap between persons with disabilities and those without. Click here to access the infographic and feel free to share as you celebrate 10 years of Employment First!

If you need help finding any resources, feel free to call Pathfinder at (800) 640-4636 or search our website at TNPathfinder.org

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Researchers at Vanderbilt University are seeking adult siblings of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities to participate in a survey, as well as an optional interview, about their life experiences, sibling(s) and coping mechanisms. The study consists of completing an online survey that can be completed via any electronic device at any time from anywhere. It should take participants approximately 20-30 minutes max to complete. This study will end on January 31, 2024. Here is the link to access the survey: https://redcap.link/sibexperiences

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Attention all medical providers! We kindly request your participation in a significant survey aimed at enhancing the healthcare experience for autistic individuals and their families.
We also invite parents, caregivers, and self advocates to actively share this survey with your medical providers.
This Healthcare Provider Survey is being conducted by Autism Resources MidSouth, and Autism Tennessee, in cooperation with Autism Society East Tennessee, and The Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our agencies are attempting to determine the reasons why families are having difficulties accessing care or services through their insurance. We will share the results of this survey with the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, The Tennessee Disability Coalition, and other agencies that can help us make the much-needed changes in our state and better serve our families.
Your time and cooperation in completing this survey will make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic people here in Tennessee. Thank you for your participation in this crucial initiative.
Providers can access this survey by scanning the QR code in image above or by clicking this link: https://form.jotform.com/231295876725064 This survey will close on November 30, 2023.
Have questions? Email Tara Mohundro, President, Autism Resources MidSouth at taramohundro@gmail.com

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Fun, Inclusive Halloween Ideas

Looking for ideas on how to make Halloween fun and inclusive. Easterseals has some got ideas from experts in the Autism Spectrum Disorder field. These ideas are nice for children with sensory issues…or just issues with Halloween.

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Upcoming Holiday Resource

THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE APPLICATION
FOR CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE

The holidays are fastly approaching. For some this is a time of excitement where families are able to provide gifts that bring lots of joy to the household. For others this is a time of stress and anxiety as they are not able to provide toys for their children and gifts for loved ones.  We believe every child deserves to experience the joy of the holiday season. So we’re sharing the information for the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

Angel Tree applications are open for a limited amount of families during the month of October. So if you are in need of a little help to bring some yuletide to your household, don’t hesitate in signing your family up to receive these free gifts.

Check your local area Salvation Army for details. Requirements for each area are different.

If you are looking to adopt an angel and provide a gift(s) for a child or family, the process begins on November 4, 2023. Check your local Salvation Army for details.