Taking Pride in Pathfinder’s New Website Features

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 users to search, find, and access resources that best meet their needs and interests. Here are some of the latest developments that I am proud to share with you. 

 Updated Header Features 

 The following changes were made to our website header, giving users easier access to information on the website: 

• AI Assisted Search: Users can toggle this feature off and on when using the Keyword Search box on the header. As described by clicking the question mark beside the name, this expands the keyword search to include search results, even if the listings don’t use the exact words in their description. The best matches will appear at the top of the results, while less helpful ones will be listed closer to the bottom. For better results, try to be as clear as you can. For example, instead of typing “therapy,” you could type “speech therapy for kids with autism.” If you don’t find what you want, try asking your question differently or use the filters to narrow results based on location, topic, or age range. 

• Subheader Links: The header now features a new subheader that includes links to additional webpages previously located only in the footer and other areas of the website. 

• • Media: This link, previously located in the website footer, directs users to Pathfinder’s community engagement information. On our media webpages, users can learn more about our services, meet our team members, access our branding graphics, colors, and other details to help promote Pathfinder, as well as subscribe to our e-newsletter, download printable materials, and view archived webinars. 
  • Start Your Journey: This link provides users with an additional access point to search for services and resources using the five filters—Topic of Interest, Stage of Life, Diagnosis, Payment Option, and Service Area.
  • Resource Guide: This link was also previously located in the website footer. It helps users navigate resources on the website that are related to specific topics. 
  • Add A Listing: This link was previously visible as a plus sign (+) located next to the Keyword Search and Profile icon on the right side of the header. It allows professional users to contribute provider, resource, and event listings for us to consider adding to the website.

 

• • Social Media: Stay engaged with Pathfinder by clicking on the social media links in the header and following us @TNPathfinder on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook en español.

Searching & Sharing: Two significant changes were made to how users search for information and how they can share it with others.

• Service Areas Filter: Pathfinder’s website provides users with the option to identify their location, allowing their county and the surrounding counties to be automatically selected in the Service Area filter of the guided search. Users now have the option to easily change those selections in the drop-down box below the filter titles. 

• Share Result Listing: If users find a provider, resource, or event listing that they want to share with someone else, they can now easily send the Pathfinder link via email by clicking the new arrow icon on a listing page. 

• • • After clicking the arrow, users will see a pop-up to add the recipient’s email address. They may enter multiple email addresses for different people to receive the same link.
      
    • After entering the email address(es), users click Send Mail for an email message using their default address to generate automatically. Users can edit or customize the email before sending it. 

  

• Events Calendar: Pathfinder’s website calendar includes new enhancements that allow users to search for and view activities in various ways. 
  • Calendar View: Instead of seeing a list of events in chronological order, users can now choose to view them by date on a calendar by toggling the button to ‘Calendar View’. 

 

• • Search: Users can now find events in their area of the state by using the Service Areas filter as described earlier in this article. Users can choose to use their location for the county and surrounding counties to populate automatically, or they can select different counties.

We invite you to explore these new features and see how they can support your unique journey. Visit us today at TNPathfinder.org, and don’t forget to follow us on social media @TNPathfinder to stay connected. Together, let’s continue building a more informed and empowered community!