
Online resource will connect Tennesseans with disabilities to technology that can support increased independence and improve access to communities
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (Pathfinder) has expanded its website to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to access assistive and enabling technology resources. Tennessee Tech Connect, the new addition to a statewide website, TNPathfinder.org, provides updated interactive features and a step-by-step guide that matches users anywhere in Tennessee with products and services to meet their needs.
New feature of the Pathfinder website
Tennessee Tech Connect (TN Tech Connect), a collaborative program between Pathfinder and the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), was developed to provide resource information on assistive and enabling technology. The goal is to provide a platform that connects individuals with disabilities to tools available to increase their capabilities.
“We’ve seen how technology can be a life changer for people with disabilities. DIDD is excited for this partnership with Pathfinder and providers that can get the right tools to Tennesseans statewide so that they can live the lives they desire,“ said Brad Turner, Commissioner of DIDD. “We look forward to seeing how people with disabilities will utilize Tennessee Tech Connect to achieve their desired goals for independent living, meaningful job opportunities, and navigating their communities.”
Connecting to technology
The new feature on the website allows users to select specific technology outcomes, ways technology can help support them. Some examples of outcomes include communication, employment, daily home activities, medication management, and so much more. After selecting an outcome, more specific solutions are available to choose from, which helps the user narrow down the exact technology that is needed. The user will also be able to select technology that is available based on age and disability. Additionally, the user can select the area of Tennessee in which they would like to see agencies that provide technology as well as different payment types. All search filters help the individual connect with various agencies that offer all different types of technology.
Access to new feature
To assist with gaining access to the new feature, Pathfinder is hosting a webinar on July 20, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT. The webinar will include an overview of the importance of technology, how to use the new features on the website and much more. Milton Neuenschwander, state director of Enabling Technology, will be the featured guest. To register for this upcoming webinar click here. Registration is required.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a joint project of the Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, part of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. It is partially funded under grant contracts with the Tennessee Departments of Health, Education, Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Transportation, and the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which is instrumental in funding the upgrade.
For more information about Tennessee Disability Pathfinder or to check out the TN Tech Connect tab visit TNPathfinder.org.
Click here to view or download the press release.