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 that support your goals, spark connections, and enhance your everyday experiences.
And don’t forget to follow Pathfinder on social media to stay updated on monthly celebrations, community happenings, and upcoming opportunities across Tennessee.
Pathfinder Events
Have You Registered for our First Webinar of the Season Yet?
A new Pathfinder webinar season is here, and we are kicking things off with a topic that can shape what comes next for youth and young adults with disabilities: transition.
Join us for Navigating Transition Services & Supports on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT.
Presenter Jena Costanzo will help participants better understand the services and supports available as young people move from school into adult life.
Because transition is about more than graduation.
It is about exploring possibilities, identifying strengths and goals, preparing for employment or continued education, developing independent living skills, and building connections to the services that can help along the way.
During the webinar, participants will learn about the continuum of Vocational Rehabilitation services, including:
- Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
- VR Transition Services
- VR Employment Services
These supports can help young people move from early career exploration and skill-building to individualized planning, job preparation, and employment support.
Jena will also show how Tennessee Disability Pathfinder can help individuals, families, educators, and professionals locate transition-related resources throughout Tennessee and build a stronger network of support.
Whether transition planning is just beginning or you are already looking for employment and adult-service resources, this webinar is a great place to start.
Start with information, resources, and a clearer path toward what comes next.
Navigating Transition Services & Supports
Thursday, September 24, 2026
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT
Presenter: Jena Costanzo
Register today and join us for the first webinar of this series!
Please note: The webinar will be presented in English. Interpretation in Arabic, ASL, and Spanish is available upon request during registration. Requests for Interpretation should be made by COB, September 17th.
Community Events
Get Boo’d up for the the 3rd Annual VIP Children’s Clinic / Vanderbilt Children’s Trunk or Treat at Travis Price Park in Springfield, Tennessee, on October 10, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM CT.
Each year this event gets bigger and better, and we’re looking for vendors to join the spooky fun. Come decorate your trunk, share treats, and be part
of a fang-tastic community event!
Please contact Debbie E or Brandy G. at 615-384-0600 debbie.evetts@vumc.org or brandy.appleton@vumc.org
CreArte Fest 2026 invites children to participate in the “Meeting of Traditions” Art Contest, an opportunity to showcase their creativity through original works of art inspired by cultural traditions from around the world.
The contest encourages young artists to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage while fostering a sense of identity, pride, and belonging. Through thoughtful, personal, and respectful artistic expression, participants are invited to share their stories, celebrate diversity, and highlight the traditions that enrich their families and communities. This inspiring artistic experience promotes creativity, cultural awareness, and an appreciation for the diverse traditions that shape our world.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The contest is open to children 7–15 years of agewho reside in the United States. Participation is free of charge.
Participants may submit entries in more than one category. To ensure a fair and balanced judging process, entries in each category will be evaluated in the following age groups:
•Ages 7–10
•Ages 11–15
All submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of artists, educators, and cultural leaders with expertise in children’s art, cultural diversity, and creative development.
REGISTRATION
•Participants may register by completing the Meeting of Traditions Art Contest Registration Form.
•Registration and artwork submissions must be received by August 19, 2026.
SELECTION AND AWARDS
•The winners will be announced on August 29, 2026, during CreArte Fest 2026, held at the Bandshell at oneC1TY Park from Noon to 6 p.m.
LEARN MORE
•Email: creartefestlmca@gmail.com
•Web: www.lamisionconarte.org
•Social: @LaMisionConArte
♦Spanish details | Detalles en español
Registration is now open for the National Disability AI & Enabling Technology Virtual Summit, happening November 17, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. ET. This free online event will explore how artificial intelligence and enabling technology can support communication, learning, employment, independence, and daily life for people with disabilities. Attendees will hear from experts, learn about practical tools and responsible AI use, and explore new innovations shaping the future of accessibility. Best-selling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin will deliver the keynote.
Pathfinder Celebrations
Congratulations to our communications manager, Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP, on receiving the Reframing Aging Award at the inaugural Tennessee State Conference on Aging and its first-ever awards ceremony. This special recognition honors her commitment to thoughtful, empowering communication that helps reshape the way we talk about aging. We are proud to celebrate Sheena and the impact of her work representing Pathfinder and the communities we serve.
The inaugural conference brought together professionals, advocates, community leaders, and others committed to improving the experience of aging across Tennessee. Through learning, conversation, and connection, the event highlighted the importance of challenging outdated perceptions and creating a more accurate and empowering narrative about what it means to grow older.
Sheena’s recognition reflects the power of words to influence how people see themselves and one another. Her work at Pathfinder centers communication that respects people’s experiences, recognizes their strengths, and ensures information is clear, meaningful, and accessible throughout every stage of life.
Click this link to see a quick video of the event.