January 2024

Click here to see the original email campaign with photos.

From the Council's Chief Strategy Officer

Dear readers,

You may be riding out a snow week as our staff is here in the Nashville area. In my family, we have one kid we have to convince to go outside and another one we have to convince to come back inside! Snow or no snow, we hope you’re staying warm and safe through these cold weeks of winter.

In the world of public policy, the weather has slowed the start of the state legislative session. The work will be picking back up soon, however. We’ll keep you updated on bills we’re tracking for potential impact to people with disabilities. You’ll notice an expanded policy updates section in this newsletter. We may also send special alerts to policy news subscribers on any time-sensitive issues or opportunities for input. Make sure you’re subscribed to our public policy updates to get the latest information as it’s available.

You’ll also see the news below that we’re getting our TN Partners in Policymaking® graduates together in April for an in-person reunion! We can’t wait to reconnect with our Partners network as we celebrate 30 years of the program and look to an exciting future together.

And one final item: I want to welcome back Emma Shouse Garton, our Director of Public Policy! Emma spent the last months of 2023 settling in with a new little one and is now back from parental leave. We’re so glad she had time at home with her sweet baby and we’re so glad she’s back with our team now. (Don't miss Emma's note and adorable picture below!)

Stay warm, everyone – forward into 2024!

Jolene Sharp
Chief Strategy Officer

Save the Date for Our 2024 Partners in Policymaking Reunion!

WHO: Graduates of our TN Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute (from any/all years of the program)

WHEN:
Friday, April 26 - Saturday, April 27, 2024

WHAT TO KNOW:
The Tennessee Partners in Policymaking® graduate network will spend two days reconnecting in person in Nashville to celebrate the program's 30th anniversary and its bright future!  

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:

  • Space will be limited, so watch for registration details to follow soon. 
  • Help us spread the word to other Partners graduates in your network!

If you're a Partners graduate and are NOT getting our Partners newsletter: check your promotions and/or spam folders and reply to this email so we can make sure you're subscribed! The Partners newsletter will show as coming from Cathlyn Smith or from the Council's agency email. 

Note from Policy Director Emma Garton

Hello, readers! I am back from maternity leave and excited to begin work in my new role as public policy director. Since starting at the Council as an intern in 2010, I have felt one of the best things about councils on developmental disabilities is how we can work in so many different ways to create lasting positive change.

At the Council, improving public policy that affects Tennesseans with disabilities is one of our core work areas. (See our 3 state plan goals).

Through this work, we:

  • Track, summarize in plain language, and share information with Tennesseans about policies that impact people with disabilities. 
  • Share stories of Tennesseans with disabilities and families with policymakers to identify system barriers and solve problems.
  • Measure progress toward inclusion, self-determination, and independence.

Working on policy issues to improve the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities:

  • Happens all year long.
  • Includes efforts by our staff, our appointed members, graduates of our leadership programs, and collaboration with many other key partners.
  • Involves creating positive changes at the local, state and federal level and across all branches of government.

As our small team continues work on policy priorities like improving behavioral health supports for people with disabilities and increasing access to adult-size changing tables, we are grateful to our partners in the disability community who keep us informed about legislation that impacts Tennesseans with disabilities.

The TN General Assembly came back together on Jan. 9 for the second year of its 113th session.

Here are 3 ways you can stay updated along with us about bills that impact Tennesseans with disabilities:

  1. Sign up for weekly Policy Watch emails from Disability Rights TN (read the first issue for the 2024 session here - there's lots of great insider knowledge and helpful tips in this one, it is a must-read!)
  2. Attend TN Disability on the Hill events
  3. Join monthly meetings of The Arc TN's public policy committee and sign up for their policy alerts

In the meantime, we have a roundup of the following below for you:

  • opportunities for you to share feedback and give public comment to policymakers
  • news media coverage of policy issues that affect Tennesseans with disabilities
  • articles about state and federal disability policy topics

Don't hesitate to let me know any time at emma.shouse@tn.gov or tnddc@tn.gov if you have questions about a particular disability policy issue or have stories you want to share with the Council.

- Emma (Shouse) Garton, Council Policy Director

Disability Policy Corner (Jan 2024)

State policy news, events and feedback opportunities

Federal policy news, events and feedback opportunities

Get to Know a Leader: Robbie Faulkner, Executive Director, The Arc Tennessee

We like to introduce our readers to different leaders of agencies and programs that impact Tennesseans with disabilities.

Today, we're introducing you to the new Executive Director with The Arc Tennessee.

Tell us a bit about your career background and your current role. 
Before coming to The Arc TN, I spent 31 years in public education, where I served as an:

  • English teacher,
  • district-level literacy coordinator,
  • middle school principal, and
  • Director of Secondary Education.

In my role as Director of Secondary Education, my top priority was ensuring every student was ready for whatever path they chose after high school. For students with disabilities, this meant creating individualized transition plans and teaching students how to self-advocate.  Our goal was to equip them with the skills and confidence to enter the workforce.
 
Because of the work I did in the educational arena, the fact that I have an adult son with autism, and the wonderful things I have witnessed serving on the board of directors for Developmental Services of Dickson County, I knew I wanted to work more directly with the IDD (intellectual/developmental disabilities) community. I am thankful to have been named the Executive Director of The Arc TN, which will allow me to do just that. What I love most about this organization is our mission to equip individuals with IDD with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to be part of the community in which they live.
 
What is one thing you’re working on right now that you are excited about? 
It is difficult to choose, but I would have to say our Bridge to Success conference, which will take place April 5 at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott. The Arc TN is known for its two-day Mega Conference, and there has been some disappointment that is not happening. However, everything that Mega embraced and represented is still a part of Bridge to Success. This one-day conference includes all the groups who are vital to the success of individuals with disabilities: 

  • self-advocates,
  • advocates,
  • educators, and
  • families.

Check out our conference website at http://bridgetosuccesstn.org/
 
What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned from working with TN’s disability community? 
This community is focused and busy. For anyone outside of this community, my answer might seem flippant, but for those within, you are nodding your heads. Grass does not grow under anyone’s feet. There is a sense of urgency in every conversation and meeting. I am loving every minute of it.
 
If you could wave a magic wand to remove a barrier to doing all that you want to be doing in your role, what would that look like? 
Because I am new to my role, time is a barrier. There are so many new people to meet, foundational knowledge to learn, and connections to be made. There is not enough time in the day. I have been told again and again to give myself grace, so that is what I am doing.
 
What are some activities you enjoy doing in your free time? 
I love to read and am particularly enjoying audiobooks right now. I also love traveling and watching football, especially college.
 
When should members of the disability community reach out to you or your team directly? 
The Arc TN has several programs that help empower people with IDD and their families. Below is some information about each of our programs and how to get in touch with those leading each. I would also encourage them to check out our website:  https://www.thearctn.org/

  • The TN Center for Decision-Making Support (CDMS) is a virtual resource center that provides Tennessee specific information about decision-making support options such as Conservatorship, Powers of Attorney, Supported Decision-Making, Special needs trusts, Able Savings Accts, HealthCare Directives, etc. Visit the Center website at https://www.tndecisionmaking.org/.  They may also contact the Center staff at (615) 248-5878, ext. 322 or via email at ds@thearctn.org.
  • Advocacy: If a person with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) or their family feels their rights are being violated, they have quality of life concerns, are experiencing issues with getting needed services, or need assistance understanding and navigating various government systems. They can submit a referral through The Arc TN website or by using https://tinyurl.com/ArcTNReferral 
  • The Personal Assistant Supports and Services (PASS) program is a statewide program that allows participants to self-direct their care. To be eligible, individuals must have applied for other waiver programs and received notice that they are not eligible. To find out more or to request an application form, please reach out to Ashley Coulter at acoulter@thearctn.org.
  • People First Tennessee is a statewide disability rights organization with the goal of empowering people with disabilities to have voices in addressing issues of equality that affect them. We are growing and rebuilding local chapters—reach out to join us or to get help to start your own local group. Email peoplefirst@thearctn.org or call  615-248-5878 ext. 023
  • Family Engagement: Whenever a family needs support navigating special education, they should reach out to us on our website familyengagementtn.com or email specialeducation@thearctn.org.

Transition TN joins school help network "TN-TAN"

Transition TN is an amazing FREE resource in our state to help students with disabilities transition from high school to employment and adulthood. They recently became part of a statewide network through the TN Department of Education that helps schools better serve students with disabilities. Transition TN's Erin Maves shares more below about how they can help your school!
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The TN Technical Assistance Network provides a way for families to connect with each of seven TN-TAN partners. Parents, like professionals, can submit referral requests to ask for resources and supports for their child. Transition Tennessee supports the area of secondary transition. Each of the remaining six TN-TAN partners support different focus areas. These include: 

  • intensive behaviors
  • autism
  • pre-school and early childhood
  • family engagement
  • assistive technology, and
  • tiered support (for academic and behavioral supports). 

Families can contact any TN-TAN partner by clicking the “Request Assistance” button on the front page of the TN-TAN website. Transition-related questions or requests for resources will be sent to us. A member of the Transition Tennessee team will reach out to the family right away. Families can also reach out to us directly at info@transitiontn.org.
  
Transition Tennessee has resources for transition professionals. Many of those resources are also helpful for families. For example, our website has video lessons that can help families learn more about:

  • transition assessments,
  • transition-focused individualized education programs (IEPs), 
  • community living,
  • employment,
  • postsecondary education, 
  • and self-determination skills.

Our website also has Family Tip Sheets that explain several transition topics in a practical way. Tip sheets cover topics such as: 

  • working and SSI
  • an overview of Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services
  • diploma options in TN
  • Employment and Community First Choices
  • ABLE accounts
  • decision-making supports
  • and assistive technology for after graduation.

These tip sheets discuss complex topics in a concise way, including who to call for more information, and suggested questions to ask.

Any of these resources are available on our website. Families just need to register for a free account to access them. 

Finally, we host several virtual events every month. For example, we host short monthly webcasts on topics of interest to both families and educators. You can register for webcasts at: https://transitiontn.org/webcasts/. 
 
With the start of our new contract with the TN Department of Education, we plan to create new family-facing resources. You can reach out to us with questions or requests for specific content! We are here to serve all Tennesseans who are invested in supporting students to reach their post-school goals.

Council member Kezia Cox featured at national Arc conference

We love celebrating how our Governor-appointed Council members act as leaders in their communities and beyond. East TN development district representative Kezia Cox is a young woman with disabilities who receives supports through the Employment and Community First CHOICES program. She also works as a Peer Support Specialist for one of the managed care organizations that run the ECF CHOICES program, Wellpoint (known as Amerigroup until recently). This means that she supports other Tennesseans with disabilities who get Medicaid disability services to help them lead good lives. Kezia shares below about recently speaking at the national Arc US Convention about her role with the company.

"My Member Advocate and coworker Judy Pate put in a proposal for us to present on my current position as a Peer Support Specialist with Wellpoint. The conference was during the first week of November 2023. I talked about my roles and responsibilities as a Peer Support Specialist. I spoke on what's working and what's not working in the position. The best part of the trip was how many people wanted to know more about the position and how they could incorporate it into their state. Ultimately, since the presentation. I have become even more confident in my abilities to present to large groups of people."

Congrats on sharing your story in this important way, Kezia!