January 2025

Table of Contents

From Our Chief Strategy Officer

Dear readers,

I’m excited to share with you our fiscal year 2024 annual report! This report gives you an overview of the work we did from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

So much of our work here at the Council happens behind the scenes: bringing people with lived disability experience together with policymakers in many different ways to work on solutions to real-world needs. This annual report gives you a glimpse into the results. We hope in the numbers and stories, you see a picture of lasting change toward greater inclusion, independence, and self-determination, led by informed leaders in Tennessee’s disability community, supported by the expertise of our small but mighty staff.

On behalf of our staff, I can say that we are honored to continue this critical work alongside all of you. We look forward to the results we’ll achieve together by NEXT year’s annual report!

See you in 2025!

- Jolene Sharp

FY24 Annual Report: A Year of Growth & Inspiration

We are excited to announce the release of our FY24 Annual Report! This year’s report celebrates the progress we’ve made together, highlighting the initiatives, stories, and milestones that shaped a year of growth and impact. Whether you prefer a document of text or a visually engaging presentation, both formats are now available for you to explore.

What’s Inside:

  • Empowering Advocates: Learn how our programs are equipping individuals and families to become confident voices for change.
  • Driving Policy Change: Explore how new initiatives are creating opportunities and improving access across Tennessee.
  • Celebrating Milestones: See how decades of advocacy have paved the way for a more inclusive future.

This report is a testament to the incredible efforts of our community, from advocates to policymakers and beyond. By working together, we’ve created meaningful change that sets the stage for a better future.

Youth Advisory Council: Your Voice Matters

Are you a young person looking to develop leadership skills and make a real difference? Joining the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) might be right for you!

YAC brings together youth and young adults ages 14-24 who have physical, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or intellectual healthcare needs.
As a member, you'll gain valuable skills through:

  • Advocacy training
  • Creating transition roadmaps
  • Building leadership abilities
  • Mentorship opportunities

Members meet quarterly, both online and in-person. YAC is supported by the TN Department of Health and Family Voices of Tennessee.

Ready to make your voice heard? Here's how to get involved:

  • Learn more and apply: Visit QR Code For Youth (tn.gov)
  • Questions? Contact Cathlyn Smith at Cathlyn.k.smith@tn.gov

Join YAC to connect with other young leaders and help create positive change in Tennessee!

Policy Corner: Council News to Know

Happy 2025, readers!

The TN state legislature convened Tuesday of this week and there’s already some big news: there’s a “special session” coming up.

While lawmakers met for a couple of days this week about some legislative rules (including new guidelines about members of the public visiting the legislature and limiting members of the House to introducing no more than 12 bills), they have now adjourned for the next week until the “special session” begins on Monday, Jan. 27.

During this special session, 3 issues high on Gov. Lee’s priority list will be discussed:

  • School voucher legislation
  • Disaster recovery funding after Hurricane Helene
  • Policies related to immigration

Check out the articles in the “state policy” section below for more details.

The bill filing deadline for the TN House and Senate will be Feb. 6, so keep an eye out for our Feb. e-news when I will share about bills expected to impact Tennesseans with disabilities. Several bills are already on our radar, but more will be introduced in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, get connected to our partners at the TN Disability Coalition, Disability Rights TN, and The Arc TN if you want to get involved in state disability policy advocacy work – each group shares information about issues and bills they track in different ways.

We hope you will join us at 2025 Disability Day on the Hill, too!

-Emma Garton

Public Policy Director

State News and Events

National News

Council Meetings 2025

Council meetings are open to the public. If you would like to attend Council meetings, contact Assistant to the Executive Director Ashley (Edwards) Hill at ashley.edwards@tn.gov. You can also call our main office line at 615-532-6615.