April 2025

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In This Edition

From Our Chief Strategy Officer

We have big news: The application for Partners in Policymaking® is now open! This opportunity is for people with developmental disabilities and their family members.

You can learn more and apply for the 2026-27 class here.
Partners in Policymaking changes lives. We saw this in action as our 2026 class graduated this past weekend. Graduates presented their personal advocacy plan projects. They shared the change they will be working toward in the next six months. Topics included:
  • Growing transition supports for students leaving school
  • Improving insurance coverage for therapies
  • Increasing equity in healthcare
  • Preserving state disability history
  • So much more!

Previous Partners graduates attended as mentors who will support the new grads in acting on their advocacy plans.

Reflections poured in from graduates:
  • “Partners gave me more than information, it gave me clarity. It gave me confidence. It gave me the tools and the courage to step into spaces I never thought I’d be in… Sitting in a room with self-advocates, parents, siblings – people with lived experience so different and so deeply important – I learned more than I ever could from a book or a training… That’s what makes this so powerful. It’s not just what we learned, it’s who we became to each other. It’s knowing that none of us are doing this alone anymore.”
  • “I’m so proud, I’m crying here. The system isn’t perfect, yes we know. But there is always room for improving the system to help better protect and serve us… Helping people with disabilities and doing what we can to help better improve their independence and safety is what is important to me. Be who you are, be yourself, let’s make this normalize.”
  • “This was such a meaningful experience that will forever impact me, my work, my advocacy, and my relationship to the disability community. What I learned: I belong, and my advocacy can powerfully impact the opportunity for others to belong too.”
  • “I’m so excited for what’s ahead and ready to put my heart into creating communities where everyone feels seen, included, and valued. This is just the beginning.”

If these experiences sound like something you want for yourself or others in your life – apply now and help us get the word out! We can’t wait to meet the next class of change makers in Tennessee.

Hope to see your application soon!
- Jolene Sharp, Chief Strategy Officer

Upcoming Opportunities 

New Resource: Long Term Services and Supports Guide 

Do you need help with long-term care for yourself or a loved one? TennCare has released two new guides that make it easier to understand your options.

The LTSS Assistors Guide explains Tennessee’s main programs in simple terms. These programs help older adults, people with disabilities, and kids with complex medical needs. The programs include:
  • CHOICES,
  • ECF CHOICES,
  • Katie Beckett, and
  • 1915(c) waivers.

The LTSS Financial Rules Guide explains the income and resource limits for each program, so you know what it takes to qualify.

If you have questions, you can call the LTSDD Help Desk at 1-877-224-0219 or TennCare Connect at 1-855-259-0701.
 

Share your Experience in a Study on Patience 

The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing at Baylor University is starting a new study about patience and wants to hear from parents.

The study is for parents who are raising a child with a developmental disability. Your child must be between 11 and 17 years old. This includes children with autism or an intellectual disability.  

The study wants to learn:
  • What does patience look like when you are raising your child?
  • How does patience help you?
  • What makes patience hard?

The people doing this study want to find better ways to support parents.

What’s involved:
  • The survey takes about 45 minutes.
  • You will take the survey each spring, for 4 years. (2026 – 2029)
  • You will be paid for your time.

If you are interested in signing up or want to learn more, you can go to: disability.research.baylor.edu/patience.

Have questions?
 

Teighlor McGee Mini Grant Program 

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is offering a new funding opportunity for disability-led work.

The Teighlor McGee Mini Grant Program supports projects that create real change for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Applications will open on May 15, 2026.

You can sign up for the “What is the Teighlor McGee Mini Grant Program?”  webinar to learn more about the program, who can apply, and how to get started. It will take place on Tuesday, April 21, at 4 PM Eastern Time.

Grants of up to $6,250 will be awarded to projects that make a difference at the local, state, or national level.

There are two types of grants:
  • Affiliates in Action Mini Grant (for ASAN-affiliated groups)
  • STEP Mini Grant (for individual self-advocates)
Projects may include:
  • Advocacy work with elected officials
  • Plain language or Easy Read resources
  • Community education about policy issues
  • Building partnerships with other groups
  • Mutual aid efforts
To learn more or get ready to apply, visit the Teighlor McGee Mini Grant Program webpage on the ASAN website.
 

Council Member Highlight: Edward Mitchell

Council Member Edward Mitchell was recently featured in a video by the National Disability Institute. They flew a crew to Tennessee tell his story – and we think it’s a helpful one.

The video is about getting an accessible vehicle. Edward talks about how he did it, and what tools are out there to help others do the same. Teh video covers grants, payment programs, and ABLE accounts – all options that make accessible vehicles more possible for those with disabilities.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about funding or modifying an accessible vehicle, this seven-minute video is a great place to start.
Watch Edward's interview on YouTube →

Meet Kristin Compton: TennCare's Chief Dental Officer
 
This month, we're pleased to introduce our readers to Kristin Compton, who serves as Chief Dental Officer for TennCare. Kristin is helping lead important work to improve dental care for Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shared with us about her career, her current projects, and what drives her work.
 

Tell us a bit about your background and your current role.
Kristin: I was a practicing dentist for 15 years, where I focused on working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Orange Grove Center and then the Lee Specialty Clinic.  Although I loved seeing patients, I wanted to learn more about how laws and policies drive clinical care. I’m now the Chief Dental Officer for TennCare, where I advocate for high quality dental care for TennCare members.

What are you working on right now that excites you?
Kristin: I’m currently working with Renaissance to launch a program for TennCare dentists that provides training for working with people with disabilities. [Editor’s note: Renaissance is TennCare’s contracted partner for managing dental benefits.] This program will have webinars, and dentists will be able to ask for in-person training, too! We want all TennCare members to have access to dental care in their community and to feel safe and welcome. 

What's one of the biggest lessons you've learned from working with Tennessee's disability community?
Kristin: Working with people with disabilities shows you that everyone has strengths. Even if someone struggles in one area, they may be great another.  This helps you see people for who they are and can change how you think about others in a positive way!

If you could wave a magic wand, what barrier would you remove?
 Kristin: If I could wave a magic wand, I would make sure everyone understands the importance of dental health.  People would know how to take care of their teeth and why it matters.  This would help prevent many dental problems before they start.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
Kristin: In my free time, I love to travel, especially to different parts of the world.  I also love to cook, read, and sing karaoke

When should members of the disability community reach out to you or your team directly?
If you have TennCare and need help finding a dentist or have questions about your dental benefits, contact Renaissance at 1-866-864-2526 or visit tenncare.renaissancebenefits.com.

Policy Corner: Council News to Know

Dear readers,

I have had the honor of serving as the policy intern for the Council this semester and it has been a dream come true. As my time with the Council comes to a close, I feel grateful and prepared. I am grateful that the Council staff welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of their team. I am thankful that they trusted me to take on responsibilities like bill tracking, drafting policy updates, and attending meetings with other disabilities advocates, which were definitely the highlights of my internship.

I am leaving the Council feeling prepared to pursue my master’s degree in public administration this fall. I have learned so much about advocacy, legislative processes, and how to be a part of a team. I want to extend a special thanks to Lauren Pearcy and Emma Garton for how they have supported and mentored me throughout this process. This internship has been an experience I will never forget, and I am very sad to say goodbye (for now)! 

Side note: As a recent graduate from the Council’s Partners in Policymaking® program, I highly recommend it to anyone who is able to participate. It may change your life like it has changed mine! 

Sincerely,
- Bayleigh Pirtle, Policy Intern

Community Events & Training
 

Family & Youth Conference 

June 4, 2026 ·  8:00 AM–4:00 PM · Tennessee Library & Archives, Nashville

Looking for a chance to learn, connect, and be heard? This event is a great place to start.

The Department of Health’s Family & Youth Advisory Councils are hosting a one-day conference focused on bringing people together and sharing real experiences.

This year’s theme is “Elevating to New Heights.”

At this event, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Hear from speakers during a keynote session
  • Join panel discussions
  • Take part in smaller breakout sessions

This conference is about learning from each other and building community.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

If you are interested in attending, register by clicking the link here.