July 2026

From Our Chief Strategy Officer

Dear readers,

My first item is personal: if you haven’t considered vacationing at one of our many Tennessee State Parks, you’re missing out! (I promise our friends at the TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation didn’t pay me to say that. But I should note that Tennessee State Parks are working hard to expand accessibility – check out what’s new near you!)

Our family considered some bigger summer trips but decided to stay closer to home this year. We rented a cabin at Reelfoot Lake State Park and had a fantastic time together, exploring an ecosystem so different from ours here in Middle Tennessee. (My birding app practically called me a liar over the number of bald eagles we spotted!) The cypress forests and shifting moods of the lake were the perfect match for my goal of slowing down this summer. In fact, this vacation is my story of finding joy in the disability experience. It had the right mix of cabin downtime and new experiences for our neurodivergent crew. We made lifelong memories watching wildlife from the patio, tandem kayaking, a sunset pontoon cruise, family video game nights, and a visit to nearby Discovery Park of America.

I know getting away can be harder for our community. Whatever your situation, I hope you and your loved ones have made many beautiful memories together this summer.

Now, on to the professional. There are several developments at the Council that we want to share with you.

• Our 2026 TN Leadership Academy on Disability Services (TLADS) will wrap up in a couple weeks. Keep reading for more about this program, which is the only one of its kind in the nation.
• There have been some important federal policy developments we’re tracking closely – see the policy corner for more information.
• We’re in the process of finalizing a new Partners in Policymaking® class – always such an exciting process! We can’t wait to share updates with you as we kick off a fantastic new class in September.
• Intern Keith Dear is wrapping up his time with us (look for his final reflections in next month’s e-news), and Director of Public Policy Emma Garton will be back from parental leave in August.
• Many of our staff will be attending Tennessee Disability MegaConference on August 21. Join us there and stop by our table to say hello!

A new school year is just around the corner, with all the extra layers that brings for those of us navigating IEPs, 504s, behavior plans, and more. I feel myself bracing, but I am determined to slow down where I can and notice the joy hidden in everyday moments. I wish the same for you.

With gratitude,

- Jolene Sharp, Chief Strategy Officer

 Upcoming Opportunities

Chattanooga Autism Conference 

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The Chattanooga Autism Conference is coming up!

More than 700 autistic adults, families, educators, health care professionals, service providers, and others are expected to attend. This conference is intended for anyone who wants to learn more about autism and supports across the lifespan.

This in-person conference will include:

• 30 workshops on topics such as education, health care, behavior, transitions, adult supports, and research
• More than 80 exhibitors sharing autism services, community supports, and other resources
• Opportunities to connect with autistic adults, families, and professionals
• Continuing education opportunities, including CEUs and CME credits

Registration closes Sept. 4. Late and on-site registration will not be available.

Learn more and register for the Chattanooga Autism Conference.

Walmart and Sam's Club Join TennCare Diaper Benefit Program

Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies have joined the TennCare Diaper Benefit program. TennCare and CoverKids members can now pick up diapers at more than 550 pharmacies across Tennessee.

Children under age 2 who are enrolled in TennCare or CoverKids can get up to 100 diapers each month through a participating pharmacy. Diaper brands and sizes vary by location based on available inventory, but participating pharmacies carry a range of options to help meet families' needs.

You can find the current list of participating pharmacies and learn more about the benefit on TennCare's diaper benefit page.

Please help spread the word so eligible families know how to access this benefit at their local pharmacy.

Sign-Ups for the 2026 Tennessee Disability MegaConference 

Sign-ups are open for this year's MegaConference, and we can't wait to see you there!

Each August, the disability community comes together for Tennessee's longest-running conference of its kind. It's a great chance to learn, connect, and meet others who care about the same things you do. This year's conference will be held at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.

How you can take part:

• To attend as a regular attendee, you can get your tickets here.
• Become a sponsor. Sponsors help make this event possible and get to share their name with the whole community.
• Show off your work. More than 300 people will attend, and they'd love to learn about your organization.

Our Council will be attending this August, and we'd love to see you there, too!

Get to Know a Leader: Dr. Anna Settle

Dr. Anna Settle is a licensed psychologist by training. She has spent a large part of her career working to help people solve complex problems (and occasionally reminding herself that not all of them can be solved before the first cup of coffee).

Over the past 15+ years, she has worked across Tennessee's behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) systems in state government, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and direct clinical practice. Most recently, she served in leadership at Elevance Health, partnering with the state to strengthen TennCare LTSS programs like Employment and Community First / CHOICES.

Earlier in her career, she led forensic clinical services at the Harold Jordan Center, so joining DDA is" a bit of a homecoming." She is excited to work with such a dedicated team and to continue building a system that helps people live the lives they choose.

Q. What is one thing you'll be working on in the new role that you are excited about?

A. I genuinely enjoy bringing people together to solve complicated problems. I'm excited about strengthening clinical services, supporting families and providers, and finding innovative ways to bridge systems in order to improve access to quality care across Tennessee.

I've also seen firsthand how resilient, creative, and passionate this community is. It's a privilege to be a part of the work that can build more opportunities for people to reach their goals.

Q. What is one of the biggest lessons you've learned from working with Tennessee's disability community?

A. Listen first.

Some of the smartest and most intuitive people are the boots-on-the-ground folks; families and direct service professionals who are living alongside others.

I've also learned that relationships matter most. When people feel heard, and are valued, respected and included, better solutions naturally follow. We need each other to do this work. As we move past “my” versus “your” responsibility, we are more solution-focused and stronger together.

Q. If you could wave a magic wand to remove one barrier, what would it be?

A. I'd make it easier for people and families to find and access the supports they need, without having to navigate a maze of paperwork, phone calls, and waiting.

Until someone invents that wand, I'll keep working diligently with our partners to build those services, and to make existing services more accessible, more responsive, and centered around people and what they want and need.

Q. What are some activities you enjoy doing in your free time?

A. My favorite place to be is wherever my family is. We enjoy traveling, just spending time together, and cheering on our kids in all of their activities. We are a music-oriented family, so we like to indulge in all the Music City has to offer. Also, I love college football. I’m a little nervous to share my alma mater and favorite team in this Orange state. Just kidding… Roll Tide!!!

Q. When should members of the disability community reach out to you or your team directly?

A. Any time you have a question, an idea, or think there's a better way to do something, please share. Email is usually the best way to get information to me. I may not be able to respond to every idea promptly, but please know that I read everything that is sent to my inbox. Some of the best improvements start with someone saying, "Have you ever thought about...?" I sincerely want to hear those ideas. My virtual door (and inbox) are always open.

TLADS Off to Great Start

The Tennessee Leadership Academy on Disability Services (TLADS) is off to a strong start! Our 2026 class of 28 leaders from 14 state departments and agencies has finished its first two summits at Montgomery Bell State Park.

At the June summit, scholars learned the history of disability services, heard from state leaders, and explored innovation and Universal Design. The July summit focused on people skills and community voices. Scholars practiced working across agencies, heard a panel of self-advocates and family members share their experiences, and saw first-hand how the Access 2030 plan is making Tennessee State Parks open to all. The class also learned about valuing differences, the disability services landscape, and the state's Employment First commitment.

One panelist's words stuck with the group: "We have to see and provide support for the person with a disability so that we can help maximize their ability."

The Academy is a partnership between the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Human Resources. Stay tuned - the class graduates in August!

Policy Corner: Council News to Know

Dear readers,

We have been watching several federal policy changes that could affect disability programs and disability rights. Below are three recent updates, why they matter, and links to learn more.

Special Education Programs Moving Out of the U.S. Department of Education 

On June 16, the U.S. Department of Education announced that two of its offices will move to the Administration on Disabilities within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The offices are:

• Office of Special Education Programs
• and the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration funds Vocational Rehabilitation and other workforce services.

This means that special education and workforce programs will move to the same federal partner that oversees Councils on Developmental Disabilities and other important disability programs.

Read more:

- U.S. Department of Education Announces Additional Partnerships to Strengthen Coordination for Individuals with Disabilities Programs, Bolster Civil Rights Enforcement (US DOE Press Release, June 16, 2026)

- Education Department Moves Special Ed. and Civil Rights to Other Agencies (Education Week, June 16, 2026)

New U.S. Department of Justice Opinion on Community Services 

On June 18, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion explaining how it currently interprets the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Olmstead decision.

This opinion has led to a lot of discussion in the disability community because it addresses what states must do to provide community-based services.

Read more:

Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities (Slip Opinion, US Dept of Justice, June 18, 2026)

States aren't required to provide community-based care for people with disabilities, new DOJ opinion claims (CBS News, June 18, 2026)

After the opinion was released, the Council heard questions and concerns from Tennessee's disability community. We issued a special bulletin that same week with more information.

Medicaid Work Requirements: No Action Needed for TennCare Members 

Congress passed H.R. 1 last summer, which is a law that included changes to Medicaid. One change requires some Medicaid members to work or take part in community activities. These activities may include a job, volunteer service, or an approved work program.

This rule mainly applies to single adults who get coverage through Medicaid expansion. Because Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, this law would not affect most people who receive Medicaid in our state.

However, Tennessee does cover some parents who would not typically qualify for Medicaid because their income is too high for traditional Medicaid but too low to qualify for assistance on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that these parents are subject to the community engagement requirement. However, they automatically meet the requirement based on information we already have.

As a result, no one in Tennessee who is subject to the community engagement requirement will need to take any action or experience any changes to their Medicaid coverage because of this provision.

TennCare will mail members a notice to confirm that no action is needed. It has also created a webpage with additional information.

Thank you for reading this month's Policy Corner. Federal policies may keep changing, and we will share updates and resources in future editions.

-Keith Dear, Council Intern 

Two Partners Graduates Named Pathfinder Community Ambassadors

We're proud to share that two of our Partners in Policymaking graduates have been selected as Tennessee Disability Pathfinder's 2026 Community Ambassadors: Elizabeth Johnson of East Tennessee and Susan Bryant of West Tennessee. In this role, they will help more people learn about Pathfinder's free disability resources and referral services in their areas.

Elizabeth brings many years of experience in education and is the mother of a child with autism. This gives her personal insight into what families navigate when searching for disability resources.

Susan has spent much of her career advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including as a Community Resource Specialist with The Arc Tennessee. She is the mother of an adult son with Down syndrome.

Their expertise, lived experience, and commitment to advocacy will help more Tennesseans know where to turn when they need support.

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth and Susan!

Community Events & Training

Precious Cargo Program Can Help During Traffic Stops 

Precious Cargo is a free, voluntary program that lets Tennesseans with disabilities add a confidential note to their vehicle registration. When an officer runs the vehicle's tag, the note lets them know the driver or a passenger may need extra help communicating or getting out of the vehicle. Parents, caregivers, guardians, and conservators can also request the designation for someone in their care.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue led a July campaign in partnership with the Council, the Department of Disability and Aging, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. It was timed to Disability Pride Month.

The early numbers have been encouraging!

Since July 6:

• The Precious Cargo web page has gotten 1,136 visits
• 292 applications have been downloaded; nearly half of last year's total in just a few weeks
• About 1 in 4 visitors to the page are downloading the application

Roughly 200 Tennesseans currently have a Precious Cargo designation, so there is still plenty of room to grow.

Former Council member Martez Williams, a 2017 Partners in Policymaking graduate, was an important advocate for the law that made this program possible. Watch the Local 3 Chattanooga story by clicking here.

For more information, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Precious Cargo website.

Help Shape Independent Living Services in Tennessee 

The Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee (SILC-TN) wants to hear from Tennesseans about the needs and barriers that affect independent living.

SILC-TN is asking people with disabilities, families, service providers, and community partners to complete its Statewide Independent Living Needs Assessment.

Why Your Feedback Matters 

Survey results will help shape Tennessee’s next three-year State Plan for Independent Living. The plan guides efforts to:

• Improve independent living services
• Expand access to supports
• Address barriers faced by people with disabilities
• Strengthen Centers for Independent Living across Tennessee

How To Participate 

To participate, you can complete the Tennessee Statewide Independent Living Needs Assessment by clicking here.

By sharing your experiences, you will help improve accessibility and independence for Tennesseans with disabilities.

Share Your Story: Safety and Justice for Tennesseans with IDD

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, in partnership with The Arc Tennessee and our Council, is collecting stories to help policymakers understand how Tennessee's safety and justice systems are working (or not working) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The project, Kindred Stories of Disability, wants to hear from a wide range of voices: adults with IDD, family members, social workers, public defenders, first responders, and law enforcement.

Interviews focus on real experiences with:

• Missing persons and wandering incidents - how first responders handled it when a loved one eloped or went missing
• Behavioral crises at home, school, or in the community; interactions with law enforcement or School Resource Officers during moments of escalation
• Traffic stops and car accidents involving a driver or passenger with a disability
• 911 calls and emergencies - barriers to getting help, or times when disability-related behaviors were misread
• Criminal justice involvement - stories of children or adults with IDD being arrested, charged, or taken to juvenile facilities or jail

What is involved if you choose to take part:

• One-hour Zoom conversation with a Vanderbilt student
• You can stay anonymous
• You'll get the questions ahead of time
• Optional photo shoot (also can be anonymous)

Interested? There are two ways to sign up:

• Fill out the intake form: redcap.link/qjr2z43k
• Or email courtney.taylor@vumc.org with "Kindred Stories" in the subject line