Upcoming Opportunities 

Kindred Stories of Disability 

Do you have a story about safety, police, or the justice system? We want to hear from you.

A project called Kindred Stories of Disabilites is collecting stories from people with IDD and their families. Your story can help leaders make things better.

What they want to hear about:

• A loved one who wandered off or went missing, and how first responders helped
• Times when police or school officers got involved during a hard moment
• Traffic stops or car accidents when someone had a disability
• Trouble getting help when calling 911
• Times when a person with IDD was arrested, charged, or taken to jail

• A one hour zoom call with a Vanderbilt student
• You can stay anonymous if you’d like.
• You’ll get the questions ahead of time.
• If you would like, you can have a photo taken to include in the story. This is optional.

New Funding to Expand Programs for Children with Disabilities

There's good news for Tennessee families and the organizations that serve them. The Department of Disability and Aging  is offering $500,000 in grants to help recreational programs serve more children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What is the money for?

Nonprofit groups can ask for up to $25,000 in one-time funding. The money helps them grow programs they already run, like summer camps and other non-school activities for school-aged kids.

The goal is to make room for more children with disabilities to join in the same activities as other children, and the funding can also help programs support kids with complex medical needs.

Which organizations can apply?

To be eligible, a nonprofit must:

Groups serving children with IDD in foster care will be given preference.

Why does this matter?

Commissioner Brad Turner has said that children with disabilities and kids in foster care are often overlooked when it comes to recreational programs, or existing programs simply don't have enough room for everyone. The grant is a direct response to that need.

How do I apply?

Applications are open until June 8, 2026. Find full details on the DDA Grant Opportunities page, and watch a short video about how the program will help Tennesseans with disabilities.

Precious Cargo Awareness Survey

Our friends at the Tennessee Department of Revenue want to know how familiar the disability community is with the Precious Cargo program.

Precious Cargo is a free, voluntary program. It adds a confidential note to a vehicle's registration. That note tells law enforcement when a driver or passenger may need extra time or help during a stop.

Former Council member Martez Williams advocated for this program during his time on the Council. He helped make Precious Cargo a reality for Tennesseans with disabilities.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the short, anonymous survey.

Your feedback will help the Department improve its outreach. It will also help them better support the disability community across Tennessee.

Dear readers,

The Tennessee legislature adjourned from the second year of its regular legislative session on April 23.

We tracked and shared input with policymakers about many bills that did not end up passing. We know many of you were active in advocating about various issues, too!

Below, 4 bills are outlined that the Council educated policymakers about that DID pass and are either now state law or soon will be.

2 bills related to children with disabilities in state custody

• HB 2188 / SB 2362; Sponsors: Rep. Mary Littleton, Sen. Becky Massey
  DCS and DDA Collaboration
  • What it does: This bill was written to help two state departments work together — the Dept. of Children's Services (DCS) and the Dept. of Disability and Aging (DDA). The wording changed during the session, which changed the bill's impact.
    • The earlier version would have required DCS to enter a formal agreement with DDA and follow DDA's recommendations on evaluations, placement, oversight, staff training, and disability care coordination.
      • The version that passed removed that requirement.
    • The version that passed authorizes (but does not require) the two departments to work together on training, oversight tools, and referrals of children suspected to have an intellectual or developmental disability and allows them to sign interagency agreements to support that work.
    • The yearly report no longer has to cover where kids are placed, but it must now include how the state is building tools to check on the companies that provide housing and care to kids with disabilities.
  • Why we were involved: This bill is about children with intellectual or developmental disabilities; the people the Council works for. Because it affects how these kids are cared for in the foster care system, it fits within the Council's focus.
• HB 2526 / SB 1868 ; Sponsors: Rep. William Lamberth, Sen. Jack Johnson
  Child in Need of Heightened Supervision
  • What it does: This bill was first written to define a new group of children; those "in need of heightened supervision" and to change the rules for when they could be detained or committed. The wording changed during the session, which changed its final impact.
    • Under the bill that passed, a child can stay in state custody usually up to six months, with a possible extension if the child assaults a staff member; but not if that behavior was caused by the child's disability.
    • It also creates a task force to study the services and needs of children with disabilities, court cases, or competency issues.
    • The task force will share its findings with the Governor and lawmakers by February 2027.
  • Why we were involved: This bill affects children whose disabilities overlap with the foster care and juvenile justice systems, including kids found unable to take part in their own court case. It also adds a rule so a child's time in custody is not made longer for behavior tied to their disability.

• Nashville Scene: Children With Disabilities at Center of Bill Calling for DCS Collaboration (free to read)
• The Tennessean: TN bill passes despite concerns over extending detention for children (paywalled)
• ·Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Notables: A new cross system pilot expands support for Tennessee’s most vulnerable youth (free to read)

2 bills related to public school students with disabilities and behavior

• HB 1273 / SB 591; Sponsors: Rep. Clay Doggett, Sen. Ferrell Haile
  Threats of Mass Violence
  • What it does: This bill makes it a serious crime (a Class E felony) to recklessly threaten an act of mass violence at a child care center, preschool, or religious site.
    • The offense does not apply to a person with an intellectual disability.
    • It lets a court order a mental health evaluation before letting the person out on bail.
    • The court also can make the person pay for costs caused by the threat.
    • A young person found guilty loses their driver's license (or the right to get one) for one year.
    • It also requires that anyone who knows about a real, believable threat must report it right away to the police and the place being threatened.
      • Not reporting it is a lesser crime (a Class B misdemeanor).
  • Why we were involved: This bill says the crime does not apply to a person with an intellectual disability. Because that part affects how people with disabilities are treated under the law, it fits within the Council's focus.
• HB2327 (SB2055); Sponsors: Rep. Brock Martin, Sen. Page Walley
  Private Pay ABA Services in Schools
  • What it does: This bill lets parents bring in their own privately paid provider to give a student ABA therapy (applied behavior analysis) during the school day, at school. It is for students with autism or developmental delays.
    • The provider has to be properly trained and licensed, pass a background check, follow student privacy rules, and work with the school and the student's IEP team so the therapy fits into the day without disrupting class.
    • Parents must say yes in writing and can pick their own provider.
    • Schools cannot charge a fee, block the provider, or punish anyone for using these services; but they do not have to pay for them and are not responsible for the provider's actions.
    • The therapy is meant to add to a student's IEP, not take the place of it.
    • Schools must make a plan for how this works, and the state will create guidelines and sample agreements.
    • This bill starts with the 2026–2027 school year.
  • Why we were involved: This bill is about students with autism and developmental disabilities and how they get help at school. Because it shapes the services and support these students can get during the school day, it fits within the Council's focus.

• ProPublica: Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Fix to School Threats Law After Kids Were Arrested for Jokes and Misunderstandings (free to read)

Community Events & Training

Parties in the Park: Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis 

The Tennessee Disability Coalition is hosting Parties in the Park this summer. These are free, family-friendly, outdoor events held across the state.

They're a chance for the disability community to come together to connect, learn, and have fun. Each party will have free food, games, and resource tables, plus an adult-sized changing table at every location.

There are three parties that will be happening, so you can choose the one closest to you. 

Memphis: Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT, East Parkway Pavilion, Overton Park

Nashville: Saturday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT, Naval Hill Shelter #2, Shelby Bottoms Park

Chattanooga: Saturday, June 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT, Riverview Park, Hope Inclusive Playground

The Coalition has done their best to make the day welcoming for everyone. The park sits near para-transit routes, and they have a few $25 gas and gift cards to help cover travel. You will be able to find these at the TN Disability Coalition table while they last.

For accessibility details specific to your needs, the venue’s website is a good place to check.

An RSVP is required to attend. You can RSVP here.

Questions? Email the Tennessee Disability Coalition at coalition@tndisability.org or call 615-383-9442.