Self-Advocates

My name is DeSheika “Shay” Erving, and I am 32 years old. I have been a self-advocate with the Accreditation team since 2015. My hobbies include shopping, dancing, singing, and spending time with my family, staff and roommate. I wanted to become a self- advocate to help people speak up themselves and communicate better.  I like being a self- advocate to be able to speak up for myself, helping other people communicate and speak up for themselves, and doing focus groups.

My name is Shaun Fritts, and I have been a self-advocate with the Accreditation team since 2021. My hobbies include deejaying, MCing, and volunteering my time announcing for the Miracle League of Bradley County for all ages who have disabilities. I became an advocate because I want to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I recently became an AIM trainer, and I teach people with disabilities how to speak up and speak out for themselves and about their rights and what they can do.

My name is Joe Watterson, and I have been a self-advocate with the Accreditation team since 2023. My hobbies include sports (specifically wrestling and racing), music, and I am involved in the Special Olympics. I wanted to become a self-advocate because I enjoy helping other people become a self-advocate.

My name is Ashley Miller, and I am 33 years old. I have been a self- advocate with the Accreditation team since 2013. My hobbies include swimming, watching movies, reading and writing. I wanted to become a self- advocate because I figure I could make a difference in the community and in the world. I like to help people make connections to be more involved in their community. I like being a voice for the voiceless, teaching others about their rights and responsibilities, and working with the Accreditation Team. I also like going to Disability Day on the Hill and talking to legislators which makes my voice matter.

My name is Richard Thompson, and I am 47 years old.  I was born in Killen, Texas, and moved to Tennessee in 1992.  I currently work at CiCi’s Pizza, where I have worked for 26 years as a dishwasher and table buster.  I really enjoy my job.  I also enjoy going to camp, bowling, and playing softball with my church.  I also enjoy listening to all types of music and watching Netflix; my favorite shows are Fuller House, Walker Texas Ranger, and Family Matters.  I became a self-advocate working with the Middle Accreditation Team in 2016 and started back right after COVID.  I also volunteer on the HRC committee, and I volunteered to train staff with the Person-Centered ISP trainers.  I am currently a member of the board at the Arc of Davidson County.