Meet James Brown, Transportation Technical Specialist
When James Brown arrives to work at TDOT each morning, he does so with a trusted partner by his side. Ivan, James’ guide dog, is steady, focused, and ready to help him go about his workday. The sable German Shepherd has been working with James for just five months, but already knows how to find stairs, elevators, doors, and how to navigate busy indoor and outdoor spaces with confidence.
James, a Transportation Technical Specialist based at TDOT Headquarters, has spent 23 years at TDOT. He began with data entry, moved into road safety audits, and now works in Local Programs and Community Investments, Active Transportation Office, overseeing Region 3 projects within the Clarksville and Nashville Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). He enjoys improving the physical environment and making active transportation safer for everyone. Accessibility is also deeply personal to James, as he is blind.
“The ADA has helped level the playing field for me. It allows me to request accommodations that ensure I can perform at my best, on a more equal footing with my sighted peers,” James said. “People with disabilities can perform just like others when given the right tools, training, and accommodations—it’s all about equal opportunity.”
His story reflects why TDOT’s work matters and how the ADA continues to shape the way we serve Tennesseans 36 years after the landmark law was signed on July 26, 1990.
“The ADA has helped level the playing field for me. It allows me to request
accommodations that ensure I can perform at my best, on a more equal footing with my sighted peers. People with disabilities can perform just like others when given the right tools, training, and accommodations—it’s all about equal opportunity.”
- James
Why Accessibility Matters
When the ADA was first enacted, accessibility efforts focused largely on removing physical barriers. Sidewalks, curb ramps, accessible buildings, parking, and pedestrian facilities became the foundation for creating a transportation system that could be used by everyone.
Over the past 36 years, that vision has grown. Today, accessibility is no longer limited to physical infrastructure. It also means providing accessible digital content, effective communication, language assistance, inclusive public engagement, equitable employment opportunities, and customer service that meets the needs of all Tennesseans.
Accessibility in Action
Across Tennessee, TDOT continues to advance accessibility through projects and initiatives that remove barriers and improve access for everyone.
• Implementing the Statewide ADA Transition Plan to identify and remove accessibility barriers.
• Improving sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and public facilities.
• Expanding accessibility at Welcome Centers, including Adult Changing Stations.
• Creating accessible websites, documents, forms, maps, and videos that meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
• Providing language assistance, interpretation services, and effective communication to help ensure all Tennesseans can participate in public meetings and access department programs and services.
• Supporting an inclusive workplace through accessible hiring practices and reasonable accommodations for employees.
Each of these efforts reflects TDOT's commitment to building a transportation system that is safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
“Accessibility isn’t an add-on to our work — it’s built into the way we plan, design, construct, and deliver projects across Tennessee. From the earliest project concept to the final striping on the roadway, we’re focused on creating systems that work for all users,” said Lori Lange, P.E., Deputy Commissioner of Program Development and Delivery.
Accessibility is not the responsibility of one office or one team—it is part of how TDOT fulfills its mission every day.
“Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility,” said Shanna Chevalier, TDOT Statewide ADA Technical Specialist. “Whether we’re designing a project, updating a website, planning a public meeting, or providing a service, accessibility should be part of the conversation from the beginning. When we remove barriers and think about accessibility in the work we do every day, we help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Inclusive public service is simply good public service.”
By considering accessibility from the earliest stages of planning through project delivery, communication, and customer service, we're helping build a transportation system that serves everyone, including our own TDOT team members like James.
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