TNSTEP

Shelby County Families: The Tennessee Department of Education is hosting FREE information sessions designed to support youth with disabilities in planning for their future after high school. During these sessions you will have valuable access to specialists, resources, and supports offered by Tennessee's Vocational Rehabilitation program.

📅 Session Dates: Memphis Public Libraries
Monday, Oct 7th | 10 AM - 1 PM at East Shelby Library
Tuesday, Oct 8th | 10 AM - Noon at Germantown Library
Wednesday, Oct 9th | 10 AM - Noon at Cordova Library
Thursday, Oct 10th | 10 AM - 1 PM at Ed Rice Community Center
📍 Pick a session convenient for you! No registration required. Sessions are open for all interested families.

More Information: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/vocational-rehabilitation.html

👉 Tuesday, September 24th: Mark Your Calendar 🗓

Are you navigating the complexities of dyslexia within the educational system? Join our TNSTEP Lunchtime Leaders Webinar to explore the difference between characteristics of dyslexia as identified through the general education setting compared to dyslexia as a specific learning disability identified under IDEA (special education) or as a disability under Section 504.

Jessica Dainty, Tennessee’s Manager of Statewide Dyslexia Strategy, will break down the characteristics of dyslexia, discuss support options for struggling readers, and share tips on how parents can effectively communicate with schools. Don’t miss this insightful session filled with essential information for advocating for your child's reading success!

🕒 Time: 11:30 AM Central | 12:30 PM Eastern 👉https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvdO2rqjgvHd2ctuvZ6JR9nWszo1aDcOPW #/registration

Did you know that Supported Decision-Making (SDM) allows individuals with disabilities to retain their rights and have more control over their lives? It's a process where trusted individuals help weigh the pros and cons of decisions, just like anyone else might do with a friend or family member.

SDM supports gradually increasing a person’s voice in their decisions as they grow and develop. From choosing toys as a toddler to making career and housing decisions as an adult, allowing a person to participate in decision-making at any age with the right level of support is one of the most empowering gifts you can offer.

Learn more by visiting these resources ➡
⭐ National Resource Center for SDM: https://bit.ly/natl-resource-ctr-sdm
⭐ TN Council on Developmental Disabilities: https://bit.ly/tncdd-sdm
⭐ Exploring SDM Video: https://bit.ly/exploring-sdm-video

This fact sheet was developed in collaboration with Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) WAZE to Adulthood initiative. Tennessee Department of Education

Nashville kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with amazing events across the city. WZTV FOX 17 News, Nashville shares a full list of family friendly cultural events and performances that you can find across Middle Tennessee throughout the rest of the month!

Nashville kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with vibrant events across the city. 💃

See the list of fun cultural events, performances, and community gatherings: https://tinyurl.com/3wkk3d75

(Photo of a Hispanic Heritage Month festival dancer, courtesy of the Nashville Zoo)

From our friends at Tennessee Disability Coalition ➡️

Choosing the right diploma option is crucial for every student, especially for those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). In Tennessee, there are several pathways available to ensure that all students can achieve their educational goals.

📚 Did You Know?
➡ A student with an IEP can continue their education and pursue a regular education diploma until they reach age of 21.
➡ The Special Education Diploma is available for students who have completed their IEP and maintained a satisfactory attendance and discipline record.
➡ Students may also work towards the Occupational Diploma by completing the Skills, Knowledge, and Mastery Assessment (SKEMA).

For more detailed guidance on these diploma options, be sure to check out the TNSTEP Parent Guide: http://www.tnstep.info/

This fact sheet was developed in collaboration with PEATC’s WAZE to Adulthood initiative.

Carroll County Area: Overflow Church is hosting their first-ever Inclusion Day, an initiative by their Compassionate Helpers team to celebrate diversity and inclusion. This event will feature engaging activities for children of all abilities, including bouncy houses, face painting, and inclusive games.

Parents can access valuable resources from therapists, receive IEP advice, while learning about other supports available to them in the community. Additionally, a volunteer will provide information about TNSTEP's free services for families and children with disabilities.

📅 When: Saturday, September 14th | 10 AM - 2 PM
📍 Where: Overflow Church, 14800 Highland Dr, McKenzie, TN

👉 Don’t miss out on this day of community, support, and joy. Let’s celebrate inclusion together!

Transition Plans are key to preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, and Tennessee schools require that all students receiving IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) start this process at age 14 to help prepare them for employment, higher education or training, and other major decisions that come with adulting. Transition planning is a team effort that should involve a student’s school team, parents/caregivers, and most of all—the young person who is going to be living that plan!

Learn how you can get more involved in your child’s transition planning and check out our TNSTEP + Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)'s WAZE to Adulthood transition fact sheets at www.tnstep.info. We invite you to reach out at [email protected] if you need someone to help guide you through the process. Remember, TNSTEP’s services are FREE.

📣 Exciting News, Macon County! 📣 TNSTEP’s Youth Transition Tour is headed your way! 🚗💨

On August 29th, high school students will take the wheel to prepare for the big decisions that come with graduating, choosing higher education and career paths, and transitioning to adult life — decisions that are often more complex for young people with disabilities.🌟

Thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee , Nashville Predators Foundation, and Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) WAZE TO ADULTHOOD initiative, every student will leave with a backpack full of resources and a renewed sense of confidence!

Get ready, Macon County! We can’t wait to see you there! 🙌
Learn More: https://tnstep.info/youth-tour-macon-co-8-29-24/

Knoxville Area: We had a great time last night at our "Intro to Special Education" workshop at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, and TNSTEP's Joey Ellis is excited to be back there on August 27th for our "IEP Planning" workshop. Come learn how to prepare for effective participation in your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings!

To register, contact: Tracy Bock at 865-690-8961, ext. 6732 or by emailing [email protected]

Please note: Adults only, please.

We hope to see you there!

Memphis Area: Join TNSTEP for an in-depth workshop where we will explore the essentials of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). If your child currently has an IEP, bring a copy with you for a FREE review with a TNSTEP specialist.

Workshop : August 27th from 6:00pm - 7:30 PM CST
Refreshments served at 5:30 PM CST.

Location: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Meeting Room C
3030 Popular Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111

To register:
Phone - 423-6398-3619
Email - [email protected]
Website - https://bit.ly/3Youi4r

Please note: These are adult-only events. Limited space is available. Registration required.

We hope to see you there!

Knoxville Area: "Intro to Special Education" and "IEP Planning" workshops are coming your way! TNSTEP's Joey Ellis will be onsite at East Tennessee Children's Hospital for both info and strategy-packed trainings on August 20th and 27th.

Intro to Special Education: August 20th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
IEP Planning: August 27th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

To register, contact: Tracy Bock at 865-690-8961, ext. 6732 or by emailing [email protected]

Please note: These are adult-only events.

We hope to see you there!

The Carroll County Inclusion Park is having their grand opening this Saturday, August 10th, from 10 am-12 pm CT at 450 Fairground Road. Huntington, TN, 38677. If you're in the area, check out the park and join the celebration!

The Carroll County Inclusion Park is having their grand opening this Saturday, August 10th, from 10 am-12 pm CT at 450 Fairground Road. Huntington, TN, 38677. The Carroll County Inclusion Park is a former recipient of TDC's Small Grants Program and we love to see what they're up to. If you're in the area, come check out the park and join the celebration!

TNSTEP's Board of Directors is accepting nominations/applications through August 7th! If you've been impacted by TNSTEP's work and have a desire to help families of children and youth with disabilities who are navigating early childhood, special education, and youth transition services, here's your opportunity! Ideal candidates are parents of children/youth with disabilities, individuals who experience disability personally, and professionals who provide services or education to the children and youth we serve.

To get started, scan the QR code or visit https://form.jotform.com/TNstep/tnstep-board-nomination-form.

For more information about the great work TNSTEP has been doing across the state for 35 years, visit www.tnstep.info.

Spanish-speaking families 👉Just in time for the new school year, TNSTEP is partnering with Family Voices of Tennessee for a FREE workshop on IEP Planning in Spanish, where you'll learn about special education services available and strategies to prepare for effective participation in your child's IEP meetings at school.

Join virtually via Zoom on August 5th at 6:00 PM CT. We hope to see you there!

We are excited to partner with Family Voices of Tennessee for 2 virtual trainings on IEP planning! Register for the time that works best for you - 12:00 or 6:00 PM Central. We hope to see you on July 24th!

We are happy to partner with TNSTEP to host an IEP training before the school year. We will have two IEP trainings on July 24th- one at 12 CST and one at 6 CST 📓📈📉

Here's the link to register for 12:00 CST Training:📈📗
Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jul 24, 2024, 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcuusrjwqH91JmLAG09OLH3nmgAitn4qJ

Family Voices of Tennessee is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: IEP training with TNSTEP
Time: Jul 24, 2024, 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82040077346?pwd=wQdyvbcS6DVIbVH9bKbGBxo3VCUnQt.1

Meeting ID: 820 4007 7346
Passcode: 267838

Dial by your location
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Here's the 6:00 CST training 📈📔

Family Voices of Tennessee is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: IEP training with TNSTEP
Time: Jul 24, 2024 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82040077346?pwd=wQdyvbcS6DVIbVH9bKbGBxo3VCUnQt.1

Meeting ID: 820 4007 7346
Passcode: 267838

Dial by your location
• +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 820 4007 7346
Passcode: 267838

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/ky9882lyQ

As Pride Month 2024 comes to an end....
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

From our June STEP Ahead Newsletter: TNSTEP Youth Transition Tour Visits Bledsoe County Schools

We had a BLAST at Bledsoe County High School talking with students about the importance of self-advocacy and preparation during the transition from high school to adulthood and beyond. We also had a wonderful evening with parents explaining their role in the transition planning process and sharing strategies on how to set their teen or young adult up for success as they are making big decisions that come with adulting.

We send our thanks to Special Education Director Corey Garrett and the BCHS staff for being excellent hosts and to Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup) for providing the Samsung tablets for our giveaways!

To read our full newsletter, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc645t5b

Are you hoping to get a job? Do you know about the incredible services VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) offers youth with disabilities that can help you reach your employment goals? If so, and if you're a student with a disability between ages 12-22, join us for this free and fun Zoom training on the morning of June 24th at 10:00 ET, 9:00 CT that will help you prepare for your future!

This WAZE to Adulthood training is collaboration between TNSTEP and Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). Registration is required, so visit the link below for more information.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtc--hqjIjHNJH7JMx0Z_slXHbbcZd43zs #/registration

Happy Juneteenth! Are you looking for ways to celebrate today? Here are some great resources.
Nashville👉 https://www.juneteenth615.com
Memphis👉 https://ilovememphisblog.com/juneteenth
Chattanooga👉 https://tinyurl.com/52em23j9
Knoxville👉 https://tinyurl.com/6bynu92c

Staff Spotlight: Tanya Willis, Director of Development

“When I first heard about TNSTEP, I was in awe, wishing that I had known about their services when I had to advocate for my daughter while she was attending traditional school. I was immediately drawn to TNSTEP because of the staff’s dedication to empowering others and being a voice for the disabled community as a whole. When given the chance to walk with the TNSTEP team to help others, I jumped at the opportunity!”

Tanya is passionate about empowering others to advocate for themselves. She enjoys fundraising, which she hopes will give the TNSTEP team support to positively impact even more families across the state. “When I’m not building relationships and meeting with funders, I spend my time volunteering to help rescued dogs and farm animals, growing fresh garlic on my farm, or reading a good book on the porch swing.”

TNSTEP is honored to work alongside Tanya!

The Nashville Predators Foundation gives out hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities for projects and programs benefiting youth and their families in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area every year. Recently, the foundation distributed $825,995 to 183 charities and the TNSTEP team is so grateful to have been chosen as one of those organizations!

The donation will support TNSTEP's Step Up To The Plate program, which helps young people with disabilities in Tennessee as they prepare for life after high school. TNSTEP is dedicated to providing tools and resources that empower students to thrive in their educational journey and daily lives.

Please join us in thanking the Nashville Predators Foundation for their support!

Staff Spotlight: Bernadette Gray - Family & Youth Education Specialist and Government Affairs Liaison

“I have been attracted to TNSTEP for 15 years. This bond was cemented at the attendance of a Basic Rights Workshop and continued to strengthen as I gained more knowledge and confidence to advocate for the educational needs of our daughter on the autism spectrum.” Bernadette took the relationship to another level when she became a Board member and eventually the Board Chairman. “The significance and value of TNSTEP still ring true in our lives as our daughter now faces her transition years. I am thrilled at the opportunity to come full circle
and help families directly as a Family and Youth Education Specialist, as I was helped.”

Bernadette’s diverse resume reveals years of expertise developed in the chemical and transportation industries, including strategic planning, process improvement, customer experience, and data analytics. As a lifelong volunteer, Bernadette has honed her leadership, organization, and communication skills. “My church
experiences gave me the platform to interact with families, youth and young adults. My strongest quality, evident throughout my life, can be summed up as a servant leader.”

TNSTEP is honored to work alongside Bernadette Gray.

ON BELONGING: CREATING A MORE WELCOMING AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY, By: Ned Andrew Solomon

As parents, particularly of kids with developmental and intellectual disabilities, we want a few basic things: that our children be safe, healthy, and happy. That even after we’re gone someone will continue to love and support them. That despite their challenges and limitations, they grow up to become fully-functioning adults, and that whatever accommodations are needed are in place to ensure their success. And, above all, that they belong, that they have found their “tribe,” that the people in their lives accept them for who they are. This shouldn’t be a tall order; a huge ask. But it is. A few years ago, Erik Carter, a former researcher at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and now at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, embarked on an initiative to define what belonging means. Through that intensive work, Carter and his
research assistants came up with a definition of belonging that was comprised of ten elements: to be present, invited, welcomed, present, known, accepted, involved, supported, heard, befriended, and needed.

Furthermore, Carter and his team state that, “exclusion means there is no
participation; segregation means the individual is in their own group, but
outside the circle; integration means they’re inside the circle, but in a cluster
by themselves; inclusion means the individuals are scattered singly throughout
the circle; but belonging means total integration. The individual is completely
in the circle, plus a part of small clusters just outside the circle that have
members of both groups.”

For years, the disability community has held up the concept of
“inclusion” as our primary goal. But there is a place beyond inclusion -
and it is belonging. Not just included, but seen as an indispensable
and cherished member of the group.

Carter’s ten components of belonging are featured in this graphic.

As my wife and the executive director of Empower Tennessee, Gina Lynette, likes to say: “Belonging means being missed when you’re not there.”

Carter believes that students perform best when they feel a sense of belonging in school. It’s not rocket science. It could be as simple as a warm “hello!” from the classroom teacher when a student walks through the door.

“Educators have the power to ensure that all students with disabilities are included in the general ed classroom, and that they are participating at every level. Belonging is a key component in improving academic, social, and behavioral outcomes for all students with disabilities. Providing opportunities for friendships to bloom may be the greatest way to promote belonging.”

“Creating Communities of Belonging for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities” by Erik Carter and Elizabeth Biggs can be found at tiescenter.org. This article provides 10 mini-guides for each of the 10 belonging
components mentioned.

❤️🤍💙 🇱🇷
Land of the free, because of the brave.

𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 14-22, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥.
VR's Tiffany Ramsey and Dr. David Rausch are conducting a survey at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) to gain more information on parental and guardian-desired levels of involvement in the selection of pre-employment services for their teen or young adult in Tennessee. They are hoping you'll answer 10 questions to help them better understand the transition needs of Tennessee youth. Participants will have a chance to win an Amazon gift card for contributing to this important research. You can access the survey here: https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BsVRPNIVmusl26

Participants must be the parent/guardian/conservator of a student with a disability between the ages of 14-22 who lives in Tennessee. The deadline to participate is May 31, 2024.

💙 Advocates Come in All Forms 💙

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every advocate - whether you're a parent, caregiver, or special friend - deserves support on their journey. At TNSTEP, we're here to provide that support. Please consider showing your support by rocking one of our new advocacy t-shirts!

Here's how it works:
👕 Scan the code or visit: https://qrfy.com/r/950FoyMRdF
⏳ Order by May 22nd.
🚚 We'll handle the rest!

Special thanks to Visionary Design Group for the shirt design and campaign support!

TNSTEP TNSTEP is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports TN families and youth by providing free infor