Alphabet Children of Johnson City/Washington Co. Tennessee

A father designed a headstone for his wheelchair-bound son, representing him "free of his earthly burdens." ❤

SUTP Youth Council Leader Weston Trent Talks University of Tennessee, Knoxville Future Program:
I want to share my first-year experience in college so that maybe others won’t be afraid to try college or new things. I was scared to go off to college because the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus is an hour from my house and it is a big campus. For my freshman year in the UT FUTURE program, I did not get into a dorm at first and I can’t drive. I had to be driven to school and home every day. There were some days that I would leave my house at 6:30 am and not get home until 9:30 pm. Even with those long hours, I still like college. College is hard but fun too.
On March 5, I moved into a dorm. I really liked living on campus and on my own for the first time in my life. Yes, I was very nervous before I moved in, but that soon turned into excitement. New things can be scary at first.
Some of my favorite things that I did my freshman year were: hanging out with my friends, weight training, basketball, cooking class at Sean’s apartment, my internship jobs, all my FUTURE classes, and Fun Fridays. That’s when the FUTURE students and staff eat lunch together and do something fun afterward. Some of the things we did were watching movies, going to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, a Smokies baseball game, bowling, a museum, and painting The Rock. The Rock is a big rock on campus that people paint. It’s a public canvas and a place of free expression. It has been there for over 50 years. We painted about inclusion and wrote our names on it.
Each semester we work an internship. I worked at the Knoxville Media Center the first semester. I learned to record, interview, and edit films. I liked being behind the scenes instead of on camera. I learned to take the trolley and bus to the Media Center since it was off campus. The second semester I worked at the Free Store. The Free Store is where students can get free clothes, shoes, and other things. I helped stock things. I liked both places. My favorite place to eat is Chick-fil-A. There’s one near my dorm that I can walk to in five minutes. They know me by name!
Trying new things for me is very hard. I get nervous and mix up my words sometimes. However, the FUTURE staff and friends accept me for me. We’re like a family and watch out for each other and include each other. We even had Friendsgiving together. I love having friends to hang out with, eat with, and text—things I didn’t have before college. I’m doing things that were scary to me like living away from home, walking to class, or taking the bus or trolley. They’re not scary anymore. I can get around campus on my own. I have learned to use my voice more and ask for help if I need it. I am getting more independent.
Not everything is fun in college. There’s a lot of work to get done, but that’s how you learn. If you don’t try new things, you won’t know if you like it or not. This year I want to study for my driver’s permit. I also want to go to my first UT football game. I am living in a dorm all year this year. I still get nervous about new things, but I don’t give up. I try. No one expects you to be perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. You just have to try your best.

By Weston Trent, SUTP 2023 Youth Council Member, with Support from Laura Trent

Remember, no one sees the whole story. We've all got stuff going on. Even those who appear to be SO in control.
Be honest with yourself, if no one else.
There's no shame in your unique journey.
Tamr@

Together Conference

so prevalent in FASD.

We would like to congratulate ⭐Magen Jones⭐ on being named the Director of Special Education, effective January 16, 2024. Previously holding the role of KCS Coordinator of Child Find Services and Diagnostician, Jones now replaces Dr. Jacki Wolfe, who has accepted an administrative position in Washington County (TN).

With 15 years of experience in education, Jones has held a wide variety of classroom and special education instructional and oversight positions. Employed by KCS since 2021, she has served as an academy teacher at Robinson Middle School and as the KCS Child Find Services and Diagnostician. Before that time, she was employed by the Cobb County School District (GA) as a special education inclusion teacher, self-contained classroom teacher, special education support and services administrator, and educational program specialist, serving over 1,000 special education students in that role.

📰: https://bit.ly/3SlfHmO

REMINDER: 📋 Individualized Education Account (IEA) Program applications open on February 15 for TN families of children with qualifying disabilities. They must meet the qualifications below and you can find more information here: https://ow.ly/YqWO50Qqo0l

🚨 ATTN: We are hiring a Communications Specialist!

If you have a passion for crafting engaging social media content, a keen eye for detail, and the enthusiasm to collaborate across all of DRT's programs, this could be your perfect opportunity!

Apply today or share with someone who fits the bill.

Review the job description and apply: https://www.DisabilityRightsTN.org/About/

Former special education teacher Kim Kaczmarek came out of retirement to open Sleepy Coffee, Too, and employ many of her former students. This non-profit is dedicated to providing training and employment to people with disabilities in a cafe workplace.

https://news.yahoo.com/retired-special-ed-teacher-opens-120000344.html

Amen! 👌😊

The image below was a reminder that this busy and overwhelmed mama needed.

I have started taking a deep breath and checking in with myself before responding…that pause has been very helpful.

Amanda P.

Brilliant poster.
Tamr@

Breaking Ground magazine - Winter 2023 issue, celebrating 30 years of Partners in Policymaking® in Tennessee! - https://mailchi.mp/tn/bg116-winter23

ETSU training leaders in special education There is great demand for special education instructors, and ETSU is providing real-world experiences.

Signing Santa coming to Opryland hotel for deaf children “Mailing a letter to the North Pole is great, but nothing can beat a personal visit with Santa Claus to let him know what you want for Christmas and make sure you’re on his nice list.”

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/21/mental-health-in-tennessee-state-board-approves-k-12-funding-rollout/71606641007/

Tennessee's mental health trust fund board approves $6M in spending amid calls for action The investment fund took a hit this year, recording a $6.2 million loss, though officials said they expect to make up the unrealized loss.

Bridge to Success 2024 The Arc Tennessee is bringing together educators, advocates, families, and self-advocates for this new one day conference in April of 2024. This new venture aims to bring together all these diverse groups to spark collaboration and innovation in the most formative and meaningful fields of life for t...

Looking for ways to get your kids to help around the house? Here are some simple, age-appropriate chores for every age group!

Dollywood is hosting a Sendory Sensitive day — REGISTER HERE ….. November 18 at 9:00 AM Dollywood

https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/guest-services/sensory-sensitive-hours/

More Medical Schools Expected To Train Doctors On IDD A new effort is underway to dramatically expand training on intellectual and developmental disabilities at the nation's medical schools.