Stronger Together

The Council on Developmental Disabilities brings people together to grow opportunities and communities

A Special Advertising Supplement by Thea Marie rooD Wanda Willis has been resourCes for TCDD executive director for almost three decades. rural CoMMuniTies Photo CoURtESY oF tCdd

For the People,

The work of the Tennessee Council on Developmental By the People Disabilities is shaped by members from all across the state, including residents The Council educates and connects citizens from rural communities. One such member is and government for change that matters. Jennifer Coleman, who was recently reappointed to a second three-year term by he Tennessee Council on and advocacy system, Disability Rights she first learned of his disability. “I feel Gov. Bill Lee. Coleman lives Developmental Disabilities exists Tennessee,” Willis added. like the main transformation for me has in Paris, in Henry County, to improve the lives of people with But the most important contribution been becoming aware of what’s really where she is a family nurse Tdisabilities and their families. With its mix comes from the 21 citizen members who important for him.” practitioner at the Rural of experts and citizens, it has successfully have direct experience with intellectual Education and employment quickly Health Primary Clinic in filled that mission for nearly 50 years. and physical disabilities. “Council topped that list, which led to her work Camden. In her TCDD role, The Developmental Disabilities Act members reflect our state’s diversity, and with the Council. “Our mission is to give she meets with the full of 1970 paved the way for state councils; they come from every area of the state, people tools so they can be active and Council four times a year the Tennessee council was established by knowledgeable and promote change,” in Nashville and serves executive order from the governor’s office Pryor said. “We are educating people so as a representative to her in 1975. “The membership they can be leaders in their communities region. She also organized a “The interesting thing about the and across the state.” successful and well-attended Council is it’s a state agency, but it of the Council is The Council’s direct connection to “Disability 101” resource includes both policymakers and private electrifying — and both citizens’ needs and state government event in her area. citizens--it brings together educators, allows it to bring the right people together “I have been honored policymakers, legislators and private that’s intentional.” to work on big issues. One example is to be a part of the Council citizens to address disability issues,” said Wanda Willis the Employment Roundtable, which the these past three years,” Wanda Willis, the Council’s executive Executive Director of TCDD Council hosts to share information and Coleman said. “I am thrilled director for 28 years. “The membership build partnerships across state programs to continue that work for of the Council is just electrifying — and working on employment for people with another term. So many that’s intentional.” disabilities. Businesses are seeing the good things are happening, By law, the diverse group must both urban and rural,” Willis said. benefits of hiring employees who have a especially as the Council include representatives from state The Council’s chair is one of those disability. focuses on reaching rural departments of education, health, labor, citizen members. Tecia Puckett Pryor is an Willis remembers a recent Roundtable areas like ours with disability vocational rehabilitation, mental health attorney and mediator whose 16-year-old guest speaker who employs people resources and information. and Medicaid, as well as from both son Harrison is on the autism spectrum. with disabilities. “He said, ‘I wish I’d I will be working hard to of Tennessee’s Centers of Excellence “He is a very friendly and loving kid and known all this years ago. These are the continue opening more doors (the Kennedy Center at Vanderbilt and he really brightens people’s days by being best employees I’ve ever had, and it for people with disabilities the Boling Center at The University with him,” Pryor said. “I take delight in completely changed the culture of the right here in our community.” of Tennessee). “We also have a knowing that others find joy in him.” She workplace.’ That’s the kind of change representative from our state protection knows she has come a long way since we’re working for.”

2 | Stronger Together | TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES by anne sTokes Partners in Policymaking has helped the family of David frizzell aTTenD ParTners become better advocates. in PoliCyMaking Photo CoURtESY oF Faith hEnShaw Training!

Want to learn about state and federal legislative processes? Inclusive communities, classrooms, housing and employment? Assistive technology and how to Partners in advocate for yourself or loved ones? Attend a Partners in Policymaking Policymaking training! How much does the training program cost? Free training gives individuals The training is free for adults and families the tools to live with disabilities and their family members. The Council covers their best lives participants’ hotel and meal costs and reimburses round-trip mileage. When and where is it held? Classes are held over seven aith Henshaw and David Frizzell Their mother, Virginia Frizzell, is also resources can be harder than in more weekends in Middle Tennessee are more than just siblings; they’re a graduate of the Partners in Policymaking populated areas. But through Partners from September through friends. They like to sing in the program. She said the training has made training and networking with other November and January through Fcar, exercise at the YMCA and go to her more aware of what she can do to families, they feel they have the tools to April. movies and concerts together. Like most advocate on her son’s behalf and how to give David a rich life. How to apply big sisters, Faith always has been very “It gave me a new hope and a new Adults with disabilities and involved in her brother’s life. Unlike most direction to look [towards] for David. family members of individuals siblings, she will need to continue some “I feel confident that Some of my future plans for him totally with a disability are eligible to level of care-giving into the future: David evolved and changed after I went to if something comes attend training. If you’re eligible was born with Down syndrome. Partners,” Virginia said. “If I had not had but not selected, you are The Tennessee Council on up in the future, I the opportunity, I don’t think I would guaranteed a spot in a future Developmental Disabilities’ Partners have known that he could do those session. in Policymaking® program is helping know where to go to different things. … I feel confident that if • Apply online at her prepare for that future. The free find help.” something comes up in the future, I know www.tn.gov/cdd (click on training teaches adults with disabilities where to go to find help.” Virginia Frizzell “Partners in Policymaking” and their families advocacy strategies Partners in Policymaking graduate While finding resources and programs link). like how to talk to lawmakers, how to is important, Faith says the friendships exercise educational rights and how and networking she’s gained through • Mail an application to the to find employment opportunities. It Partners training is just as invaluable. Tennessee Council on also provides ongoing support through find resources that enable him to live as “The world is hard and scary as Developmental Disabilities friendships and networking. independently as possible. is. When you add a special need or at: 500 James Robertson “A sibling, that’s your longest-lasting “Being a teacher of 23 years, I felt disability, it makes it harder and more Parkway, Davy Crockett relationship; you’re going to have it for I knew it all,” Virginia said. “But I was scary,” she said. “This just gives you the Tower, First Floor life,” Faith said. “I know one day when so surprised when I got there and went aid and comfort you need. It makes it Nashville, TN 37243. my parents are gone, he will be my sole through the class at how much I didn’t manageable.” • Call 615-532-6615 to responsibility. And while that’s something know and how much more there was out For more information and to apply for the request an application via I willingly choose, it’s terrifying. … I’m there to learn.” Partners in Policymaking program, visit mail. not alone, there are other individuals who Both Virginia and Faith note that in www.tn.gov/cdd/training-and-news or call have the same fears as me.” their rural town, finding programs and 615-532-6556.

TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | www.tn.gov/cdd | 3 Raising an Inclusive Generation Kids who grow and learn together build a society where everyone is valued Charlotte bynum enjoys learning with her peers. Photo bY aliSon bYnUm

her the opportunity to hear grade level Charlotte is also loved by her lison and Brad Bynum believe classroom with only students with content alongside her peers. The social classmates. Alison spends a few minutes inclusive education is essential disabilities. and emotional growth that has followed with them at the beginning of each school for their 11-year-old daughter, “Because of our daughter’s disabilities has been as important to Charlotte as the year, explaining Charlotte’s disabilities. Charlotte.A But they also believe it is the and medical needs, it is challenging academic goals. She tells them, “Asking respectful way the world will become a better place. to assess what she is learning. She is Charlotte is now a fifth grader. Her questions to learn is always okay.” Their “I feel strongly societal change still working to master an eye gaze mother describes her as loving horses – understanding and relationships with starts with kids, so they can grow into a communication device, though she does she rides every week – as well as reading Charlotte have flourished. generation of inclusivity,” said Alison, who communicate using facial expressions, her and spending time with her friends at In fact, a classmate wrote a letter to the is also newly appointed to the Council. body and her head. We cannot prove that church. “She’s a great listener,” Alison said principal requesting playground equipment “If they grow up together, when a person she doesn’t understand, so we presume with a laugh. “She knows all our secrets – Charlotte could access with her wheelchair. is in a position of offering employment, competence,” Alison said. if she learns to talk, we’ll all be toast!” Said Alison, “This type of outcome isn’t they will have grown up with people with The Bynums worked together with measured, but it’s priceless.” disabilities and view them as employable. school administrators and almost a dozen We have to start young with the people who will be hiring someday, living in the community, providing health care, if we “We have to inClusive eDuCaTion resourCes want to change the culture.” start young with This commitment to inclusion started the people who Advocacy Agencies Tennessee Voices for Children: almost immediately after the Bynums Disability Rights Tennessee: Advocacy for students with began receiving multiple diagnoses for will be hiring A statewide organization that challenging behaviors; Charlotte, whom they adopted as an someday, living in advocates for the rights of people 800-670-9882; tnvoices.org. infant. They enrolled Charlotte – who the community, with disabilities; 800-342-1660; Governing Organizations has complex medical needs, uses a disabilityrightstn.org. wheelchair and doesn’t speak – in an providing health The Tennessee Department of The ARC of Tennessee: A statewide Education: A state agency that early intervention program when she was care, if we want to 6 months old. From ages 15 months to 6 organization founded by parents oversees K-12 public education; years, she attended an early learning center change the culture.” of children with intellectual and 615-741-5158; tn.gov/education. developmental disabilities; and preschool that included both children alison Bynum 800-835-7077; thearctn.org. Informational Websites with and without disabilities. Students Mother and TCDD member Wrightslaw: A user-friendly website without disabilities served as “peer Support and Training for Exceptional for parents, teachers, advocates models” in the same classroom. Parents (STEP): A statewide family- and attorneys that provides But things changed in elementary professionals, including teachers, therapists to-family program that provides information about special education school. Although Charlotte was on the and nurses to develop an Individualized information, advocacy training and law and advocacy for children with rolls of a kindergarten general education Education Plan. The team agreed that support to parents; 423-639-0125; disabilities; wrightslaw.com. classroom, she spent most of her time at Charlotte could benefit from more time in tnstep.org. school in a comprehensive development her general education classroom, giving

4 | Stronger Together | TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES by Thea Marie rooD Setting the Bar In a small, rural town, a determined local is changing hiring practices — to everyone’s benefit

anny Dee Simmons not only services. “But he started seeing some do janitorial work – cleaning, landed a good job for himself of his friends go out in the community sweeping, mopping, dusting – at a tractor company he has and get jobs...so he stopped me in the the showroom – and it has been Drevered since he was a boy – but he has breezeway one day and said, ‘I want a job nothing short of a win-win. “I paved the way for others to follow in his – I want to work at John Deere.’ It was all work there three days a week,” footsteps, earning real money for real his own initiative.” Simmons said proudly. “I like work. Webb quickly reached out to Mitch John Deere tractors, I like the Simmons’ journey began in 2012, Hobby, the finance and incentive manager customers, I like having friends when St. John’s Community Services for Tennessee Tractor LLC, which is the and I like making money.” began converting from sheltered to fully John Deere dealer in town. “We met with But his seven-year presence integrated employment. “Danny had Mitch, and I introduced them...but then I at Tennessee Tractor also has worked in a workshop environment for pushed back from the table and let them been important for everyone. many years,” recalled Dwayne Webb, the have their interview,” said Webb. “We love having him here,” program director for day and employment Simmons was immediately hired to Hobby said. “He’s a morale booster – he’s always coming in with a good attitude. And he comes from this rural area, so “Danny set the bar for his inClusive eMPloyMenT resourCes he knows everyone – staff and peers but is also setting the customers.” path for people coming up.” TennesseeWorks: The state’s Transition Tennessee: The state’s The town, which is home most comprehensive information hub of information about preparing for Simmons, was actually dWayne WeBB Program Director, St. John’s Community Services resource about disability for life after high school, including overjoyed to see him. “People CoURtESY Photo employment for self-advocates, guidance for students and parents didn’t know what happened families, employers, educators about finding employment services to Danny when his parents and policymakers; and supports; transitiontn.org. passed,” said Wendy Bratton, the residential program tennesseeworks.org. Tennessee Disability Pathfinder: coordinator. “So he’s been able service that we need.” Tennessee Vocational The state’s comprehensive to reunite with a lot of people he grew up Webb hopes other businesses will see Rehabilitation: Offers free help with disability services resource with.” similar advantages to inclusive hiring employment to people who qualify, and part of Vanderbilt Kennedy Simmons’ work ethic impressed practices. “When customers come in, they including job search and on-the-job Center, which can link people by Hobby so much, he now has St. John’s might have someone in their family with support; specific need to public and private participants employed at five of the 10 developmental disabilities – or know tn.gov/humanservices. disability services where they live; Tennessee Tractor locations. “I firmly someone who has a family member – and familypathfinder.org. believe this: Everyone can do something, it helps them all think outside the box,” he you can contribute,” Hobby said. “It said. “Danny set the bar for his peers but makes people see us in a different light, is also setting the path for people coming but also ‘helping’ in a different light... up.” These employees obviously provide a

TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | www.tn.gov/cdd | 5 by gail allyn shorT “He got the opportunity to Making Service Inclusive learn and become Church brings out Terrell Brown’s volunteer spirit more independent and responsible by working with the t New Vision Baptist Church in “It was hard for Terrell to sit in the had that spirit of comfort. Murfreesboro, Tenn., 24-year old sanctuary,” she said. “It was a sensory “He got the opportunity to learn and children.” Terrell Brown frequently stands thing. But he always liked children and become more independent and responsible linda BroWn atA the front door, greeting congregants as preschoolers.” by working with the children,” she added. Mother and advocate they enter the building. So at their previous church, Linda Meanwhile, to become a better advocate “I like to say, ‘Good morning,’” he said. brainstormed with a church leader about for Terrell, Linda in 2010 enrolled in the ® “I like to help.” possible activities Terrell could do during Partners in Policymaking Leadership At New Vision Baptist where the Brown’s mother, Linda Brown, said church services. At first, a church leader Institute, a national program hosted by Browns joined in 2018, Terrell participates Terrell, who has autism, took it upon suggested a special needs group that taught the Tennessee Council on Developmental in a small group for adults with special himself recently to welcome his fellow Bible stories. Disabilities that teaches people with needs. But, Linda said she plans to church members as they arrived for small “But Terrell was past that,” she disabilities and their families how to inquire about Terrell officially joining the group meetings. said. “He was slowly becoming more advocate for themselves to affect changes in church greeters and serving with fellow “He likes to be the door greeter,” said independent.” local, state and federal policies. congregants at a local food bank or charity. Linda. “He loves that.” So the church arranged for Terrell to “It made all the difference in the world,” She adds churches can take steps to help Linda said that even before joining New volunteer in the preschool children’s church she said. “The biggest thing that happened those with disabilities find ways to serve. Vision, she and her husband, Jeff, sought department, she says. There, Terrell helped was that I got over the fear of speaking up “Talk with the person with the out congregations that would not only with Bible lessons, passed out snacks and for Terrell. I used to be so concerned about disability,” she said. “Talk to the parents, minister to Terrell’s special needs, but also took youngsters outside to play. hurting someone else’s feelings or offending and be willing to think outside the box.” allow him, as he grew older, to become an “And if they were crying,” Linda said, them. But then, I thought, that’s not good. active church volunteer. “Terrell would sit and hold them. He just We have to do what’s best for Terrell.”

resourCes, helPful hinTs for faiTh CoMMuniTies

Collaborative on Faith and Disability: Talk to other families. “Often the best A central resource with research and way to connect with welcoming faith information on disability, religion and communities is to ask other local families inclusive supports. who are affected by disability,” said Visit https://faithanddisability.org/. Jolene Sharp, the Tennessee Council Joni and Friends Tennessee: Helps on Developmental Disabilities’ chief families find local churches with disability public information officer. “Where do you ministries and works with churches worship? What has your experience been and organizations to develop outreach like? Do you know of other congregations programs that minister to people with that support people with disabilities?” disabilities. Call houses of worship. Call and ask what Visit www.joniandfriends.org/tennessee/ types of supports the house of worship or call 818-707-5664. offers for people with disabilities, Sharp Faith Ability: Offers lists of disability said. resources for a range of faith Advocate for yourself. Talk to leaders communities, including Christian, Jewish, about your or your family member’s Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and others. Visit needs. “Hearing from you,” said Sharp, Church is an important part of life for the brown family. www.faithability.org. “may be all they need to take action.” Photo bY aliSon bYnUm

6 | Stronger Together | TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES by anne sTokes

“They help you More abouT be independent, inClusive higher learn new skills eDuCaTion College Life and it gives us job opportunities Inclusive higher Tennessee currently has education programs and college inclusive higher education opportunities.” programs on six college open doors for students campuses: morgan Thompson with developmental Lipscomb University IDEAL graduate • Lipscomb University disabilities IDEAL • University of Memphis TigerLife • University of Tennessee FUTURE ike any freshman, Morgan • Union University EDGE Thompson was excited about • Vanderbilt University starting college, moving into the Next Steps Ldorms and being on her own for the first • East Tennessee State time. It was a dream that was far from University ACCESS – certain for Morgan, who has language pilot program delays. In the past, higher education was out of reach for many people with 88% of 2017 and 2018 intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tennessee inclusive higher But in Tennessee, several universities education graduates were now offer inclusive programs designed for employed by 90 days after such students. graduation. With funding from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, Through lipscomb university’s iDeal program, Morgan Thompson enjoyed her college For more information, Lipscomb University in Nashville experience, including hands-on internship opportunities, living in the dorms and joining a including links to each of the developed its Igniting the Dream of sorority. Photo CoURtESY oF moRgan thomPSon inclusive higher education Education and Access at Lipscomb programs: (IDEAL) certificate program. The two-year program supports students the Department of Intellectual and events,” she said. “I was in a sorority TN Inclusive Higher Education through peer mentorship, career training, Developmental Disabilities and the state’s called Phi Sigma and I enjoyed that and Alliance: classwork accommodations, independent Department of Education. Through that making lots of friends.” www.TNIHEAlliance.org. living skills and professional internships. hands-on experience, she discovered a Morgan says she learned a lot through Think College: “They help you be independent, learn love for working in an office. the IDEAL program, most importantly www.thinkcollege.net. new skills and it gives us job opportunities “I like doing clerical work,” she said. how to be more independent. Free Application for Financial and college opportunities,” Morgan “For the Department of Intellectual and “So I can live on my own one day — Student Aid: Explains said. “[They had] small classes and … Developmental Disabilities, I did lots make decisions, budget money and do financial help for students if I didn’t understand something in the of video editing, taking pictures with things on my own,” she said. “Someday with an intellectual disability, classroom, I could get help with it.” a camera and going to conferences. I I plan on going into an office and doing https://studentaid.ed.gov/ Morgan graduated from the IDEAL enjoyed doing that as well.” clerical work. I would love that.” sa/eligibility/intellectual- program in 2019 with a certificate in Social opportunities are also a big For more information on the IDEAL disabilities. career exploration. She took college part of the college experience, something program, visit www.lipscomb.edu/academics/ classes in biology and communications, Morgan enjoyed during her time at undergraduate-studies/ideal-program. and completed internships with the Lipscomb. university’s Office of Alumni Relations “I was one of the first IDEAL female and College of Education. She also students to live in the dorms. [I liked] worked at off-campus internships with going to events on campus like sporting

TENNESSEE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | www.tn.gov/cdd | 7 Davy Crockett Tower, 1st Floor 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 615-532-6615 www.tn.gov/cdd

Contact your legislator

The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities exists to bring Rep. (D-Bolivar) Rep. lasting, positive change to the disabilities services system. You can help District 80 (part of Hardeman and (R-Lancaster) make change happen! Madison counties) District 40 (Smith, Trousdale District address: and part of DeKalb and Sumner Share with your legislators the disability issues that matter to you: P.O. Box 191 counties) 123 West Market St. District address: Hawkins County Nashville address: Bolivar, TN 38008 100 Seabowisha Lane Sen. Frank S. Niceley 425 5th Ave. North Phone: 615-741-4538 Lancaster, TN 38569 (R-Strawberry Plains) Suite 578 Cordell Hull Building Phone: 615-741-2192 District 8 (Claiborne, Grainger, Nashville, TN 37243 Rep. Ron M. Gant (R-Rossville) Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson and Phone: 615-741-6804 District 94 (Fayette, McNairy and Bledsoe County Union counties) part of Hardeman counties) Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) District address: Lake County District address: District 15 (Cumberland, Jackson, 1023 Creek Road Sen. Ed Jackson (R-Jackson) P.O. Box 491 Overton, Bledsoe, Putnam and Strawberry Plains, TN 37871 District 27 (Madison, Crockett, Rossville, TN 38066 White counties) Phone: 615-741-2061 Dyer, Lake and Lauderdale counties) Phone: 615-741-6890 District address: District address: 252 Lowery Road Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville) 25 Wyndhurst Dr. DeKalb County Sparta, TN 38583 District 9 (Hancock and Hawkins Jackson, TN 38305 Sen. (R-Lebanon) Phone: 615-741-3978 counties) Phone: 615-741-1810 District 17 (Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, District address: Macon, Smith and Wilson counties) 733 Cloud Creek Road Pending special election District address: Rep. (R-Dayton) Rogersville, TN 37857 District 77 (Dyer, Lake and part of 113 South Cumberland St. District 31 (Bledsoe, Sequatchie, Phone: 615-741-7480 Obion County) Lebanon, TN 37087 Rhea and part of Roane County) Phone: 615-741-0718 Phone: 615-741-2421 District address: Henry County 1318 Armstrong Ferry Road Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) Hardeman County Rep. (R-Lebanon) Dayton, TN 37321 District 24 (Benton, Carroll, Gibson, Sen. Dolores R. Gresham District 46 (Cannon and part of Phone: 615-741-1450 Henry, Obion and Weakley counties) (R-Somerville) Wilson and DeKalb counties) District address: District address: District 26 (Chester, Decatur, Tennessee Council on 161 Court Square Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, P.O. Box 2177 Lebanon, TN 37088 Developmental Disabilities, Huntington, TN 38344 Haywood, McNairy and Henderson Authorization No. 344101, Phone: 615-741-4576 Phone: 615-741-7086 Counties) October 2019, 36,220 District address: copies. This public Rep. Bruce Griffey (R-Paris) 16980 Highway 64 document was promulgated District 75 (Henry, Benton and Somerville, TN 38068 Stewart counties) Phone: 615-741-2368 at a cost of $0.68 per copy.

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