Stronger Together The Tennessee 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.