Welcome to the Disability Coalition

The Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals who have joined to promote the full and equal participation of men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. We work together to advocate for public policy that ensures self-determination, independence, empowerment, and inclusion for people with disabilities in areas such as accessibility, education, healthcare, housing, and voting rights.

 

Carol Greenwald and her son Keith

NewsLine

  • People with Disabilities for Tom Perez
    05/02/2013
    President Obama and Nominee Tom Perez

    A champion for disability rights has been nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Labor. A confirmation vote on Thomas Perez, President Obama's nominee for Labor Secretary, is set for next week in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Our Tennessee Senator, Lamar Alexander, is the ranking Republican on this committee. 

    A news story published this morning emphasizes the role Perez played as the head of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. He has helped thousands of people with disabilities access opportunities to live in their own homes and communities and increased access to polling places. For the full story go to: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/32246-1

     

    Having Tom Perez, someone who understands the employment challenges and needs of the disability community, in the role of Labor Secretary is vital. We have an opportunity as Tennesseans to ask our Senator to confirm this nomination. Go to www.pwdforperez.org for more information on Perez and to easily email Senator Alexander with your support.

  • Recurring Funding for the Family Support Program
    04/04/2013

    Mom and two sonsGovernor Bill Haslam's Administration Budget Amendment for 2013-2014 was issued this week. In it, the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Family Support Program was allocated $2.682 million dollars. 

    The best part is that this money was made recurring. Our community will not have to fight for full funding of this vital program next year. All $7.3 million will be recurring funds! While we continue to support a more robustly funded program, this is excellent news! On behalf of all recipients, including the well-spoken Long family, we thank Governor Haslam.

  • Response to Governor Haslam's State of the State Address
    01/28/2013

    Governor HaslamIn his State of the State Address this evening, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam made a declaration of his commitment to caring for our most vulnerable citizens. Speaking to a joint session of the 108th General Assembly from the House Chamber and to all of us watching at home, he outlined his budget and policy priorities for the coming year. 

     

    The Tennessee Disability Coalition would like to respond to the impact some of these decisions will have on citizens with disabilities.

     

  • 2013 Legislative Reception
    12/04/2012

    Jan 29th, Legislative Reception

     

    The Disability Community's Legislative Reception was held January 29th, 2013 from 5:00-8:00pm at the Sheraton Hotel, 623 Union St, Nashville, TN 37219. 

    The event presented an opportunity for community members to meet and mingle with state policymakers.

     

    The following day, January 30th, 2013 was Disability Day on the Hill at Legislative Plaza. 

     

    Thank you to all who attended this year's Day on the Hill! We were so proud of the turnout and engagement with legislators.

     

    Contact Information:

    Email:   ddh@tndisability.org

    Phone:  615-515-8631

  • Family Support Program in FY 2013-14
    11/08/2012
    Mother Looking at DaughterThis afternoon, the TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities presented a 2013-14 Fiscal Year budget proposal before Governor Bill Haslam.
read more news

TN General Assembly

Disability Action Network LogoHelp make a difference by joining the Action Network and using our website to keep up on the latest happenings at the General Assembly.

Communicating with Your Legislator

Keeping up with Legislators and Committees

General Assembly Website

Weekly Legislative Calendar

2012 Legislative Session


Disability Days

Disability Days LogoDisability Days are your opportunity to meet with state legislators at the Capitol and talk about issues important to you and your family.

Mark your calendar: 

Thank you to all participants in Disability Day on the Hill 2013!

 

Coalition Quarterly

The Fall 2012 issue features: 

  • Post Election: the Research Alliance for Accessible Voting
  • Dog Day: A Working Dog Demonstration
  • Taking on Transition: All about "Dude, Where's My Transition Plan?"
  • Disability Day on the Hill 2013


Disability Etiquette

Cover of the<br /> etiquette brochureDon’t let fear and uncertainty keep you from getting to know people with disabilities. Fear of the unknown and lack of knowledge about interacting can lead to uneasiness when meeting a person who has a disability.

For tips on engaging people with disabilities check out our brochure below.

PDF & MS Word Versions:

Spanish Versions: