To mark the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Tennessee Disability Coalition is launching the ADA in Tennessee Oral History project featuring powerful stories from Tennesseans whose lives have been shaped by this historic landmark law. This series will highlight real experiences, the impact of the ADA, and the ongoing fight for equity and inclusion.
Starting on July 30th, new episodes will be released on Wednesdays through September, each one sharing a unique story from folks across Tennessee.
Episode 1: Introduction to the ADA in Tennessee Oral History Project
In this powerful joint introduction, longtime disability rights advocates Carol Westlake and Donna DeStefano reflect on 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and share the importance of preserving personal stories to help guide our future. “We’re capturing a moment in time to honor the struggle, the progress, and the people behind it all.”
Episode 2: From Policy to People: Stephanie Cook’s Story
After a life-changing injury as a teen, Stephanie Cook turned challenge into purpose, becoming Knoxville’s longtime Disability Services Coordinator. In this ADA in Tennessee Oral History episode, Stephanie reflects on the power of the ADA, accessible design, and the ongoing fight for inclusion. “Don't be afraid to speak up. If we, advocates, were afraid to speak up historically, we wouldn't have the rights and the laws that we do today. So, advocacy cannot stop. Education must be non-stop, and we've just got to keep moving forward."
Episode 3: Punk, Policy, and Pride: Dr. Cynthia George’s Story
From punk gigs to policy rooms, Dr. Cynthia George is breaking barriers and amplifying disability pride in this ADA in Tennessee Oral History episode. Diagnosed with autism later in life, she’s turned personal insight into powerful advocacy using music, education, and activism to make every space more inclusive. Her story reminds us that the ADA is about more than rights; it’s about joy, identity, and showing up fully. “We’ve fought to survive. Now we’re fighting for the right to party."
Episode 4: From Diagnosis to Direction: April Dawn Meredith’s Story
April Dawn Meredith's journey is one of resilience and purpose. In this episode of ADA in Tennessee Oral History, she opens up about her experiences living with blindness and mental health conditions and how discovering the power of peer support helped her move from simply surviving to thriving. From teaching in Japan to building more inclusive communities across Tennessee, April’s story shows the power of the ADA and why it must be protected and expanded. "The ADA has no ceiling. It’s the minimum foundation from which we build."
Episode 5: Navigating the System, Finding Myself: Kasondra Farmer’s Story
Kasondra Farmer has been advocating for disability rights since the age of three. In this ADA in Tennessee Oral History episode, she shares how the ADA shaped her life from navigating childhood with cerebral palsy to fighting for access in schools and the workplace. Her story reflects how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. “We’re not where we were. We’re not where we could be. But we’re somewhere in the middle. There's more work to do, but look at how far we've come.”
Episode 5: The People Part of Policy: Sandi Klink’s Story
Sandi Klink has spent decades advocating for disability rights, often behind the scenes, but always at the heart of the movement. In this ADA in Tennessee Oral History episode, Sandi reflects on growing up in Tennessee with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, joining her first march in the 1980s, and finding her voice through ADAPT. Her story shows how the ADA reshaped possibilities for people with disabilities and why the fight for access and inclusion is far from over. “Advocacy is about knowing your story, knowing what you need, and having the courage to tell it.”
Episode 7: Opening Doors with the ADA: Martie Lafferty’s Story
Martie Lafferty is a civil rights attorney and longtime disability advocate who has worked to change laws and policies across Tennessee throughout her career. In this episode of the ADA in Tennessee Oral History series, Martie discusses her role in the landmark Lane v. Tennessee case, the long fight for access, and her belief that the world is the real barrier, not disability. "I've worked with almost every kind of disability rights issue. That’s the beauty of ADA work—it touches everything.”
Episode 8: Inclusion Isn’t Optional: Kenton Dickerson’s Story
With over four decades of experience in disability advocacy, Kenton Dickerson brings thoughtful reflection and sharp insight to this ADA in Tennessee Oral History episode. Kenton shares stories of resistance, progress, and the barriers that remain, reminding us that accessibility takes more than compliance. It requires effort, education, and follow-through. "Even those of us who know accessibility forget things—we all need reminders.”
Episode 8: From Grants to Grassroots Change: Errol Elshtain’s Story
What began as a father’s search for support became a lifelong mission for change. In this ADA in Tennessee Oral History episode, Errol Elshtain reflects on decades of advocacy through the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, building programs, shifting systems, and pushing access forward. His story proves that lasting change comes from listening, partnership, and persistence. “The most effective change doesn’t come from the top down. It comes from listening to people and building together.”