Family Voices of Tennessee

06/19/2026

🚀 Self-advocacy is powerful. Community advocacy can change lives.
Join us June 23rd for *Youth Ignited: Why Community Advocacy Matters Now More Than Ever* and learn how youth with disabilities can help influence the future of disability awareness, inclusion, and opportunities in their communities.

In this interactive online training, youth, ages 14-26, will build leadership, communication, and networking skills that can support their advocacy journey—and look great on a résumé.

We're thrilled to share that Tennessee Senator Becky Massey will be joining us to talk about why youth voices matter in our communities and across Tennessee. Participants will also have a chance to ask questions about her role as a state senator and how youth advocates can help create positive change.

TNSTEP's Stephanie Willis will lead this fun and engaging training, hosted by Region B Parent Technical Assistance Center.

Registration for this free training is required:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/E0DWSqcGRBSIWyp_FXsCmw

06/18/2026

We had a great time connecting with families in Chattanooga!

06/07/2026

It was a beautiful day in Nashville coming together as a community. We hope to see you in Chattanooga or Memphis!

06/05/2026

Family Voices of Tennessee was excited to support the Tennessee Department of Health’s Family and Youth Conference. We always enjoy working in partnership with TDOH and their Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Youth Advisory Council (YAC)! We hope you will join us next year!

06/04/2026

Register now for the June 26th & 27th Family Voices of TN & Tennessee Disability Coalition Conference. Limited funding available to cover the cost of hotel rooms - deadline June 10th to book a hotel room. Register online at: https://www.jotform.com/form/261313996604057

05/28/2026

Join us for our monthly transition webinar designed for high school students with disabilities ages 14–22 and their families!

During this session, we will discuss helpful transition information including:
• Supported Decision-Making
• Decision-Making Supports (legal documents such as conservatorships, powers of attorney, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, etc.)
• Transition Resources and Support Services
• Planning for Adulthood

Whether you are just starting transition planning or preparing for life after high school, this webinar will provide practical information and tools to help families feel more confident and prepared.

📅 June 8
⏰ 5:30PM CST – 7:00PM CST

📌 Click the link below or scan the QR code to register today to save your spot!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lKoORqLr5peWutit03_-MBuaJN1xs_tB0LFQLXOkH-E/edit

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

You are invited to an Access Music City Evening NEXT MONTH on JUNE 11! This Access Music City Evening is a night for art, connection, inspiration, and fun, where inclusion is celebrated. Art serves as the connector. Our friends at The Frist Art Museum host this collaboration with Empower Tennessee. Come join us to tour the galleries, enjoy delicious food from Grilled Cheeserie, create at Art Quest, and connect with new and old friends. We hope to see you there!
Where: Frist Art Museum at 919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37027
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM CT to 7:00 PM CT
Cost: Free!
Register: bit.ly/ETAMC2605
Note: There is limited parking, so please carpool with family, friends, and colleagues.

Thank you to our friends at the Frist Art Museum for welcoming our guests to visit their prestigious exhibits and Martin ArtQuest after our celebration!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
[email protected]

05/27/2026

Parties in the Park Update: Due to weather conditions, our Memphis Party, originally scheduled for this Saturday, May 30th, has been postponed. We hope you'll join us this fall on Saturday, October 17th, 2026, for our rescheduled Memphis Party in the Park event!

MEMPHIS EVENT UPDATE: Due to a high chance of thunderstorms this weekend, our Memphis Party in the Park event has been postponed and will no longer take place on Saturday, May 30th. The good news is we already have a new date lined up. Our Memphis Party in the Park will now take place on Saturday, October 17th, at the same time and location, after the hottest months of the year have passed.

Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the new party date. We look forward to seeing our friends in Memphis this fall!

Rescheduled Memphis Party in the Park Information:
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM CT
Location: East Parkway Pavilion at Overton Park

05/20/2026

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Arc Tennessee, and AbleVoices have opened the Call for Stories for their next issue of Kindred Stories of Disability, focusing on “Safety and Criminal Justice for Tennesseans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). ” Submit your interest to
participate here: redcap.link/qjr2z43k