Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee

Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center to re-open in July under new city management

Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center to re-open in July under new city management - ClarksvilleNow.com The City of Clarksville has released their plans and timeline for when the Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center, located at 953 Clark St., will open under city management.

The Ardmore Public Library has been awarded a national grant through the American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities initiative to help improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Grants from this program support projects that make library facilities, services, and programs more accessible and inclusive for all community members.

Read more:

Ardmore Public Library awarded national grant to Increase accessibility - Elk Valley Times The Ardmore Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries across the country to participate in round four of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility re

A new coffee shop is proving that inclusion and opportunity belong in every community.

Kindred Coffee & Goods was created to address employment barriers faced by young adults with disabilities after graduation. Founded by two mothers, the business provides meaningful job opportunities, skill development, and a welcoming environment where employees can thrive.

Read the inspiring story:
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/may/30/kindred-coffee-and-goods-provides-job/

Kindred Coffee and Goods provides job opportunities for young adults with disabilities | Chattanooga Times Free Press Two mothers are aiming to address post-graduation employment challenges for young adults with disabilities through Kindred Coffee and Goods, a business born from conversations about their teenage sons' futures.

Caregiving robot helps disabled American couple without home support via AP

Caregiving robot helps disabled American couple without home support Caregiving robots are helping people living with disabilities with daily tasks from exercising to taking medication.

📚 About Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs)

Did you know every state has at least one Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)? These centers are funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to support families of children and young adults with disabilities from birth through age 26.

PTIs help parents and caregivers better understand their child’s educational rights and access the services and supports they need to succeed. Best of all, these resources and trainings are provided at no cost to families. 💙

PTIs can help with:
✨ Understanding IEPs and special education services
✨ Learning about disability rights and accommodations
✨ Navigating school systems and support programs
✨ Preparing for transitions to adulthood
✨ Connecting families with local resources and advocacy support

These centers empower families to become informed, confident advocates for their children’s education and future.

Learn more at Understood.org :

Parent training centers: A free resource in your state Parent Training and Information Centers provide free help to families whose kids have a disability. Learn about parent training centers and how to find a PTI.

Building futures through person-centered planning

Planning for the future is an important part of person-centered planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A future plan—sometimes called a letter of intent—helps document a person’s routines, preferences, support needs, and goals. While it’s not a legal document, it can provide valuable personal information that complements legal and financial plans.

The Arc of the United States future planning template is a great tool to help families and supporters get started. Remember to review and update plans regularly as needs and goals change over time.

Making a Future Plan - The Arc's Center for Future Planning Let’s Start a Future Plan! Talking about what a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) wants and needs for the future is an important part of person-centered planning. A future plan—sometimes called a letter of intent—is often the first step in this process. A future plan...

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan that helps students with disabilities get the support they need in school.

An IEP explains:
♦ A student’s current learning level
♦ Annual learning goals
♦ Special education services (like speech therapy or extra help)
♦ Classroom supports and accommodations
♦ How progress will be tracked

An IEP is created by a team that includes teachers, parents or caregivers, and school staff. It is reviewed every year to make sure the student’s needs are being met.

IEPs are part of the law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are designed to help students succeed and reach their full potential.

Source: Understood.org – What is an IEP? https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep

What is an IEP? Learn how Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) support students with disabilities. Find out what they include, and how the IEP process works.

Medicare fraud affects everyone—and protecting yourself can help stop it.

✅ Share your Medicare number only with trusted individuals.
✅ Keep a record of your medical appointments and services.
✅ Review your Medicare statements regularly and report any errors.

A few simple steps can help safeguard your benefits and reduce fraud.

Learn more: https://smpresource.org/

Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration for Community Living that connects older adults, caregivers, and their families to trusted local support services across the United States. Services may include transportation, meals, home care, caregiver support, housing resources, legal assistance, and more.

The Eldercare Locator offers:
♦ Local aging and disability resources
♦ Information on home and community-based services
♦ Caregiver support and respite resources
♦ Transportation and nutrition services
♦ Help finding Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
♦ Phone, chat, and email support from trained specialists

Older adults and caregivers can search online by ZIP code, city, or state on the website, or contact trained specialists directly:
📞 1-800-677-1116
💬 Online chat and email support available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–9 PM ET

The Eldercare Locator was launched in 1991 and remains a trusted national resource helping older adults live independently and stay connected to community supports.

Elder Care | Home Home

🌍 World MS Day – May 30

World MS Day is an international awareness day that brings together the global community to share stories, raise awareness, and advocate for change for those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by damage to myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers, which disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

MS is most often diagnosed between ages 20–40 and is two to three times more common in women than men. While there is currently no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

Today, an estimated 2.9 million people worldwide live with MS—each with a unique story worth sharing and supporting.