January 24, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Persons with disabilities and community leaders turned out for a public forum Friday morning at the county complex hosted by State Senator Mark Pody and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The purpose of the meeting was for state officials and members of the council to learn more about what the disability needs are in the community and to help people better access resources for meeting those needs.
Tecia Puckett Pryor of Smithville was appointed to the Tennessee Council on Development Disabilities seven years ago as one of two representatives from the Upper Cumberland area and today serves as Chair of the Council.
“Its been a great thing for me to connect with other people in the disability community and state agencies and to learn how well our state works to make Tennessee a disability friendly state. What we are trying to do today is give people an overview of available programs and how they can ask for help and try to navigate the state system in obtaining information and resources,” said Pryor.
“One of the things we are most aware of, and the reason the council exists in state government, is that what happens in the state capitol doesn’t always reach areas outside of Nashville very well. What is really special about connecting with the Council on Developmental Disabilities is that for any disability need, question or resource that you have, we have people on the ground who are your bridge to the state system. We want to hear your questions and your thoughts so we can take that back to Nashville and to come back here later prepared to address exactly what you want,” said Lauren Pearcy, Public Policy Director of the Tennessee Council.
The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (“Pathfinder”) website also provides free information, resources, support, and referrals to Tennesseans with disabilities and their families. Through a helpline and online database, individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and service providers can be connected to appropriate community resources that suit their needs.
About the Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state agency established to improve disability policies and practice, educate policymakers and the public, and build collaboration to create lasting, positive change for Tennesseans with disabilities and their families. The Council is the only state agency tasked with looking at how all the pieces of our disability system work together, identifying areas of need, and bringing different parts of government and outside groups together to tackle challenges and improve state services. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/cdd or follow us on Twitter (@TNCouncilDD) or Facebook.