A Message from Pathfinder’s Summer Intern

Cover of The Compass July 2026 newsletter featuring the theme "Turn Up the Pride: Where Pride Meets Possibility." Vibrant teal and purple ribbons frame the page, with colorful confetti and bold paint-like splashes creating a festive atmosphere. A diverse group of people with and without visible disabilities—including wheelchair users and people dancing with raised arms—celebrate together, symbolizing joy, community, self-expression, and participation. A gold compass appears in the upper right, representing guidance and connection to resources. The design conveys energy, possibility, and Disability Pride Month.

What Disability Pride Means to Me As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I’ve spent time thinking about what disability pride means to me. I define disability pride as owning your right to embrace your disability as part of your identity. This is something people with disabilities are entitled to do. For me, disability is proudly… Read more A Message from Pathfinder’s Summer Intern

Finding New Possibilities Through Participation

This vibrant promotional graphic emphasizes disability pride and community inclusion, featuring a collage of diverse individuals, bold typography, and colorful accents like teal, purple, and lime green. The layout combines modern, nonprofit-style elements—photography, vector graphics, and watercolor splashes, to convey an inclusive, empowering message of accessibility, opportunity, and possibility for all.

Pride in Possibility Every July, Disability Pride Month invites us to celebrate something bigger than awareness. It celebrates identity, achievement, individuality, and the many ways people contribute to their communities. It reminds us that disability is not something to overcome. It is a natural part of the human experience. At Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, we see… Read more Finding New Possibilities Through Participation

Spotlight – Where Pride Takes the Floor: Creating Possibility Through Dance

A group of dancers and volunteers pose together before taking the stage for a MOVE Inclusive Dance recital. They are wearing a mixture of orange tiger print and metallic purple costumes as they smile for the camera.

For many families of children and adults with disabilities, finding a welcoming recreational activity can be surprisingly difficult. Traditional dance studios often lack the training, accessibility, or flexibility needed to support dancers with diverse abilities. That gap is exactly what MOVE Inclusive Dance was created to fill. Founded in Nashville, MOVE Inclusive Dance is a… Read more Spotlight – Where Pride Takes the Floor: Creating Possibility Through Dance

Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – July 2026

Banner graphic for the Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – July 2026 section of The Compass newsletter. The design features a calming blue color palette with layered waves and soft light effects. An open book in the lower left symbolizes storytelling, learning, and shared experiences, while a winding pathway leads toward a glowing compass, representing guidance, hope, and new possibilities. A silhouette of the state of Tennessee with a people icon reinforces the focus on Tennesseans and community. Along the right side, circular images showcase iconic Tennessee landscapes, including the Nashville skyline, the Great Smoky Mountains, and a rural countryside scene. Centered on the graphic is the title, “Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – July 2026,” highlighting personal stories of resilience, advocacy, and possibility from across the state.

Freedom to Choose: Why Independent Living Matters Written by Sarah Silberberg, Summer Intern, Pathfinder For many people, home is more than a place to live . It’s where independence, dignity, and community come together. During Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the right of individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives, including where… Read more Inspiring Pathways: Tennessee Stories – July 2026

Community Connections – July 2026

Split-screen graphic with two sections. On the left, a textured teal and green background features large white text reading “COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS” with a gold compass logo below and the words “Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.” On the right, an illustrated design shows diverse individuals, including people using wheelchairs, gathered around a globe labeled “Connectability.” Surrounding the globe are icons and speech bubbles with words such as “Resources,” “Access,” “Empower,” “Support,” “Language,” and “Engage.” The background includes abstract patterns and symbols representing communication and collaboration.

Community is stronger when we support one another. This section spotlights peer support groups, caregiver networks, community-based programs, and organizations that foster belonging, encouragement, and shared experiences. By highlighting opportunities to connect, we aim to strengthen relationships and ensure no one has to navigate their journey alone. Meet Tennessee Disability Pathfinder’s 2026 Community Ambassadors Tennessee… Read more Community Connections – July 2026

Navegando junto (Navigating Together) – July 2026

Navigando Junto, que significa Navegando Juntos, reconoce que encontrar recursos para discapacitados puede ser un desafío, especialmente cuando las diferencias en las habilidades, la cultura y el idioma crean barreras adicionales. Esta sección comparte herramientas prácticas, recursos confiables e información útil para facilitar la navegación por los servicios, empoderando a las personas y familias para… Read more Navegando junto (Navigating Together) – July 2026

Quick Tips: Finding Opportunities That Fit – July 2026

Infographic titled "Quick Tips: Finding Opportunities That Fit" featuring Tennessee Disability Pathfinder branding in teal, navy, and white. The graphic highlights five practical tips for finding meaningful opportunities: Know Your Strengths, Explore Your Options, Ask & Connect, Start Small, and Use Trusted Resources, each paired with a simple icon and brief description. On the right, a smiling young woman using a wheelchair holds a notebook while looking confidently into the distance, representing independence and participation. A banner across the bottom reads, "Opportunities are out there—let's find the ones that fit YOU." The footer includes Tennessee Disability Pathfinder's website (TNPathfinder.org), phone number (1-800-640-4636), and email (TNPathfinderMedia@vumc.org)

Possibility begins with knowing where to look. During Disability Pride Month, people may be searching for new ways to participate, explore their interests, or become more involved in their communities. Here are a few simple ways to use TNPathfinder.org to find recreation programs, arts opportunities, volunteer roles, social groups, and other activities that fit your… Read more Quick Tips: Finding Opportunities That Fit – July 2026

EmployAbility – July 2026

A promotional graphic with a modern design featuring an office setting with gray cubicles and a bright red partition in the foreground. On the right side, large bold text reads “EMPLOY ABILITY.” Below, smaller text states “Employment and Volunteer Opportunities” next to a gray vertical bar with a red circle accent. At the bottom, a gray banner displays “TNPathfinder.org.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo with a compass icon appears in the lower-left corner.

Disability Pride is also about having opportunities to contribute, lead, and pursue meaningful goals. Across Tennessee, people with disabilities are working, volunteering, mentoring, advocating, and sharing their skills in ways that strengthen their communities. Whether through employment, service, or community involvement, each opportunity can support purpose, confidence, and personal growth. Ready to explore what’s possible?… Read more EmployAbility – July 2026

Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – July 2026

Decorative banner for the "Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – July 2026" section of The Compass newsletter. The design features a vibrant purple, blue, and lavender color palette with a soft gradient background. Large artistic lettering displays the title "Celebrations, Events & Opportunities" with "July 2026" centered below. Festive graphics include balloons, confetti, fireworks, a calendar, a megaphone, a city skyline, and an event calendar icon, creating an energetic, celebratory feel. The banner is intended as a section header introducing upcoming events, trainings, workshops, celebrations, and opportunities for readers across Tennessee. Pathfinder logo on bottom right.

Each month brings a new set of celebrations, awareness observances, community gatherings, and local events happening across Tennessee. From statewide disability awareness months to family‑friendly activities, workshops, resource fairs, and special community spotlights, there’s always something meaningful to explore. Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar, where you can discover events… Read more Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – July 2026

Resource Corner – July 2026

Green and centered white color block background image with light green sunburst on the right side of the image. Text in the white color block "Resource Corner." On the top left of the image is a circular framed photo of Pathfinder's website on a laptop screen. To the bottom right of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic in a white circular frame. On the bottom right of image on a small white geometical shaped color block is text, "TNPathfinder.org."

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder offers a growing library of disability resources available at TNPathfinder.org. In addition to the growing directory of resources on Pathfinder’s website, here are some we’re highlighting this month. Our Special Village: A Place for Parents to Find Support Parenting a child with a disability or special healthcare need can feel overwhelming, but… Read more Resource Corner – July 2026