Protecting the rights of Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness.

Disability Rights Tennessee, Sanford Heisler Sharp, and the Youth Law Center File Lawsuit Against Tennessee for Illegal and Unconstitutional Neglect and Mistreatment of Vulnerable Youth

PDF Version of Press Release PDF Version of Complaint NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 26, 2024 — Attorneys from Disability Rights Tennessee, Sanford Heisler Sharp, and the Youth Law Center filed a class action complaint today challenging illegal and unconstitutional conditions in Tennessee’s juvenile justice facilities. The complaint alleges that the State of Tennessee, among other Defendants, […]

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Client Story – Joan Kite, TBI Survivor

Joan Kite, a two time Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivor shared her story with DRT’s Lee Sherwood and discussed her recovery journey and what it means to be an advocate.

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October 15, 2025

Government Shutdown Resources

Dear readers, As you may have heard, the federal government shut down on October 1. This shutdown will continue until both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and Senate, pass funding legislation and it is signed into law. Government shutdowns impact many people in different ways. Federal employees may be placed on unpaid leave, […]

August 1, 2025

Reflecting on July: Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength and achievements of people with disabilities. This month also marks the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a law that makes sure people with disabilities get treated fairly, no matter what. Disability Pride Month isn’t just about remembering the […]

July 31, 2025

A Message from DRT’s Director of Community Relations on the Federal Budget

Hi readers! I’m Lee Sherwood, the Director of Community Relations and Development here at Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT). I am excited to be celebrating my 3-year anniversary with DRT during such an important month, Disability Pride Month, and the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These moments remind me how […]

May 30, 2025

One Story, Big Impact: Mental Health Advocacy in Jail

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing SB’s story—a man with both a mental illness and disability who was incarcerated without the supports he needed. With help from Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT), SB received the care he deserved, and the jail adopted new policies to better serve all inmates. As we mark the 39th anniversary […]

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