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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 16, 2024

Disability Rights Tennessee Announces New Executive Director, Anna Bass

View Press Release in PDF – English NASHVILLE, TN. – Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is thrilled to announce that Anna Bass will move into the position of Executive Director in March 2025. Earlier this year, James DiMarco, DRT Board of Directors President, announced that after 12 years of bold leadership, Disability Rights Tennessee’s Executive Director, […]
September 11, 2024

Federal Court Rules Case Seeking Access to State Services for Deaf People in Tennessee Can Proceed

For Immediate Release Press Contacts:Meredith Weaver, MWeaver@DRALegal.org, 510-426-6834Lee Sherwood, LeeS@DisabilityRightsTN.org, 615-490-3844 September 11, 2024—Nashville, Tennessee—A federal judge in the Middle District of Tennessee has substantially denied the State of Tennessee’s attempt to dismiss claims by multiple plaintiffs against the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) (formerly the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) and […]
September 6, 2024

Governor Bill Lee Proclaims September 9-13, 2024 as Disability Voting Rights Awareness Week in Tennessee

View PDF of Press Release. NASHVILLE, TN Sept. 6, 2024 – Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed September 9-13, 2024, as Disability Voting Rights Awareness Week in Tennessee in recognition of National Disability Voting Rights Week. There are over 1.6 million Tennesseans living with disabilities and nearly 1 million are eligible voters. Disability Voting Rights Week […]
August 27, 2024

Disability Rights Tennessee Announces Retirement of Executive Director, Lisa Primm

View Press Release in PDF – English FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NASHVILLE, TN. – James DiMarco, Board of Directors President, announces that after 12 years of bold leadership, Disability Rights Tennessee’s (DRT’s) Executive Director, Lisa Primm, plans to retire in March 2025. The DRT Board of Directors has started the process to replace Primm by assembling […]
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Hurricane Helene Resources

DRT is closely monitoring the storm damage in East TN and NC. We know many of our neighbors have been affected and DRT and Tennessee’s disability partners are actively involved in recovery efforts. We are here to support those affected and connect you with the resources you need.

We are compiling a list of organizations prepared to assist East Tennesseans with disabilities and/or mental illness. If you have additional information or resources to share, please reach out. Stay safe, TN and NC—we’re all in this together.

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