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  • The Disability Pride flag with diagonal stripes in red, gold, white, blue, and green on a dark background. Below, the words Disability Pride are written in large, bold letters.
    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 […]

  • A man in a suit speaks to another person across a table. Text reads: One story, big impact: Mental health advocacy in jail. The background is green with yellow and white accent lines.
    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 […]

  • A woman with Down syndrome in a red shirt speaks during a meeting. Text reads, SUPPORT THAT WORKS: CALLIES STORY, and a quote from her mom thanks care coordinators for helping her live a normal, active life.
    May 28, 2025

    Support That Works: Callie’s Story

    Since 2018, Callie has been receiving TennCare/BlueCare ECF Choices services. Callie is a vibrant, 28-year-old with an ability to connect with others. Throughout school, Callie was quick to make friends and constantly impressed and inspired her teachers. Callie was such a light at school that when she graduated, several peers from her kindergarten class showed […]

  • Two hands gripping prison bars. The image contains a text box with a headline about a settlement in a Tennessee deaf prisoner case. The Tennessee Department of Correction commits to providing necessary technology and services for equal access.
    March 5, 2025

    Settlement Reached in Tennessee Deaf Prisoner Case

    Settlement Reached in Tennessee Deaf Prisoner Case: Tennessee Department of Correction commits to provide necessary technology and services to ensure equal access. View press release in PDF – ENGLISH Media Contacts: Disability Rights Tennessee: Lee Sherwood, 615-490-3844, LeeS@DisabilityRightsTN.org Fox & Robertson:  Amy Robertson, 303-917-1870, arob@foxrob.com Disability Rights Advocates: Madeleine J. Reichman, 332-217-2318, mreichman@dralegal.org Disability Law […]

  • A person signs a document at a wooden table with a gavel. The text reads: UPDATE: DRT and Partners File Lawsuit Against Tennessee. Disability Rights TN logo is in the corner.
    December 18, 2024

    Update on Class Action Lawsuit Against the State of Tennessee

    As we close out the year, we wanted to bring you up to date on recent activity in the Disability Rights Tennessee lawsuit which is pending in Federal Court in the Middle District of Tennessee against the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”), the Tennessee Dept. of Education (“TDOE”) and others. The […]

  • Illustration of an airplane interior with a Breaking News banner. A red Update stamp overlays it. Below, text reads, DOT issues new airline rule focused on protections for airline passengers with disabilities.
    December 18, 2024

    New Protections Announced for Airline Passengers with Disabilities

    Visit the site with the press release here. Newly released final rule is the biggest expansion of rights for passengers with disabilities in a generation  Earlier this year, DOT issued a record-breaking penalty against American Airlines for unsafe and undignified treatment of passengers with disabilities  WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg today announced that the U.S. Department […]

  • A collage with three people smiling at the top, the text DEAL 2024 RECAP in the middle, and a large group of diverse individuals posing together at the bottom in a conference setting.
    December 12, 2024

    DEAL 2024 Recap: The Best Bits

    On October 11, Disability Rights Tennessee gathered once again with friends, advocates, colleagues, and new faces at the Music City Center in Nashville to celebrate a significant milestone: 10 years of the Disability Employment Awareness Luncheon (DEAL). This annual event is a way for the community to come together and hear personal stories and best […]

  • December 11, 2024

    2024 Expect Employment Report