Disability Day on the Hill 

2025

Disability Day on the Hill  is our chance to unite as the Tennessee disability community and engage in the legislative process. As a part of DDH 2025, we are hosting statewide virtual and in-person events in Nashville and at the State Capitol. 

DDH 2025 "Liberty. Not Limits." Logo

 

The theme for DDH 2025 is "Liberty. Not Limits." We believe that having a disability should not limit our liberty to live a life of our choosing. Mark your calendars for DDH 2025, and join us as we advocate for Liberty. Not Limits. in Tennessee.

 

VIRTUAL EVENTS

DDH Legislative Webinar: Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at 1-2pm CST and 5:30-6:30pm CST.

We will be hosting the same Legislative Webinar twice on February 27th, once at 1pm-2pm CST and once at 5:30-6:30pm CT. This is an online-only event. 

 

  • How will I get the webinar link?
    • You will receive an email the day before the webinar with a zoom link.
  • Will there be captioning?
    • Yes! We use an automated captioning software. You can turn on automated captions when you are on zoom.
  • Will there be an ASL interpreter?
    • Yes! We will have an ASL interpreter for the webinar. When you get on zoom, make sure you are in "gallery view" (select "gallery view" from the upper right corner). Then click the interpreter's video and select the "more" button (the three dots). Select "pin video." This will allow you to see the interpreter throughout the webinar, regardless of who is speaking.  If you need help, ask! We will have staff on standby ready to help.
  • Is there anything I need to do to prepare ahead of time for the webinar?
    • Nope, just make sure you RSVP by February 20th to receive the zoom link.
  • How do I request accommodations?
    • You can request accommodations when you RSVP before the February 20th deadline. We will do our best to meet your needs but ask that you make your request in advance of our deadline so we have time to make it happen.

 

Don't see the answer to your question? Call us at 615-383-9442 or email us at: ddh@tndisability.org

 

Disability Advocacy Day: Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 - All day!

Join us as Tennessee lights up "Coalition Blue" to celebrate disability advocacy across the state. Landmarks and buildings across Tennessee will light up in solidarity. Stay tuned for a list of participating locations. 

  1. What is Disability Advocacy Day?
    • Disability Advocacy Day honors the importance of advocacy in the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities and celebrates advocates who fight to improve access to equal opportunities across the state. In support and solidary, landmarks across the state will light up "Coalition Blue." Lawmakers, schools and students and self-advocates will wear “Coalition Blue” and post to social media to celebrate.
  2. How can I participate?
    • Join us in celebration by posting about Disability Advocacy Day on social media, wearing blue, and going to see lit-up landmarks near you!
    • If you're in the Nashville area, join us at our TDC Community Party at Fat Bottom Brewing to celebrate Disability Advocacy Day in-person. 
  3. Are there landmarks lighting up near me?
    • Maybe! A list of Check participating locations is coming soon. 

 

Don't see the answer to your question? Call us at 615-383-9442 or email us at: ddh@tndisability.org

 

IN-PERSON EVENTS

TDC Community Party: Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 at 5-7pm CST

Fat Bottom Brewing Co. 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN, 37209

Join us in Nashville the evening before DDH to enjoy a time of community and fun as we celebrate the hard work of our community and Disability Advocacy Day. Heavy appetizers will be served. 

  1. Where is the TDC Community Party?
    • Fat Bottom Brewing: 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
  2. What time is the party?
    • The party is from 5-7 pm CST, but feel free to come and go anytime within that timeframe.
  3. Where will I park?
    • There is a free parking lot on site, accessible parking spots, and street parking available.
  4. What should I wear?
    • Whatever makes you comfortable! However, we will be in an indoor-outdoor space, so make sure to check the weather before you come.
  5. Do I need to bring anything?
    • Nope, just come ready to have fun and hang out as a community!
  6. Is the venue accessible?
    • Yes! There is accessible parking, bathrooms, and seating, plus we will have a designated quiet space you can utilize.
  7. Will there be a dedicated quiet space to use if needed?
    • Yes! We are so happy to be able to offer a quiet area that you can use to take a break if needed.
  8. I have dietary restrictions. What kind of food will be available?
    • We will have at least one vegetarian/vegan option available. We will have signs up by food that is gluten-free. Please ask a volunteer if you need assistance.
  9. What beverages will be available?
    • We will have beer, wine, water, and soft drinks available. Each person will receive two drink tickets when they arrive to use as they choose.
  10. I RSVP'd, but now I can't make it. What do I do?
    • If you need to cancel or change your RSVP, please call us at 615-383-9442 or email ddh@tndisability.org and we'll take care of it.
  11. Covid-19 Event Protocol
    • The TDC Community Party will have a connected outdoor space, plenty of room for people to spread out, and masks will be encouraged. Food and drinks will be available both inside and outside. We will have nametags available with color coding: red for those who prefer social distancing, yellow for those who are comfortable closer up but prefer no touching, and green for those comfortable with handshakes, etc.

 

Don't see the answer to your question? Call us at 615-383-9442 or email us at: ddh@tndisability.org

 

Disability Day on the Day: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at 9am-2pm CST.

Cordell Hull Legislative Offices Address: 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN37243

Disability Day on the Hill will be at the Cordell Hull Building in downtown Nashville. Boxed lunches will be provided. 

  1. Where is DDH?
    • Cordell Hull State Office Building: 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37243
  2. What time should I arrive at DDH?
    • The most important part of DDH is your meetings with your legislators. We advise that you plan to park at least one hour before your meeting time or arrive at least 30 minutes early at the legislative offices. The building is eight stories tall and sometimes it takes time to navigate to your legislator’s office. You definitely want to be on time for your meetings!
  3. Where will I park?
    • Follow this link to find where the closest public parking spaces are to the Cordell Hull Building: https://nashvilledowntown.com/get-around/nashville-parking WeGo Central is the Nashville Metro Public Transit's downtown bus station located at 400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd next to Municipal Auditorium. It is right across from Cordell Hull Building's Rep. John Lewis Way N. entrance and offers paid parking. More information and a map of the bus station is online at: https://www.wegotransit.com/ride/transit-services/buses/ Please note: You have to have a smartphone with QR reader and credit card to pay to park there.
  4. What will I do when I arrive at Cordell Hull?
    • Arrive in plenty of time to meet with your legislator on time. If you are early, you can sit in on a legislative committee hearing to hear them debate bills about education, transportation, etc. You can also go to the TN Disability exhibit table on the second floor by the “grab & go” station to get information and resources or a recommendation about what to do next.
  5. Where do I go at Cordell Hull if I have questions or questions?
    • TN Disability Coalition will have volunteers ready to help at Cordell Hull including at the main entrance. We will also have an exhibit table with volunteers, information at resources on the first floor by the “grab & go” station. All volunteers will be wearing a gray volunteer t-shirt so you know who to go to.
  6. What should I wear?
    • Legislators dress formally, but that doesn't mean you have to. Some people will dress more business casual, while others will plan to wear their DDH t-shirts. So, wear what makes you feel comfortable! Cordell Hull Legislative Office Building is large and there tends to be a lot of walking, you might want to take this into consideration when you choose your outfit (and shoes).
  7. Is there anything I need to do to prepare ahead of time?
    • Yes! Prepare for your meetings with resources from our Advocacy 101 Hub. We will have one-pagers you can read and videos you can watch on TDC policy priorities, tips for your meeting, and other helpful resources.
  8. How do I schedule a meeting with my legislator?
    • Great question! Check out our "How to Schedule A Meeting with your Legislator" video to learn how to set up your meeting.
  9. Can I bring someone to my meeting with my legislator?
    • Absolutely! This is your time, so feel free to bring support with you or ask fellow advocates to accompany you.
  10. What is there to do at DDH other than meet with my legislators?
    • Meeting with legislators is a big part of Disability Day on the Hill, but it's not the only thing to do. You can also sit in on legislative committee hearings to hear legislators debate bills about education, transportation, etc. and network with other advocates at DDH. Download a schedule of committee hearings on March 12th here. You can also view the schedule of committee hearings and the calendar of bills each committee plans to hear on the TN General Assembly website at: www.capitol.tn.gov
  11. I RSVP'd, but now I can't make it. What do I do?
    • If you need to cancel or change your RSVP, please call us at 615-383-9442 or email: ddh@tndisability.org and we'll take care of it.
  12. Will there be an ASL interpreter?
    • Yes! We will have ASL interpreters for folks who have requested them in advance of the February 20th deadline. We will do our best to meet your needs but ask that you make your request in advance of our deadline so we have time to make it happen.
  13. How do I request accommodations?
    • You can request accommodations when you RSVP before the February 20th deadline. We will do our best to meet your needs but ask that you make your request in advance of our deadline so we have time to make it happen.
  14. Covid-19 Event Protocol
    • Please note that we have no control over the Covid-19 safety protocols at Cordell Hull State Office Building. Masks are not required (you won't see many), and folks aren't social distancing.

 

Don't see the answer to your question? Call us at 615-383-9442 or email us at: ddh@tndisability.org

 

DDH 2025 RSVP link coming soon! 

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Our statewide Facebook group is for individuals, family members, and allies of people with disabilities in Tennessee. This group is a safe place for disability advocates to have conversations, share resources, and share up-to-date with relevant disability policy. 

 

DDH 2025 Sponsors:

 

Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Logo

Tennessee Mental Health Consumers Association Logo

 

 

Autism Tennessee logo

 

 

Mental Health America of the MidSouth Logo

 

Autism Resources of the Mid-South Logo

 

 

Liberty's Station Logo

 

Community Development Center Logo

 

The Arc Tennessee Logo

 

Mid South Liver Alliance Logo