Tennessee Disability Coalition News Blog

GooD DeeDs of Oak Ridge is a small charity (501(c)3) devoted to building wheelchair ramps for people who need them but cannot afford them. Since March 2007 we have completed nearly 20 wheelchair ramps and 1 hand rail thanks to the support of volunteers and donors.

Potential clients can contact GooD DeeDs for assistance in accessing their home and we determine if they qualify for assistance, (1.85 x Poverty Values). We can build wheel chair ramps; modify doorways to allow free passage of wheel chairs, and/or install of hand rails in stairwells, hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms.

GooD DeeDs typically spends 1 to 4 days in each client’s home; utilizing donated material/funds to make needed modifications which will make the client’s home safer and more accessible. GooD DeeDs also solicits volunteers to donate their time and efforts in support of the client.

GooD DeeDs will accept donations, consisting of materials or monies, to support modifying the homes of the elderly and people with disabilities who live in and around the City of Oak Ridge TN, totally free of charge to the client.

If you know of someone who needs assistance with a ramp or if you would like to support GooD DeeDs through a donation of time, money or supplies please contact Andy Owen at aaowen@comcast.net.

2008 Annual Conference

“The Changing World of Brain Injury”

Friday, March 14, 2008

Keynote: “The Changing World of Brain Injury” – Susan Connors (CEO, BIAA)

Plenary Session: “TBI in the Military” – Dr. Don Nidiffer, Lakeview Virginia NeuroCare

ALSO

Pre-Conference Wine & Cheese Reception & Dance Party

Wine and Cheese Reception

5:00 until 6:00 P.M. (Central Time)

Dance Party

6:00 until 8:00 P.M.

Please RSVP by March 6, 2008

Please Contact: The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee

Pam Bryan - Toll-Free: 1-877-757-2428 or email: biaoftn@yahoo.com

Pre-Registration for the conference will be available that evening!

Conference Flyer

As the Road to Freedom rolled across Tennessee, the Coalition recognized the efforts of key legislators who have worked on behalf of people with disabilities. Among this select group was Rep. Joe Armstrong from Knoxville.

Rep. Armstrong has supported legislation relating to diabetes, mental health issues and helped establish a Tennessee Alzheimer’s Task Force this spring.

The Coalition extends its appreciation to the Rep. Armstrong for taking the time to participate in this great event and keeping an open door for people with disabilities.

Right: Rep. Armstrong addressing the crowd in front of the bus.

Below: Jim Ward from the National Coalition for Disability Rights

In the midst of the Road to Freedom Tour across Tennessee, a number of important legislators were recognized for their work in the General Assembly on behalf of people with disabilities. In Knoxville that honor went to Senator Raymond Finney, a retired physician from Maryville.

Senator Finney was a strong supporter of the Autism Equity Act and has worked on a number of other disability issues such as improving the student-teacher ratios in classrooms that include special education students.

The Coalition extends its appreciation to Senator Finney for all the time and energy he has devoted to tackling issues important to people with disabilities.