In the fall of 2006, Family Voices of Tennessee worked in collaboration with Title V (Children’s Special Services) to conduct a Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs Comprehensive Survey.  Approximately 6,200 surveys were mailed out to families enrolled in Title V (Children’s Special Services), Family Voices of Tennessee database. The data were analyzed by the Vanderbilt School of Nursing under the direction of Dr. Melanie Lutenbacher, PhD, MSN, APRN.

Family Voices of Tennessee is scheduling Town Hall Meetings across the state to share what we have learned and to obtain reaction to the survey results.  Information from the Needs Survey and the town hall meetings may be used by Children’s Special Services, Family Voices, and others to direct policy, program, and advocacy efforts on behalf of families and children.

Please assist us by attending a Town Hall Meeting at a location near you.  We also ask that you share this information with families/caregivers of children with special health care needs and encourage their attendance as well.  

Family Voices of Tennessee looks forward to seeing you at a Town Hall Meeting!

 Schedule

West TN

Location:             Memphis Center for Independent Living

Date:                  May 23, 2008

Time:                  6:00-8:00 PM  

Address:             1633 Madison Avenue, Memphis TN 38104

Middle TN

Location:           Cookeville, Upper Cumberland Career Center

Date:                May 12, 2008

Time:                11:30-1:00 pm

Address:           3300 Williams Enterprise Drive, Cookeville TN 38506

Location:           Nashville Marriott Airport Hotel – Jackson Room

Date:                May 28, 2008

Time:                5:00-7:00 PM

Address:           600 Marriott Drive, Nashville TN  37214

In conjunction with the Tennessee Megaconference

East TN

Location:           Knoxville, Second Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall

Date:                May 13, 2008

Time:                6:00-8:00 PM

Address:           2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37919                         

For more information or assistance contact

Julie Sullivan                              Donna Graham                                                 

Phone: 931-686-3353                 Phone: 423-552-8218

      Email: fvtn@tndisability.org        Email: familyvoices@tndisability.org             

Most Adapted Product Award

Project BRAIN — Virtual School

Tennessee Department of Health

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program is pleased to announce that the Health Resources and Services Administration grant project known as Project BRAIN was recognized for its Virtual School as the “most adapted product” at the annual Leadership Grantee meeting in Bethesda, Maryland, April 4, 2008.

Forty-nine states and territories received Federal TBI grants and many develop products which are shared on the collaboration space of the TBI Technical Assistance Center. Project BRAIN’s Virtual School has been the product most adapted by other states which include Georgia, Missouri and Massachusetts.

To correctly identify and appropriately serve students with traumatic brain injury, it is essential that school personnel receive training about brain injury and its effect on children and youth. Project BRAIN staff developed the interactive CD-ROM entitled Virtual School in 2002 and in 2004 made it available on the web.

The training was created using a teacher-oriented model rather than a medical model. The “school” consists of several “classrooms” containing information that is pertinent to school personnel working with students with brain injury. Participants enter the school and access different sections for information. For example, the Nurse’s Office contains general information about the causes and effects of TBI; the Classroom has information on how the effects of brain injury might manifest within the educational environment.

Several states have added the link to the Virtual School to their training websites. The Internet allows these states to bridge the distance to school personnel located throughout their state and provide them with practical, hands-on training available at all times.

Visit the Virtual School:

www.tndisability.org/brain/cd/index.php

Pictured Above: Jean Doster; Janie Martin Heppel, Director of the Federal TBI Program; and Paula Denslow of Project BRAIN with Award

The legislation still requires passage in the House where the Finance, Ways and Means committee is expected to hear it next week.

Bredesen’s statement:

“I commend the members of the Senate on the unanimous vote to give more Tennessee seniors a chance to receive long-term care services where they want them the most: at home. This fundamental change in the way TennCare handles long-term care will provide more choices and simplify access to care for our seniors and their families.

“This long-anticipated step to bring more options to seniors and adults living with disabilities has been a remarkable bi-partisan effort with broad community and industry support. I thank Lowe Finney for sponsoring this initiative in the Senate and urge the House to also act on the passage of this bill. It’s simply the right thing to do for Tennessee families facing care-giving needs.”

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON STATE PLANS

AND PUBLIC FORUM

The Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services has scheduled public hearings in Middle, West and East Tennessee on the 2009 State Plans update for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These public hearings are scheduled during the months of May in six (6) cities across the state and will allow the opportunity for public review and comment on the Rehabilitation Services State Plans. The public hearings starting times and locations are attached.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services serves eligible individuals with physical or mental disabilities and may provide services to include diagnosis, treatment, training, maintenance and transportation, counseling and guidance, job placement, post-employment services and supported employment services. Employment of people with disabilities is the objective of the program.

The Division’s regional supervisors and State Rehabilitation Council members will participate in these public hearings, which will be conducted according to the attached schedule. Copies of any or all Plans of the Division may be obtained by writing or contacting the Division as follows: 

DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES

ATTN: SAMUEL E. COLE

CITIZENS PLAZA STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 10th FLOOR

400 DEADERICK STREET

NASHVILLE, TN 37243-1403

TELEPHONE: (615) 313-5682 ? TTY: (615) 313-5695

FAX, (615) 741-6508

E-MAIL: SAMUEL.COLE@STATE.TN.US

The State Plans may also be reviewed in any regional rehabilitation services office across the state, as well as online at http://state.tn.us/humanserv/rehab/st_plan.htm  (which will be online by May 2^nd  2008).

State Plan comments can be made at the public hearings or be sent to the regional supervisor in your region. A listing of DRS Regional Offices with counties served is enclosed.

Individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in the public hearings should contact the Rehabilitation Services Division to discuss any auxiliary aids or services needed to facilitate participation. Requests may be made in person, by letter, by telephone, fax or by e-mail. The request, through the above address and numbers, should be made as soon as possible to allow time for scheduling. 

Nashville - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 3:00 PM

Metropolitan Board of Education

Customer Service Center/Board Room Entrance-Berry Street

2601 Bransford Avenue

Nashville, TN 37204

Jackson – Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Jackson Center for Independent Living

1981 Hollywood Road

Jackson, TN 38305

Johnson City – Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Tennessee Room

Johnson City Medical Center

400 N. State of Franklin Road

Johnson City, TN 37604 - 6094

Knoxville - Wednesday May 21, 2008 at 4:00 PM

State Office Building

531 Henley Street, Room 7-A

Knoxville, TN 37902

Sponsored by: Traumatic Brain Injury Services at the Regional Medical Center at

Memphis (The MED) Announces Annual Brain Injury Conference in Memphis.

Friday, May 30, 2008

8:00am - 4:30 pm

Longinotti Auditorium at Saint Francis Hospital
5959 Park Avenue

Topics will include: FALLS - A Leading Cause of TBI for Older Adults and Children; Epilepsy and TBI; Pharmacology and the Treatment of Brain Injury; Maintaining A Healthy Work / Life Balance; From Post-it-Notes to Power Wheelchairs - What is Assistive Technology?; Planning for the Future; and a professional panel Q&A session.

The curriculum for this program is pending CEU approval.

Registration for Professionals: CBIS or CBIT = $75

Registration for Professionals - Non-CBIS or CBIT = $85

Registration for Students = $25 {with Valid College ID]

Registration for Brain Injury Survivors = FREE

Registration for Family Member / Caregiver = FREE

For a conference brochure with registration form or more information, please contact:

Carolyn S. Chambers

Traumatic Brain Injury Service Coordinator

Department of Neurosurgery

Regional Medical Center at Memphis

877 Jefferson Avenue, A659

Memphis, TN 38103-2897

PH: (901) 545-8487

FAX: (901) 545-8174

E-mail: cchambers@the-med.org

Date and Time: Thursday, May 15, 2008

Welcome Reception at 6:30PM/Program Starts at 7:00PM

Location: Doubletree Hotel – Jackson

770 Highway 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305

Speaker: Dr. Karl Misulis

If you or someone you care about is living with seizures, this is your chance to:

• Learn More About Epilepsy
• Hear an Epilepsy Advocates’ Personal Story
• Hear About Treatment Options
• Meet Others Living With Epilepsy
• Ask a Neurologist Your Questions About Epilepsy

Bring your friends, your family, and your questions. Take home a connection to others in your community and the inspiration to LIVE on your terms.

Please call 1-866-865-7305 to pre-register or you can register online at www.EpilepsyAdvocate.com

 A support group for families of children with hearing loss.

May is better hearing and speech month
 
FAMILY HEARING FAIR

Saturday May 10th

10:00-3:00

Fountain City United Methodist Church

212 Hotel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37918

(Across from the Fountain City Park)

Featuring Area Resources for Children With

Hearing Loss and their Families

Take Part in:  Story Time, Baby Signing Class, Performances by the InterAct Theatre Company, and free hearing screenings.

Network with other Families and

Meet Adults who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Family-friendly events will feature information about:

• Hearing Loss
• Hearing Health
• Cochlear Implants
• Literacy
• Latest technologies & treatment for children with Hearing Loss

Event Flyer in PDF

Event Flyer in MS Word

 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL BARBARA NICODEMUS AT 688-4694 OR CAMILLE KECK AT 310-0695

SUMMARY:  The Coordinator represents TMHCA in a specific region. Key responsibilities include providing consumers with information, peer support and training, and educational activities directed at building self-advocacy skills promoting rehabilitation and recovery. Coordinators provide technical assistance to BRIDGES teachers and facilitators. Coordinators must be able to work effectively with stakeholder groups and the general public and must work effectively in a team environment.

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Office setting, with local, state and national travel required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Must be a mental health consumer: A mental health consumer is someone that has met at some point in their adult life the following definition: an adult with a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration to meet diagnosable criteria as specified within DSM-IV that has resulted in functional impairment which has substantially interfered with or limited one or more major activities
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with mental health consumers.
• Good telephone manners, writing and computer skills (Windows based, word processing, spreadsheet, databases, etc.)
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the mental health advocacy.
• Excellent oral, written and public presentation skills.
• Understanding of Mental Health issues, trends, concerns, and activities.
• Ability to reach out and work with diverse groups, individuals, ideas and opinions.
• Vision, zeal, decisiveness and flexibility in dealing with changing conditions.
• Demonstrated self-confidence and sound judgment sufficient to handle challenges.
• Must have skills and be proficient with the techniques, concepts and principals to maintain stability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Work with regional consumer-operated services.
• Provide technical assistance to BRIDGES teachers and facilitators
• Be involved in advocacy activities directed at system change.
• Work with groups and ad hoc committees on mental health issues.
• Engage in educational outreach to stakeholder groups.
• Engage in educational outreach to the general public.
• Attend Regional and State Mental Health Planning Councils.
• Attend other groups and committees as required by supervisor.
• Keep informed of trends, issues, events and developments within the mental health consumer field.
• Work to improve and enhance the services offered by TMHCA.
• Identify community resources.
• Identify ongoing program educational/psychosocial needs.
• Complete paperwork as required by agency.
• Complete clerical and program development duties assigned by agency.
• Other duties as by assigned by TMHCA management.

 
Fax resume to Shanna Shilling at 1-(615) 383-1176 or email sshilling@tmhca-tn.org

Dear Friends, Associates and Members,

We are pleased to celebrate our 10^th Anniversary of Wheel Me On… with you while continuing to look toward the future and providing advocacy. The enclosed brochure highlights our Greater Access program, Military Pride, our interest with Historic Preservation and our philosophy about “wheeling”. We hope you will take the time to read this special Anniversary brochure and the progress we have made over these past ten years.

Our mission to educate, motivate, and encourage persons with disabilities (PWD) to engage in activities by promoting awareness in society provides unequivocal rewards for persons with and without disabilities. Meeting additional challenges, while exceeding barriers brings knowledge and insight, accomplished through our volunteers who willingly pushed forward for the benefit of our members. With the strength of an eagle, we soared through hardships, while working with associated organizations and allowed the strong patriotism in our hearts for our county to continue proudly supporting our Military Pride.

During the past decade, Wheel Me On… has learned that without members and volunteers, we would not be a non-profit organization, much less have met our milestone of ten years. Our volunteer staff has been instrumental with enhancing existing programs and bringing new ones into focus. An example of this is a Service Animal program and during recent years, the annual Queen City Road Race Wheelchair Division. We sincerely thank our volunteers, members and sponsors who made rotation of the circle possible.

Enclosed for Members who paid their 2008 annual dues is the trademark Eagle decal, we hope Members will proudly display on their vehicle window. (Membership number for “Members Only” on the website is located on the envelope of this letter.) For persons desiring membership or making a contribution, enclosed is the correct form you may mail directly to the headquartering office. We encourage and invite you to join us; the experience is there for everyone!

With kind regards,

Julia Hollenbeck, Founder, President/CEO

Raymond Colon, Executive Vice-President

Ann McLean-Brown Jones, Executive Secretary

To learn more visit: http://www.wheelmeon.org

To join Wheel Me On: http://www.wheelmeon.org/join.html

About Membership

Membership to Wheel Me On… is open to all individuals’ 18-years of age and older, and members of younger ages when accompanied by a responsible adult for program attendance. This Wheel Me On… initiative includes persons with or without disabilities to enhance unity in society, rather than segregate or “group” any person(s) with a disability. There are two membership programs available:

“Associate Members” provides a non-paying member to receive currant updates by email, recent posts, and other important information pertaining to the website of Wheel Me On… Associate Members are encouraged to join specific programs, functions and other scheduled events in various states. Many of the programs Wheel Me On… offers encourages family involvement. Associate Members are requested to provide at least their first and last name, date of birth, state or province, and country on the membership form.

“Members Only” are persons who pay their annual membership dues of twenty dollars ($20.00 USA) per year. Persons receive everything offered to “Associate Members” and exclusive entry into the “Members Only” section of the website. In addition, they receive a window decal of the trademark Eagle logo, reduced prices for Wheel Me On… DVD films, books and other items, when offered by the organization through our sponsors. Membership includes full itineraries of tours, such as the annual Lighthouse Searches, with reduced hotel rates, some meals and entertainment included. Additional membership benefits may apply. Full membership requires all fields pertaining to contact information on the form below to be filled out.

The majority of our educational programs are sponsorship driven requiring contributions to assist defraying costs to allow members to attend with minimal or no cost to them. Sponsorships are encouraged and are tax deductible under your state guidelines and the United States Internal Revenue Service per the instructions of their 501 (c)3 non-profit standards. Wheel Me On… promotes their sponsors with advertising on our website!

To join Wheel Me On: http://www.wheelmeon.org/join.html

Additional Contact Information:

Wheel Me On… Headquarters
35 Covington Street
Clarksville, TN 37040-6511
Telephone 931-551-9204
FAX 931-553-0591

“You could be helping others - by sharing your experience …” - SFC Dennis R. Musgraves, U.S. Army, (RET)

Accessibility - Activities - Education - Peer Counseling - Resources

April 19, 2007 2nd Annual “Walk & Roll”

The Technology Access Center and the League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will team up this year with other disability related Nashville non-profits to raise funds and awareness for disability services in middle Tennessee. This year in addition to the walk for all abilities there will be a 5k run. The festivities start at 8:00am at Centennial Park.

For more Information or to Register online

For more information:

Progress at 399-3000

Technology Access Center 248-6733

Presented by: HCA/TriStar