Tennessee Kindred Stories of Disability

A collection of stories from individuals with disabilities, families, friends, and disability service providers in Tennessee



55 Stories Found

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Stephen (17), Blind, Shelby County

Stephen is confident that he will find a job, but one of his biggest concerns is being turned down simply because of his vision impairment. ”

Elizabeth (18), Blind, Shelby County

She describes public school as a place that she went, accomplished her tasks, and hurried home. Wistfully, she explained the isolation she felt through her lack of participation in extra-curricular activities. ”

Wesley (18), Blind, Smith County

I don’t tell people I’m blind for starters. I don’t feel like it’s something they need to know. Type one people, when they do find out I’m blind, are just like, “Oh okay.” And then there’s type two, who instantly switch to baby mode, like I’m completely helpless. ”

Alex K (17), Blind, Jefferson County

People clearly treated him differently, and at times, it was very frustrating for Alex because he knew he was the same person he was before his diagnosis. ”

Jose (16), Autism, Rutherford County

My brother does get more attention, but it doesn’t like bug me as much because I know he’s special. But when I talk to his teachers they’ll be like, 'Well you have to treat him a little bit more normal because if not, he’s not going to get better.'”

Alex (18), Blind, Fayette County

I look at my disability and still consider myself lucky. I could have had so many other problems, and I just thank God every day.”

Patrick (23), Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Williamson County

The main goal that Dena has set for Patrick is for him to become as self-sufficient as possible. ”

Maria (18), Blind, Davidson County

Like any other teenager, she loves her family but eagerly awaits full independence. ”

Jackson (4), Autism, Rutherford County

The one service [ABA] that has been deemed “optional” and thus not eligible for coverage is the one service most vital to Jackson’s progress.”

Seth (23), Autism, Williamson County

If Seth had waiver services, everything would change. He would have something to look forward to and something to do. ”

Mark (42), Autism, Davidson County

I feel like if we got waiver services today it would be like being let out of prison. ”

Christopher (18), Cerebral Palsy, Shelby County

It’s overwhelming to go to the school, and feel like you have to get down on your hands and knees and beg for services you know your children should have. ”

Danny (55), Other, Shelby County

With him [Danny] being 55-years-old, it’s not like it was when he was born. Now, there’s help. There are programs and suggestions, but when he was born there was nothing.”

Lauren (21), Autism, Blount County

Why can’t schools treat people with disabilities like they have a future?”

Grayson (21), Cerebral Palsy, Cumberland County

After a certain point you say this is what we are. Let’s just be a family and let’s just live.”

Joshua (8), Other, Hamilton County

I don’t want to burden Joshua, but at the same time I want him to know he is a part of his success story. ”

Margo (27), Katherine Ann (25), developmentally delayed, Shelby County

I am not a planner but my sister and my niece wish that I was since they might be guardians one day. I must plan for the future care of my daughters. This is very hard for me. ”

Cassidy (13), Other, Shelby County

It is easy to feel alone.”

Christian (0), Tessier cleft lip and palate, Cannon County

Anything that I can do to make Christian's life better, I want to do.”

Sharmane (38), Down syndrome, Davidson County

Sharmane’s IQ cannot predict how much she has been able to achieve and learn.”