Tennessee Kindred Stories of Disability

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



38 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. ”

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.'”

Lilian (25), Down syndrome, Wilson County

Every father deserves to know what will become of his child once he is no longer able to provide for their needs anymore. ”

Louie (13), Angelman syndrome, Davidson County

We have services now but we pay for everything out of pocket. ”

Darren (40), Other, Montgomery County

I can’t even remember how long we have been on the waiting list. During that time life has just been so hard. I worry all the time. ”

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.”

Carol (63), Blind, Davidson County

If the general public only understood that with training and minimal assistance a blind person can live a full life, things would be so much easier for us. It's the attitudes we encounter that make our success more difficult than it should be. ”

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

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

Jake (14), Autism, Putnam County

The key to acceptance is a willingness to be present with Jake, to join Jake on his terms. ”

Eric (23), Down syndrome, Williamson County

If it doesn’t seem right, I don’t care who’s telling you, if it’s not right, you make it right. You have to make it work. You do whatever you need to do. You need to always understand what your rights are and what your child's rights are, or else you may get short changed.”

Jessie (8), CHARGE Syndrome, Rutherford County

In the community and their social circles, Angie feels that Jesse is generally accepted. They are well-supported through their church community and by other homeschooling families who take all three children to home school PE so Angie has a few hours free. ”

Tree (5), Autism, Shelby County

Being the parent of children without autism, Tree challenged everything I knew of behavior, understanding, discipline, and development in children.”

Myles (4), Autism, Shelby County

Our life is all about therapies, not play- dates.”

Sharmane (38), Down syndrome, Davidson County

Sharmane is 38 now, and I would love to take her back to those doctors and nurses who told me she wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything, and show them how wrong they were!”

Jeff (47), Cerebral Palsy, Davidson County

If my son had been in a regular school system…he might be able to do some things he can’t do now.”

Michael (43), Other, Davidson County

My basic hope and prayer is that I outlive my son.”