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.”

Jake (14), Autism, Putnam County

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

Mitchell (17), Other, Maury County

“Our family is in need of caregiver supports. I am a single mom and cannot afford to pay for someone to care for my son. My teenage daughter has been his caregiver. This is not fair to her. ”

Dylan (16), Autism, Gibson County

“For the last several years I have been unable to keep a job because I have no one to care for him after school, holidays or summer break. My husband works full-time and as of now that is the only income we have to support a family of five. Without my income we have been faced with; utilities, gas, water and phone being cut off. ”

Leisa (51); Grace (17), Autism, Davidson County

“Tennessee, you see, is a Southern state governed by legislators who do have time to pass laws granting it legal to take home road kill but leave little for those of us struggling to provide for our children with disAbilities.”