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.”

Dylan S (19), Autism, Gibson County

“We've been on the wavier list for about 10 years with no help in sight.”

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.”

J.T. (Age 18), Autism, Montgomery County

“What is helpful to one person with autism is not necessarily workable for another. Therefore, any policy or view that attempts to compartmentalize people with autism may be ineffective. ”