The Collaborative — made up of 40+ predominantly non-profit organizations working in the disability field — will launch its 2024-2025 calendar by meeting the team at the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. Led by Executive Director Lauren Pearcy, the Council is a state agency established to improve disability policies and practice, educate policymakers and the public, and build community. It exists to improve services and supports to make life better for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Council builds bridges between the experience of real people with disabilities and the policies and service systems that affect their lives.  They see the big picture across government programs to help connect dots and fill gaps to meet real needs.  They use these connections to make change toward greater inclusion, independence, and self-determination for people with disabilities in Tennessee.

Collaborative members will meet with the Council’s leadership team, learn more about their programs and priorities, and talk – over lunch -- about ways Nashville’s disability groups can collaborate to help build those bridges, connect the dots, and help make change.

For more information on this event or on the Disability Leadership Collaborative, please contact Carolyn Naifeh, Executive Director of Our Place Nashville.  Collaborative members, please RSVP by August 27 – two weeks before this gathering – and then the Council will send parking and lunch information to those who have committed to coming.