Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) Hosts 2020 Educate to Advocate Public Policy Workshop

February 18, 2020

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) recently hosted its 2020 Educate to Advocate public policy workshop in preparation for Feb. 4's Tennessee Disability Day on the Hill, during which disability organizations, family members and caregivers, self-advocates, and more schedule appointments with their elected officials to discuss disability issues and upcoming legislation.

VKC UCEDD director Elise McMillan welcomed attendees from across the state either attending in person or via Zoom live streaming technology. Carol Westlake from the Tennessee Disability Coalition began the evening's events by moderating a panel titled "Creating the Perfect Storm." Who needs to be "at the table" when creating disability legislation? Two mothers of children with complex medical needs shared their stories of advocating for their children and working with lawmakers to pass legislation for the Katie Beckett Waiver in Tennessee. Joining them on the panel were a public relations official who helped get their stories to the media, a staff member of the Tennessee General Assembly, and a representative from Vanderbilt University's Office of Community, Neighborhood, and Government Relations.

Next, Carrie Hobbs Guiden of The Arc Tennessee shared information on updates in State and Federal disability policy, sharing steps made within the last session and what is coming up in the near future. Finally, Brian Keller of Disability Rights Tennessee gave a presentation on voter accessibility and how you can serve as a poll site accessibility volunteer during the upcoming election season.

The entire 2020 Educate to Advocate session can be seen by clicking here.