On Jan. 28, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Tennessee Disability Pathfinder hosted the annual Educate to Advocate Public Policy Workshop, aimed at equipping attendees with knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively on disability issues. The event was co-hosted by Courtney Taylor, M.Div., director of Communications at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and Megan Hart, M.Ed., director of Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.
“The primary objective of Educate to Advocate is to inspire and educate individuals on the legislative process and on their role in shaping policy,” said Taylor. “Your voice makes a difference. Your advocacy matters. Our voices matter, and together, we can bring real change to our communities.”
With an emphasis on the importance of civic engagement, the event featured Tennessee disability professionals and advocates, who provided insights into legislative procedures, proposed bills, and practical advocacy strategies.
Understanding the Legislative Process
Zoë Jamail, policy coordinator for Disability Rights Tennessee, led a comprehensive session on how a bill becomes law in Tennessee. She outlined the key stages of the legislative process, including bill introduction, committee review, and final action by the governor.
“The legislative process can seem complex, but understanding it is the first step toward effective advocacy,” Jamail said.
A crucial point of discussion was the role of stakeholder feedback in shaping effective and inclusive policies. Jamail highlighted the significance of caption bills, amendments, and conference committees, emphasizing transparency and the importance of informed advocacy. She also provided a real-world example: “Last year, a proposed education bill initially seemed harmless, but after scrutiny, we realized it could have negatively impacted students with disabilities. It’s a perfect example of why we must stay engaged and vigilant.”
Legislative Updates and Priorities
Following Jamail’s session, Emma Shouse Garton from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities provided an update on current legislative priorities. She detailed upcoming proposals that could impact the disability community, including budget allocations and policy reforms. She highlighted current legislation in Tennessee focused on school vouchers and threats of mass violence by students. Federal topics included potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
“We are closely monitoring bills related to accessible transportation and expanded health care options as well,” said Garton. “I cannot stress enough the importance of staying informed and engaging with lawmakers to ensure that policies reflect the needs of people with disabilities. Your experiences and stories are the most powerful tools we have in shaping policy. Share them. They make a difference.”
Call to Action: Engaging in Advocacy
The webinar concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, reinforcing the power of collective advocacy efforts through the lens of one topic area: behavior supports in Tennessee classrooms. Jeff Strand, coordinator of Government and External Affairs at the Tennessee Disability Coalition moderated the discussion with panelists Shannikka Sherrill (parent), Robbie Faulkner (The Arc Tennessee), and John Staubitz (VKC TRIAD).
Panelists discussed existing systemic barriers (shortages of special education teachers and high turnover as well as a lack of training and resources) in Tennessee schools that hinder supports for students with behavior needs. They shared personal experiences, collective advocacy efforts, and what successful implementation of behavior intervention plans and functional behavior assessments can look like in Tennessee classrooms.
Panelists also encouraged attendees to share their stories, emphasizing that lived experiences carry weight. The sharing of personal stories humanizes the policy discussions and makes an undeniable impact on decision-makers.
Resources also were provided to help individuals track legislation, contact policymakers, and contribute to ongoing advocacy efforts.
For those who missed the live session, a recorded version and presenter slides are available on the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center website.
Top photo by Adobe Stock
