Accessing disability services, especially in rural areas, has been a persistent challenge for many individuals and families. Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, or "Pathfinder," serves as a comprehensive resource hub to simplify this task. With a directory containing over 3,000 agency resources organized by county, including rural and marginalized communities, Pathfinder connects people with disabilities, their families, educators, and professionals to essential disability resources and services throughout the state.
Pathfinder's user-friendly website, Home - Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (tnpathfinder.org), offers an intuitive search tool, allowing users to narrow down results based on various criteria such as the stage of life, topic of interest, diagnosis, payment options, and service area. Users can create accounts to access additional features, including bookmarking resources, saving searches, submitting agency resources, and posting calendar events. The website also prioritizes accessibility, offering translation options in multiple languages.
The Pathfinder now offers a resource for all individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. For those looking to utilize this resource, it can be found in the footer of the main Pathfinder site under “Pathfinder Resources Guide”.
For those who prefer a more personalized approach, Pathfinder's dedicated team can be reached at 1-800-640-4636. These knowledgeable professionals are committed to assisting Tennesseans in finding disability resources, offering support tailored to individual needs. The team includes multicultural services coordinators to assist non-English speakers in marginalized communities. With a deep commitment to those they serve, Pathfinder ensures that no need is too small, offering assistance from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and making their Directory of Services available 24/7 on their website. You can also stay updated on resources and events by following them on social media @TNPathfinder.