Why Our Services Matter: Improving Outcomes for Tennessee Families
We improve the lives of families of children with disabilities by guiding them through challenges they face accessing education and community programs.
We provide services that promote working together with school staff to resolve issues often faced by children with disabilities at school such as harassment, bullying, low expectations, and social isolation.
We believe every child matters; every child should have access to an education that leads to self sufficiency, employment, and meaningful community involvement.
With our services families and schools increase expectations and provide opportunities for students with disabilities to aim for high achievement standards.
With our services families are able to be actively involved in navigating the special education process; research show that when parents are involved in their child’s education, children have better outcomes.
TNSTEP’s Mission
TNSTEP’s Mission is to serve families of children and youth, young adults, and those who are involved in their lives.
We provide accurate, timely, and relevant information and training related to special education rights, equal access to quality education, and connections to community resources.
We believe that parents and caregivers are their children’s best advocates and that youth with disabilities should be self-advocates.
We know that families and youth who are informed, empowered, and engaged can effectively collaborate as part of a team for services and support that will lead to improved outcomes and success in life.
La misión de TNSTEP es servir a familias de niños, jóvenes y adultos jóvenes y todos los que esten involucrados en la vida de ellos.
Nosotros proporcionamos información precisa, oportuna y relevante, además capacitaciones sobre los derechos de educación especial, igualdad de acceso a la educación y acceso a recursos de la comunidad.
Nosotros creemos que los padres y guardianes son los mejores defensores de los derechos de sus hijos, y así también los jóvenes con discapacidades deberían ser autodefensores de sus derechos.
Nosotros sabemos que las familias y los jóvenes informados, empoderados y comprometidos pueden ser parte del equipo para alcanzar servicios y apoyos que conduzcan a mejores resultados y éxitos en la vida.
TNSTEP Vision
TNSTEP’s vision is to ensure a brighter future for children and youth in Tennessee, with an emphasis on those with disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health needs.
La visión de TNSTEP es asegurar un futuro brillante para los niños y jóvenes en Tennessee, con énfasis en aquellos con discapacidades, necesidades especiales de cuidado médico y salud mental.
80% Families found TNSTEP through a web search engine.
20% Families heard about TNSTEP through health care provider referrals.
Data: Oct 2023 – Sept 2024
STAFF
Karen Harrison
Katherine Williams
Patricia Valladares
Donna Jennings
Lisa Morelock Gosnell
Joey Ellis
Stephanie Willis
Tanya Willis
BOARD
Barbara Wagner
Bridgett Jordan
Bill Allen
Stephanie Phillips
Karen Harrison
Governing Board Nomination Process
The TNSTEP Nominating Committee is currently accepting nominations for our governing board. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the governance and oversight of TNSTEP, Tennessee’s Parent & Youth Training & Information Center, an organization dedicated to supporting families, children, and youth with disabilities.
About the TNSTEP Board
The TNSTEP Board serves several essential functions, including:
- Providing strategic direction and governance
- Overseeing organizational activities
- Ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of TNSTEP’s services
Board members are deeply committed to the mission of TNSTEP and the vital services it provides to families, children, and youth with disabilities.
Composition of the Board
The TNSTEP Board is composed of:
- Parents of children and youth with disabilities
- Individuals with disabilities
- Professionals working in fields that provide services or education to students with disabilities
Nomination Process
- If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else, please complete the online nomination form.
- Click here to submit a nomination. Upon receipt of a nomination, a member of the Nominating Committee will contact the individual to verify her/his interest in serving on the board and to answer any questions.
Thank you for your interest and support in helping TNSTEP continue its mission to empower families and improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities in Tennessee.
Click here to submit a nomination. Upon receipt of a nomination, a member of the Nominating Committee will contact the individual to verify her/his interest in serving on the board and to answer any questions.
TNSTEP is funded by grants which all help us achieve our purpose, which is to ensure that the education of children with disabilities is made more effective by strengthening the role and responsibility of parents and ensuring that families have meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children at home and school.
PARENT TRAINING AND INFORMATION CENTER (PTI)
Since 1989, TNSTEP has administered the TN PTI grant and provided families across Tennessee, whose children experience the full range of disabilities, the information, training, and support they need to develop skills that foster collaborative partnerships between families and the professionals who work with their children.
Through a variety of products, services, and materials the PTI addresses four critical areas for parents and family members who have children with special needs:
- Information Dissemination and Referral Services
- Training and Support
- Parent Leadership Development and Parent/School Partnerships
- Outreach Services
STATE PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT GRANT (SPDG)
The State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program, administered through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) within the U.S. Department of Education, assists state education agencies and their partners to improve results for children with disabilities through systems of professional development and dissemination of knowledge about best practices to educators and families.
The Tennessee Department of Education has selected TNSTEP as the funded family partner to help families participate in TN SPDG’s work and provide family engagement strategies and information to districts.
Visit the TN SPDG website for resources and information: http://www.tnspdg.com/
REGION B PTAC (PARENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER)
TNSTEP has been contracted by the Region B PTAC and entrusted with delivering information and technical assistance to a 12-state region of Parent Centers. The focus areas of our work under the Region B PTAC include:
- Youth Engagement and Transition to Adulthood
- Juvenile Justice and Civil Rights
PRIVATE DONORS AND FOUNDATIONS
We extend the reach of our services through the generous donations of people like you who believe that every family should have the information and support they need to advocate for a successful life for their child and young adults with disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health needs. We rely on donations and foundation grants to carry out our mission. You can become a TNSTEP Supporter today!
If you know of a parent, student, or professional who has demonstrated the powerful outcomes that are possible by applying your rights assertively and positively, this is your opportunity to submit their story for recognition. Please provide a brief story, highlighting their advocacy efforts and results, along with the nominee’s name and contact information. Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or by fax to 423.636.8217.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. A recipient is chosen in early April. The awards will be presented during the annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference Awards Banquet in Nashville in late May.
WAYNE PARKER
Advocate of the Year
WESLEY RICE
Youth Advocate of the Year
SCOTT FINNEY
Self-Advocate of the Year