TNSTEP

Intro to Special Education Workshop
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | East TN Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center, 1025 Children's Way, Knoxville, TN, 37922, United States
Join TNSTEP at this free workshop designed for parents, caregivers, and professionals to gain a working knowledge of special education laws. Topics include your role in developing an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP), how to effectively partner with the school team in the process, how to prepare for important meetings, and other key areas, such as:

Eligibility
Evaluations
Timelines
Related Services
Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Rights as a Parent

Where:
East TN Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center
1025 Children’s Way
Knoxville, TN 37922
Trainer:
Joey Ellis, Director of Youth Services
615-682-3120
joey.ellis@tnstep.info
For more information and to register contact:
Lydia or Tracy
865-690-8961 ext 6732
Lconatser@etch.com
Sponsored by: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center
PLEASE NOTE: Adults only, please.

FIRE (Fostering Inclusion through Resource Efforts) Resource Fair
2026-03-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Curry Athletic Center, 150 Kermit Smith Drive, Pulaski, TN, 38478
The 4th Annual FIRE (Fostering Inclusion through Resource Efforts) Resource Fair on March 24th.
Hosted by UT Southern Special Education, this student-created event features 40+ organizations from across the state serving individuals with disabilities. The resource fair is free and open to the public and will be held in the Curry Athletic Center, 150 Kermit Smith Drive,
Pulaski, TN 38478 from 5–7 p.m. CT.
Be sure to visit the TNSTEP booth at the Resource Fair for additional information and resources for families and caregivers.
For more information, contact Claire Paul, UTS, cpaul11@utsouthern.edu

Supportive Decision Making Across a Lifetime Parent Training
2026-03-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Knox County Schools Lunch and Learn SPED PEC Parent Training Series with TNSTEP
It’s never too early or too late to start helping people, to make their own decisions. And if you believe, as TNSTEP hopes you do, that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities to make important life decisions, then this webinar will provide information and tools to help make that a reality.
Very few of us make decisions on our own. We turn to those people in our lives — our parents, siblings, friends, and others we know who have faced similar decisions — who we trust to help us.
When? Monday, Mar 23, 2026, 12:00 PM
Where? TEAMS Online Training
Register here
Presenter: Joey Ellis, Director of Youth Services, TNSTEP
Hosted by: Knox County Schools

Building Communication & Advocacy Skills a WAZE to Adulthood Parent & Professional Training
2026-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
Strong communication is the foundation of effective advocacy. Join us for this live Zoom webinar to learn about different communication styles, strategies for clear and respectful communication, and ways to navigate difficult or conflict-filled conversations.
Participants will also explore practical tips for communicating effectively with professionals—such as school staff, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, and Independent Living program staff—and for supporting people with disabilities in building strong self-advocacy skills.
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm ET
Register for Training: https://tinyurl.com/yk76a389
This webinar is for Tennessee parents, caregivers, and professionals working with youth with disabilities.
Presented by PEATC in partnership with TNSTEP

Johnson City Schools Spring Transition Fair (Arc TN)
2026-03-12 12:30 - 14:00 | Freedom Hall Civic Center, Auxiliary Gym, 1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, TN, 37604
Join The Arc Tennessee’s Family Engagement in Special Education team for the Johnson City Schools Spring Transition Fair!
Are you looking for resources and support to help prepare your student for life after high school? This transition fair is a great way to explore college and career readiness programs, ask questions, and connect with other families on a similar special education journey. Come discover opportunities, meet experts, and find the tools your family needs to support your student’s transition into higher education, employment, and independent living.
Be sure to visit the TNSTEP booth for additional information and resources for families and caregivers during the Resource Fair.
Don’t miss out—join us and start planning for the future today!

First TN Regional Miniconference and Resource Fair (Washington Co. Schools)
2026-03-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Daniel Boone High School, 1440 Suncrest Drive, Gray, TN, 37615, United States
The Arc TN Family Engagement in Special Education and Washington County Schools are hosting a regional resource fair and miniconference to support families of students with disabilities. The event will feature community organizations as well as breakout sessions on conservatorship, transition services, and more. Snacks will be provided.
Daniel Boone High School
1440 Suncrest Drive
Gray, TN 37615
March 7, 2026
12:00 – 4:00 pm ET
Register at this link
https://familyengagementtn.com/event/first-tn-regional-miniconference-and-resource-fair/
In case of inclement weather, visit the Washington County Schools website at www.wcde.org for updates or rescheduling information. The inclement weather date is March 28, 2026.
Sponsored by The Arc Family Engagement in Special Education and Washington County Schools

Let’s Talk About Work! a WAZE to Adulthood Youth Training
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Join us for this free, live Zoom webinar for youth with disabilities (ages 14-22).
In this workshop, we will talk about working in the community and learning more about competitive integrated employment (CIE). CIE is about working in the community, earning the same pay as others, and more.
You deserve a chance to work. You play an important role in the community!
Sessions to choose from:
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/kncsrv6x
**This training is only for STUDENTS with disabilities who live in one of these states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.
Presented by PEATC in partnership with Parent to Parent Miami, Parent to Parent Georgia, Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC), Family Connection of South Carolina, and TNSTEP.

Intro to Special Education Workshop
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join TNSTEP at this free workshop designed for parents, caregivers, and professionals to gain a working knowledge of special education laws. Topics include your role in developing an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP), how to effectively partner with the school team in the process, how to prepare for important meetings, and other key areas, such as:

Eligibility
Evaluations
Timelines
Related Services
Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Rights as a Parent

Virtual Workshop
Time:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Eastern Time
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Central Time
Register Online:
https://bit.ly/4qYRS2K
Trainer:
Joey Ellis, Director of Youth Services
615-682-3120
joey.ellis@tnstep.info
Sponsored by: Ballad Health – Indian Path Pediatric Clinic

Lincoln County Schools Resource Fair
2026-02-05 16:00 - 19:00 | Lincoln County High School, 1233 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville, TN, 37334, United States
Join us for the Lincoln County Schools Resource Fair! Local and statewide organizations will be available to:

provide information about programs and supports for students with disabilities;
help students and families plan for a successful transition after high school; and
connect students and families with community resources, education, and employment services

Do you have a child with a disability or suspected disability who needs special education support at school? TNSTEP will be exhibiting during this event. Stop by for information and resources to help you and your caregivers navigate the special education process, including training and information on IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
When: February 5, 2026
Time: 4-7 pm CT
Where: Lincoln County High School, 1233 Huntsville Hwy, Fayetteville, TN 37334

Register at https://tinyurl.com/y2c7wrke

For more information specialeducation@thearctn.org or (833) 596-1553.

Navigating Future Financial Assistance with ABLE TN (Tennessee Disability Pathfinder)
2026-01-15 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
Planning for your financial future doesn’t have to be complicated! Discover how ABLE TN enables individuals with disabilities to save and invest without impacting essential benefits.
Join us for this free, virtual webinar featuring expert insights on:

Eligibility requirements
Tax benefits and advantages
Qualifying expenses
Best practices for managing your ABLE TN account

This session will provide practical tools and knowledge to help individuals with disabilities and their families confidently plan for a secure financial future.
Date and Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
Registration is required
Presenter:
Edward Mitchell, MBA
ABLE NRC Ambassador
Executive Director, Statewide Independent Living Council of TN
Arabic, ASL, and Spanish interpretations are available upon request during registration. To ensure we can accommodate your needs, please submit your request by close of business (COB) on January 8, 2026.
