Job Opening: Executive Director

Empower Tennessee is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Executive Director.

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, professional resume, and online application form via the button link below by June 23, 2023. (If there is no button, applications are closed.)

TITLE: Executive Director

POSITION: Regular, Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Board of Directors

SUMMARY

The Executive Director is responsible for developing the organization, the programs, the marketing, and the day-to-day operations of the agency. The Executive Director may delegate tasks to one or more staff, but retains responsibility for sound financial and program management. It is assumed, with the outlined exceptions below, that the Executive Director has the delegated authority to operate the agency and is accountable to the Board of Directors for the quality of services and the productivity of all programs and activities. The Executive Director is expected to represent and advocate for Empower Tennessee in relevant community settings and to foster meaningful relationships and/or partnerships with organizations and individuals in the achievement of strategic goals. The Executive Director exhibits, models, and expects the values of empowerment, partnership, fairness, accountability, intersectionality, sustainability, and knowledge in all areas of the position. 

DUTIES:

Specific: 

  1. General Management and Planning: responsible for the day-to-day operations and decision making; reports to the Board on a monthly basis; prepares annual and long-range strategic plans with the Board; represents the staff and serves as Secretary at all Board and Committee meetings; recommends policy consistent with the mission of the agency and develops procedures to implement those policies; manages the facilities of the agency;
  2. Funding: actively researches and develops proposals for city, county, state, and federal funding sources; also solicits funds from private sources; monitors fees, contracts, and grants; completes all necessary reports in a timely manner; supervises activities for funding development; develops and assists with fundraising events; 
  3. Financial Management: develops financial statements and operating budget for Board approval; makes necessary adjustments to the budget; projects financial needs according to various budget formats; monitors expenses monthly to clarify projections; manages accounts with assistance of accountant and/or Treasurer; approves expenses for payment submitted by staff; ensures payment of agency general expenses; 
  4. Community Relations: actively represents and promotes the agency in appropriate meetings, hearings, and public relations activities; develops and maintains inter-agency relationships, both formal and informal; represents agency in response to media requests for information or position statements; network and collaborate with other disability-related organizations at the local, state, and national level; 
  5. Marketing: promotes the agency by generating and approving public service announcements, press releases, and contacts with the media; supervises development and distribution of agency literature, presentations, and media; supervises and/or develops marketing materials on behalf of the agency; 
  6. Personnel: Supervises all staff and volunteers; hires and trains all personnel; performs periodic evaluations and administers disciplinary actions, as necessary; reviews personnel policies and salary administration on a periodic basis; drafts policy for submission to Board of Directors for approval; 
  7. Program Management: ensures that agency programs and services are delivered in a timely and professional manner; monitors and evaluates programs regularly.

General:

  1. Adheres to agency policy and procedures; 
  2. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or agency; 
  3. Demonstrate flexibility and initiative as agency priorities change and/or environmental circumstances warrant;
  4. Demonstrate professionalism and initiative in performing all duties.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  1. Education or experience equivalent to a graduate degree in social services or related field, required; 
  2. Demonstrated, well-regulated passion for the principles of Independent Living for people with disabilities, required;
  3. Demonstrated ability to respect and empathize with people of diverse backgrounds/experiences, required; 
  4. Demonstrated ability to effectively coach/mentor staff to achieve program goals, required; 
  5. Demonstrated ability to translate/communicate/operationalize strategic goals, objectives, and actions, required; 
  6. Experience as a program and staff manager, required; 
  7. Experience working with the disability community, required; 
  8. Experience in grant writing/management and other fundraising activities, required; 
  9. Strong sense of personal integrity, required; 
  10. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, required;
  11. Organized, disciplined, self-motivated, and cooperative work ethic, required;
  12. Working knowledge of, and skill with, computer systems/applications, required; 
  13. Flexibility regarding work schedule to accommodate agency needs, required; 
  14. Availability for business travel to accomplish agency objectives, required; 
  15. Regular access to reliable transportation, required; 
  16. Regular access to reliable telecommunication connections, required;
  17. Ability to obtain Level 5 Federal Suitability via an extensive background check, required;
  18. System knowledge of disability-specific resources, strongly preferred;
  19. Personal experience with disability, strongly preferred.

Posted qualifications serve as a guide for candidate review and are not fixed in stone. Empower Tennessee reserves the right to deviate from posted credentials in determining what combination of candidate education, experience and skills are best suited to a position.

 Empower Tennessee is an equal provider of services and an equal opportunity employer—Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Job Opening: Independent Living Assistant

Empower Tennessee is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Independent Living Assistant.

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, professional resume, and online application form via the button link above by December 16, 2022.

TITLE: Independent Living Assistant

POSITION: Regular, Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Associate Director

SUMMARY

The Independent Living Assistant (ILA) assists in providing direct services to individuals as well as works with other agency staff to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live independently through services such as information and referral, peer support, skills training, advocacy, and support for transitions to community settings. The Assistant incorporates the Independent Living Philosophy (i.e. client-directed goal setting, dignity of risk, peer mentorship, etc.) in interaction with consumers and the community at-large. In all circumstances, the Assistant represents and advocates for Empower Tennessee and its mission and fosters meaningful collaborations with consumers and like-minded community partners to achieve strategic goals. The Assistant exhibits the values of empowerment, partnership, fairness, accountability, intersectionality, sustainability, and knowledge in completing job duties.   

DUTIES:

Specific: 

  1. Assist in developing, coordinating, and/or facilitating Peer Support activities to empower clients with learning and social interaction opportunities;
  2. Assist in creating outreach materials and other communications to reach our audiences;
  3. Assist in developing, coordinating, and/or facilitating social media engagements on agency-approved platforms;
  4. Participate in and/or assist with agency programs, meetings, events, and/or initiatives, as assigned;
  5. Document all program activities and client interactions per established timelines and standards.

General:

  1. Adhere to agency policy and procedures; 
  2. Participate in agency meetings and events; 
  3. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or agency; 
  4. Demonstrate flexibility and initiative as agency priorities change and/or environmental circumstances warrant;
  5. Demonstrate professionalism and initiative in performing all duties.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  1. Education or experience equivalent to a four-year degree, required; 
  2. Understanding of and commitment to the Independent Living philosophy and disability rights movement, required;
  3. Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to link clients with, community resources, required; 
  4. Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as customer service acumen, required; 
  5. Organized, disciplined, self-motivated, flexible, and cooperative work ethic, required; 
  6. Working knowledge of, and skill with, computer systems/applications, required; 
  7. Demonstrated ability to respect and empathize with people of diverse backgrounds/experiences, required; 
  8. Ability to obtain Level 5 Federal Suitability via an extensive background check, required;
  9. Regular access to reliable telecommunication connections, required;
  10. System knowledge of disability-specific resources, including, but not limited to: TennCare and related waivers, DIDD, Special Education, post-secondary training, assistive technology, accessible housing, accessible transportation, community living, preferred;
  11. Personal experience with disability, preferred; 
  12. Fluency in language(s) beyond English (including ASL), preferred. 

Posted qualifications serve as a guide for candidate review and are not fixed in stone. Empower Tennessee reserves the right to deviate from posted credentials in determining what combination of candidate education, experience and skills are best suited to a position.

 Empower Tennessee is an equal provider of services and an equal opportunity employer—Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.A

Application for Employment

Use Your Empowered Voice to Inform Our Future Plans

At the top is a wide, curved, light blue border; on the left orange letters read: “Use your empowered voice to inform our future plans” on a dark blue background; The Empower Tennessee logo is below; image of a laptop with a survey, a person’s hand working on the laptop, coffee, and a calculator are on the right; a light blue star with the text “complete the survey at bit.ly/etcns23 by 1.9.23" is in the center; at the bottom is a wide, curved, yellow border

Empower Tennessee’s mission is to empower people with disabilities with opportunities for inclusion, choice, and independence. We do this because our vision is a community where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully. 

Our mission and vision guide our work throughout Middle Tennessee every day. We also regularly seek input to ensure that our goals, strategies, and activities meet the needs of our organization and the community we serve. Most of all, we believe that an empowered voice is a heard voice. 

As Katy Perry asked, “Do you ever feel like you’re buried deep, … but no one seems to hear a thing?”

Well, we’re listening!

As Empower Tennessee expands its services to include mental health and emotional supports, we want to hear from you about how we can best empower you when you feel like a, “plastic bag.”

The survey is meant for everyone: people with disabilities, family members, community partners, and Empower Tennessee staff and Board members. All voices are welcomed! 

The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, January 9, 2023. 

Please contact us at info@empowertn.org or 615-200-6028 if you require any accommodations.

C’mon! Show us what you’re worth and be a “Firework” for your own well-being.

Job Opening: Independent Living Specialist

Empower Tennessee is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Independent Living Specialist.

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter, professional resume, and online application form via the button link below by January 31, 2023.

TITLE: Independent Living Specialist

POSITION: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Associate Director

SUMMARY:

The Independent Living Specialist (ILS) provides direct services to individuals as well as implements and manages programs and initiatives to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live independently through services such as information and referral, peer support, skills training, advocacy, and support for transitions to community settings. Likewise, the ILS is involved with the agency’s efforts to make Nashville and surrounding communities more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities through outreach, education, and advocacy. The ILS incorporates the Independent Living Philosophy (i.e. client-directed goal setting, dignity of risk, peer mentorship, etc.) in all aspects of interaction with clients and the community at-large. The ILS represents and advocates for Empower Tennessee in relevant community settings and fosters meaningful partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals in the achievement of strategic goals. The ILS exhibits the values of empowerment, partnership, fairness, accountability, sustainability, and knowledge in all areas of the position.

DUTIES:

Specific:

  • Provide Information and Referral services to clients and community members;
  • Coordinate and conduct Person-Centered Independent Living assessments and planning with people with disabilities;
  • Provide Social Support services that inform individuals about the various programs that are available to them and assist them in securing and/or maintaining benefits such as employment, housing, social services, healthcare, public and private benefits, etc.;
  • Provide Resource Navigation services in identifying and accessing supports needed to increase or maintain community independence in areas such as; housing, transportation, assistive technology, healthcare, and other supports needed by people with disabilities;
  • Coordinate and/or perform Independent Living skills training in a variety of areas;
  • Coordinate and/or facilitate Peer Support activities to empower clients with learning and social interaction opportunities;
  • Provide Transition assistance to youth with disabilities entering adulthood, as well as adults with disabilities who are moving from an institution to the community or to divert those at risk of institutionalization;
  • Advocate with and for clients regarding specific individual issues as well as systemically to bring awareness and positive change to the community at-large;  
  • Lead specific agency programs and/or initiatives, as assigned;
  • Demonstrate flexibility and initiative as agency priorities change and/or environmental circumstances warrant;
  • Coordinate with program volunteers/interns, as needed, to effectively integrate program goals with an engaged and meaningful experience; 
  • Document all program activities and client interactions per established timelines and standards.

General:

  • Adhere to agency policy and procedures; 
  • Participate in agency meetings and events;
  • Represent agency in inter-organizational or community meetings;  
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or agency; 
  • Demonstrate professionalism and initiative in performing all duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education or experience equivalent to a four-year degree, required; 
  • Understanding and commitment to the Independent Living philosophy and disability rights movement, required;
  • Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, required; 
  • Organized, disciplined, self-motivated, and cooperative work ethic, required; 
  • Demonstrated ability to respect and empathize with people of diverse backgrounds/experiences, required; 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to link clients with, community resources, required; 
  • Flexibility regarding work schedule to accommodate program needs, required; 
  • Ability and willingness to travel to meet with clients in their homes and/or attend relevant meetings, required;
  • Regular access to reliable transportation, required; 
  • Working knowledge of, and skill with, computer systems/applications, required; 
  • Ability to obtain Level 5 Federal Suitability via an extensive background check, required;
  • Personal experience with disability, strongly preferred:
  • Experience and/or certification as a group facilitator and/or individual counselor, strongly preferred; 
  • Experience as a volunteer organizer, preferred; 
  • Fluency in language(s) beyond English (including ASL), preferred.

Posted qualifications serve as a guide for candidate review and are not fixed in stone. Empower Tennessee reserves the right to deviate from posted credentials in determining what combination of candidate education, experience and skills are best suited to a position.

 Empower Tennessee is an equal provider of services and an equal opportunity employer—Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Application for Employment

The Youth Leadership Academy Changed my Life

A square, dark blue background has superimposed on it the following (in top to bottom order); an orange text box with the words, "Youth Leadership Academy;" white headline with the words, "Creating My Future & Leading the Way;" an askew orange text box with the words, "Applications Due: May 15th Apply online at: bit.ly/ETYLAA22, For a paper application email info@empowertn.org or call 615.200.6028, YLA is for Youth with Disabilities ages 16-24, who live in Tennessee;" an image of three young people smiling at the camera; a red text box with the words, "Orientation: June 6, 2022, 7p Academy: June 7 - 10, 2022, 10a - 4p:" and the circular, multicolor logo of the Youth Leadership Academy.

Fermina holding a handmade poster that reads, Be Proud of Who You Are"

My name is Fermina E. Lopez. I have faced many barriers in my life due to my Intellectual and physical disabilities caused by my genetic disorder, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). Being a part of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) has helped me eliminate some of my barriers. During my high school years, I started to plan my future as an adult. I wanted to go to college and have a career as an event planner. Many people told me throughout my high school years that I would not be able to reach my goals because of my disability. I started to get sad and depressed because I started to believe what people were telling me. My family encouraged me to find resources that would help me advocate for myself to reach my goals. During my search someone told me about YLA and encouraged me to apply.

I was accepted into the YLA 2018 cohort. It was one of the best experiences because I learned so much. I learned it was ok to be me and that everyone is different with different challenges, but our challenges don’t have to keep us from our dreams. I learned how to advocate for myself and learned how to understand my disability and how it might affect my job. I learned I had rights to ask for accommodations and to be treated fairly at work. YLA also taught me how to find resources that would continue to help me as I transitioned into being a young adult. The things I learned at the YLA have been life changing for me. I strongly believe that YLA is a great opportunity for youth with disabilities to learn how to plan their future. Since 2018, I have attended the YLA as a participant and a peer mentor and every year I learn more about myself and how to reach my goals.

This year I am on the faculty for YLA, helping to plan and facilitate the event. I also work with other organizations across the country organizing, facilitating, and presenting at events – which has always been my dream. I know that the things I have learned and the connections I have made at YLA have played a big role in my success.

Applications for Youth Leadership Academy 2022 are due May 15, 2022.

For more information and a link to the current application, visit our Youth Programs page.

Use Your Empowered Voice to Inform Our Future Plans

At the top is a wide, curved, light blue border; on the left orange letters read: “Use your empowered voice to inform our future plans” on a dark blue background; The Empower Tennessee logo is below; image of a laptop with a survey, a person’s hand working on the laptop, coffee, and a calculator are on the right; a light blue star with the text “complete the survey at bit.ly/ETSPS22 is in the center; at the bottom is a wide, curved, yellow border

Empower Tennessee’s mission is to empower people with disabilities with opportunities for inclusion, choice, and independence. We do this because our vision is a community where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully. 

Our mission and vision guide our work throughout Middle Tennessee every day. We also regularly seek input to ensure that our goals, strategies, and activities meet the needs of our organization and the community we serve. Most of all, we believe that an empowered voice is a heard voice. 

As Empower Tennessee begins planning our future goals and activities, we want to hear your voice. Tell us what you think is important.Inform us on how services can be strengthened or what gaps we can fill. Let us know your ideas to make what we do more meaningful. Share your stories of empowerment that give us a perspective we may not have. 

The survey is meant for everyone: people with disabilities, family members, community partners, and Empower Tennessee staff and Board members. All voices are welcomed! 

The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, February 28, 2022. 

Please contact us at info@empowertn.org or 615-200-6028 if you require any accommodations.

Celebrating the 2021 Floyd Stewart Every Day Hero of the Year: Rhonda Marie Clark

Image of Rhonda Marie Clark smiling with her service dog, Ice; text reads: The Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero of the Year, Rhonda Marie Clark, 2021 Winner on a blue and white background; clip art of a medal is in the upper right, EmpowerCon logo with the tagline of "learn, connect, celebrate" is on the lower left, Empower Tennessee logo is on the lower right.

The Floyd Stewart Every Day Hero Award is an honor dear to the hearts of Empower Tennessee. Floyd, a former employee of Empower Tennessee, was a man like no other.  He made a meaningful impact on everyone he encountered. He was a kind and consistent staple in the disability community. It was Floyd’s passion to not only advocate for people with disabilities but also empower them to advocate for themselves and to stay true to their passions. When selecting this year’s recipient for this award we chose a person with the same passion, perseverance, and sense of purpose as Floyd.

This year we honor Rhonda Marie Clark. As an individual with cerebral palsy, Rhonda has experienced disability her entire life. She has spent most of her adulthood advocating for improved access for people with disabilities. One of her primary passions – and she has several – is trying to do something about the scarcity of accessible transportation options in our area. Depending on public paratransit often means waiting for long periods of time, having to schedule trips in advance, and frequently arriving late to a destination, seriously hampering employment and social opportunities. Rhonda says that people should be able to go and participate in anything they want no matter their disability. 

So, Rhonda has spent several years volunteering her time to help individuals who use wheelchairs find accessible transportation, relying on her extensive network to make connections and arrangements for those in need. Rhonda is steadily working toward establishing her own accessible transportation company named Able and Ready Transportation. Beyond providing top-notch customer service and flexible scheduling, Rhonda’s business plan will allow riders to go from county to county without having to transfer to another vehicle or service. And in an ever-expanding community, we all recognize the importance of such services in Middle Tennessee. Rhonda will, no doubt, enjoy talking with you in more detail about her dreams for the future. We’ll put her contact information in the chat so that you can reach out to her directly. 

When not attempting to start a business, Rhonda can be found cheering for the Green Bay Packers, serving in her faith community at St. Stephen Church, exercising her body in state-of-the-art equipment especially for people with cerebral palsy, being a spokesperson for Permobil (the manufacturer of her wheelchair), and doting on her beloved service animal, Ice III. 

Empower Tennessee is honored to present the 2021 Floyd Stewart Every Day Hero Award to Rhonda Marie Clark during EmpowerCon on November 12, 2021.

What is the Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award?

The Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award is given annually to an outstanding member of the community that embodies the characteristics of Floyd Stewart who inspired others in the disability community to show their strength and integrity every day.  Floyd Stewart touched everyone with whom he came in contact. He  encouraged others to share their talents and make meaningful contributions to the world.  Please nominate up to 3 people and explain why they should be considered for the Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award

Celebrating the 2021 Access Music City Business Champion of the Year: Tom Woodard

Image of Tom Woodard smiling; text reads: Access Music City Business Chamption of the Year, Tom Woodard, 2021 Winner on a blue and white background; clip art of a medal is in the upper left, EmpowerCon logo with the tagline of "learn, connect, celebrate" is on the lower left, Empower Tennessee logo is on the lower right.

Two years ago, Empower Tennessee began presenting the Access Music City Business Champion award to recognize businesses in our community that exemplify access to people with disabilities. 

Our 2019 recipient, The Frist Art Museum, was chosen based on its ongoing belief and practice that people with disabilities have the same right to access visual arts. The 2020 recipient, Mobility Solutions, was chosen based on its relentless efforts to provide quality transportation services to people with disabilities throughout the Nashville region. 

In this, the award’s third year, we recognize a Business Champion who is a creative catalyst for inclusion, choice, and independence for people with disabilities – characteristics that are obviously aligned with the mission of Empower Tennessee. And as we were looking into the details of our Champion’s work, we soon realized that they had a devotion to the community that was broad and deep – so much so that this year’s recipient is not a single business. Rather, our 2021 Champion leads numerous businesses that have as part of their employment model a strong desire to provide integrated and competitive training, mentoring, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. At the heart of these desires and the person who has made these opportunities possible is Tom Woodard. 

Tom is a native Nashvillian with over 30 years of experience in creative brand development and producing videos and music. And while part of his claim to fame is co-creating the Budweiser frogs in the mid-90s, Tom’s fame for us is in his leadership of three local businesses: Westwood Avenue, Woodard Brothers Distributing, and On The Avenue.  

Born from Tom’s creative spirit, Westwood Avenue is a consulting firm that is all about creative communications for a better community. Their tagline is, “Let us put words in your mouth.” His team is a hand-selected storehouse of talent and is a model for disability workforce integration. Their projects include graphic design work for Salvation Army, video production for Battle Ground Academy, and broadcast media for End Slavery Tennessee. 

Woodard Brothers Distributing provides custom solutions for managing inventory, packaging, and shipping for companies large and small. It began in 2016 as a single contract and also with a passion to employ people with and without disabilities. Today, Woodard Brothers has expanded capacity both in services and location and competitive, integrated employment is part of the established culture of the company. 

In 2019, Tom and his brothers, John and Matt, recognized that people with disabilities often need a place and space to “ease” into the workforce. They created On The Avenue as a creative training studio where opportunities to explore and participate in creative passions and productions are plentiful. On The Avenue provides valuable support and training to its participants, including life planning and social integration skills. As Tom says, “It’s … all about how we can live and work together … more abundantly.” 

So, it was clear to us, and hopefully now to you, why Tom Woodard was the choice for this year’s award. His beliefs are evidenced in his work and his work speaks for itself. 

Empower Tennessee is honored to present the 2021 Access Music Business Champion Award to Tom Woodard at a ceremony during EmpowerCon on October 22, 2021

What is the Access Music City Business Champion Award?

Each year Empower Tennessee chooses a local business champion that purposely makes strides to include people with disabilities. This business champion ensures that people within the disability community can participate, engage and be included in all the activities, goods and services that business provides. This business champion listens to the needs of the community and takes action.  

You may nominate up to 3 business champions you believe meet or exceed the criteria of this award.

Join Us for EmpowerCon!

Logo, EmpowerCon Learn, Connect Celebrate! Three people figures reaching for multiple stars in sky, with shooting stars on each side.

What is EmpowerCon?

EmpowerCon is a series of events where people with disabilities, their families, and other supporters can learn and share everyday skills and resources to live more independent lives. But more than that, it’s a place to be who you are and to have fun. Join us for the entire series or pick and choose sessions that interest you.

EmpowerCon is our place to show up, be seen, and be heard. So, come in your best Zoom comfy clothes, your Cosplay, your Drag, or whatever makes you feel your best.

Come with your signs, Come with your ideas. Come with your friends. Come and make new friends. Y’all come!

Photos of Tanesha Durham and Robert Gardner with a thin white line square frame on a dark blue background with bright yellow, red and orange shooting starburst graphic on the left. Text inside frame reads Featured Speakers: Tanesha Durham, WeGo Public Transit, Robert Gardner, Lime. Friday, April 8, 2022, 1-4 PM CST, Accessible Transportation, EmpowerCon logo with shooting stars and red, blue, and purple flying people and the words Learn! Connect! Celebrate! on right bottom corner on a blue semi-circle.

When is the Next EmpowerCon?

Day: Friday, April 8, 2022

Time: Doors open at 12:30pm; Doors close at 4pm 

What’s happening at the April EmpowerCon?

EmpowerCon on April 8, 2022 is a free, virtual event about Transportation, as getting where you want to go is an important aspect of Independent Living.

First, Tanesha Durham — the Access Eligibility Specialist and ADA Coordinator for WeGo Public Transit — will lead us through a discussion about what is available in our area through public transit. Then a panel of people with disabilities will share how they’ve figured out how to successfully navigate where they would like to go. Finally, we will have a special announcement about accessible mobility from Lime’s Director of Government Relations, Robert Gardner.

What is the Access Music City Business Champion Award?

Each year Empower Tennessee chooses a local business champion that purposely makes strides to include people with disabilities. This business champion ensures that people within the disability community can participate, engage and be included in all the activities, goods and services that business provides. This business champion listens to the needs of the community and takes action.  Please nominate up to 3 business champions you believe meet or exceed the criteria of this award.

In order to be considered for the 2022 Access Music City Business Champion Award, nominations are due by October 1, 2022.

What is the Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award?

The Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award is given annually to an outstanding member of the community that embodies the characteristics of Floyd Stewart who inspired others in the disability community to show their strength and integrity every day.  Floyd Stewart touched everyone with whom he came in contact. He  encouraged others to share their talents and make meaningful contributions to the world.  Please nominate up to 3 people and explain why they should be considered for the Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award

In order to be considered for the 2022 Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award, nominations are due by November 1, 2022.

Interested in Partnering with us for a future EmpowerCon or adding Swag to the Swag Bags?

Join Us for a Virtual EmpowerCon on October 22, 2021

Logo, EmpowerCON 2021, Learn, Connect Celebrate! Three people figures reaching for multiple stars in sky, with shooting stars on each side.

What is EmpowerCon?

EmpowerCon is a series of events where people with disabilities, their families, and other supporters can learn and share everyday skills and resources to live more independent lives. But more than that, it’s a place to be who you are and to have fun.

EmpowerCon on October 22, 2021 is a virtual event about Employment, which is an important part of Independent Living. You’ll share your Employment Success Stories and we’ll all learn strategies for finding and keeping a job.

EmpowerCon on October 22, 2021 is a celebration! We’ll celebrate an individual and a business who show the world what it means to be accessible as we present the Access Music City Business Champion Award. And we’ll celebrate people and the diversity that lives within the disability community.

EmpowerCon is our place to show up, be seen, and be heard. So, come in your best Zoom comfy clothes, your Cosplay, your Drag, or whatever makes you feel your best.

Come with your signs, Come with your ideas. Come with your friends. Come and make new friends. Y’all come!

When is EmpowerCon?

Day: Friday, October 22, 2021

Time: Doors open at 12:30pm; Doors close at 4pm 

Join us for the entire time or pick and choose sessions that interest you!

What is the Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award?

The Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award is given annually to an outstanding member of the community that embodies the characteristics of Floyd Stewart who inspired others in the disability community to show their strength and integrity every day.  Floyd Stewart touched everyone with whom he came in contact. He  encouraged others to share their talents and make meaningful contributions to the world.  

Please nominate up to 3 people and explain why they should be considered for the 2021 Floyd Stewart Everyday Hero Award — to be presented at EmpowerCon: Food & Gratitude on November 12, 2021.

What is the Access Music City Business Award?

Each year Empower Tennessee chooses a local business that purposely makes strides to include people with disabilities. This business ensures that people within the disability community can participate, engage and be included in all the activities, goods and services that business provides. This business listens to the needs of the community and takes action.  Please nominate up to 3 businesses you believe meet or exceed the criteria of this award.

Interested in Partnering with us for EmpowerCon or adding Swag to the Swag Bags?