disABILITY Resource Center

02/03/2026

FYI: the disABILITY Resource Center will be closed on Tuesday, February 3 due to inclement weather and road conditions. We are staying updated with the weather and reviewing road conditions and will consider reopening on a daily basis. If you need to contact dRC staff, please email your independent living specialist or email Mary Lu at mshipstad@drctn.org

Send a message to learn more

01/28/2026

dRC is open today, Wednesday the 28th and tomorrow, Thursday the 29th from 10 AM until 3 PM!

Send a message to learn more

01/26/2026

Due to inclement weather and icy roads, dRC will be closed on Tuesday, January 27!

Send a message to learn more

01/23/2026

dRC wants you to BE PREPARED BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER WINTER WEATHER. HERE IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ASSIST YOU THROUGH THIS EXTREME WINTER STORM!

Stay warm! Stay safe! Check on your neighbors and friends!

We want to share an important reminder as the Southeast U.S. prepares for a dangerous upcoming winter storm.

If you are in immediate danger or have an emergency, call 911 right away.

During and after the storm, check on your neighbors, friends, and family members who may need extra support, including older adults and people with disabilities.

Keep these tips in mind.

-Keep emergency supplies together in an easy to reach place, including flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food.
Put all medications in a water-tight bag in case you need to move to a safer location.

-Make sure your phone, medical devices, wheelchairs, and backup batteries are fully charged. There is a potential for power outages with this storm. If your medical equipment requires electricity, have a plan to relocate to a place with power.

-Allow faucets to slightly drip to help prevent frozen pipes. Cover exposed pipes with insulation or foam, if possible.

-Cover gaps at windows and doors with blankets or towels to prevent drafts at doors and windows.

-Should you need help with food, shelter, utility assistance, or other community resources, you can dial 211.
Basic Needs: Food, housing assistance, utility help, clothing.
Health: Mental health, substance abuse support, clinics, prescription assistance.

Helpful Fact Sheets from the ADA National Network

Bedside Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
Web: adata.org/factsheet/bedside-checklist

Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices
Web: adata.org/factsheet/emergency-power

Emergency Supply Kits
Web: adata.org/factsheet/emergency-supply

Southeast ADA Center
A project of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University

Emergencies can occur when you are at home, at work, on vacation, or just out and about. Are you prepared for an emergency no matter where you are?

01/07/2026

For your information...

Date Night

Friday 6 - 9 PM

JAN. 23

$20 PER COUPLE

Join us for a marriage-enriching evening, including a delicious dinner, fellowship with other parents, and engaging activities led by Marla Delong, a licensed marriage & family therapist.

CEDAR SPRINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

9132 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE

To register, contact Claire Gamble by Jan 16:
claire.gambleajoniandfriends.org, 865-770-5715

12/03/2025

Look what’s happening at the disABILITY Resource Center on Monday, December 15th!!! Please help dRC and the Signal Center spread the word!!!

Assistive Technology Services

A program of SIGNAL CENTERS

ADAPTIVE GIVEAWAY

DECEMBER 15, 2025

CHATTANOOGA

Assistive Technology Center

2300 Bailey Avenue

Chattanooga, TN 37404

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

VIRTUALLY

(see flyer)

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

KNOXVILLE

Disability Resource Center

9111 Cross Park Drive

Building E, Suite 130

Knoxville, TN 37923

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

11/25/2025

Here’s some fun for the holidays and for a good cause…

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FESTIVE FAMILY FUN AT

CHRISTMAS KARAOKE

DECEMBER 19, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

HARDIN VALLEY CHURCH OF CHRIST

11515 HARDIN VALLEY ROAD

KNOXVILLE, TN 37932

Wear your most festive attire, whether that's a sweater, pa jamas,

or a full-on costume!

RSVP by December 16 to Claire Gamble,

claire.gamble@joniandfriends.org or

865.770.5715.

08/15/2025

For your information!...

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

LEARN TO PLAY WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

SPORTS CHAIRS AVAILABLE FOR USE (LIMITED SIZES)

FALL SESSION: AUGUST 21 - OCTOBER 30

6PM-7:15PM - YOUTH AND NOVICE ADULTS
7:30PM-8:30PM - EXPERIENCED ADULTS

CHRISTENBERRY COMMUNITY CENTER
931 OGLEWOOD AVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37917

SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER

CONTACT JOSH LOOP FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 865-776-2265

05/27/2025

Are you, or know anyone who is interested in playing soccer with others who have intellectual/developmental disabilities? Please read the following…

PROJECT INSPIRE

The First Nationwide Soccer League for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Project Inspire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being and inclusivity of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports competition.

One Knoxville SC is proud to be one of the founding members of the league.

One Knox Team & Responsibilities

• Recruit players and coaches

• Host tryouts - beginning of June

• Minimum roster of 15 players

• Schedule one practice per week starting in July

• Same uniforms as professional team - home, away and third kit

• Host one event at Covenant Health Park in October

• Travel to three locations for other events

All expenses covered by Project Inspire and One Knox.

Want to be involved? Email claudia@oneknoxsc.com

04/01/2025

Happenings in Blount County...

DISABILITY RESOURCE FAIR

April 3, 2025

1:00pm-5:00pm

Everett Recreation Center
318 S. Everett High Rd. Maryville 37804

A community wide opportunity for individuals and families to gather information from vendors that provide resources for those with disabilities.

Vendor information includes:

Employment Opportunities

Support Groups

Financial Planning/Trust

Therapies

Vocational Rehabilitation

Sports Teams

Conservatorship

Adult Care Services

Post Secondary Opportunities

Disability Rights

ECF CHOICES and much more

Contact Jennifer.carpenter@blountk12.org with any questions.

03/25/2025

Important announcement training on IEPs from TNSTEP...

THE NEXT STEP

IEP PLANNING

Preparing for effective participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings

This free workshop is designed to enable attendees to understand and fully participate in the IP Team process.

You will learn:

• The types of services that can be provided through special education.

• The information on the Individual Education Program
(IEP) document and where it goes.

• How to express parent concerns and ensure they are addressed by the IEP team.

• Understand Present Levels of Performance and
Measurable Annual Goals.

• Strategies to prepare for effective participation in IP meetings for their children and youth with disabilities.

Date: Tuesday. April 15, 2025

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM ET

Where:
East Tennessee Children's Hospital

Rehabilitation Center

1025 Children's Way
Knoxville, TN 37922

Adults only please. Registration required.

For more information and to register contact:
Tracy Bock
865-690-8961, ext. 6732
thock@etch.com

TRAINER:
Joey Ellis
Director of Youth Services
615-682-3120
joeyellis@tnstep.info

Special Education Support for Tennessee Families
www.tnstep.info

03/20/2025

For a fun-filled day for a great cause please consider attending...

Joni & Friends

Walk 'N' Roll

April 27, 2025

3:00PM-5:00PM

Bearden High School
8352 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee

Reach.
More than one billion people around the world live with disabilities. In the state of Tennessee alone, there are 1.7 million people with a disability, not including their families who are also impacted. Many of these individuals and their families are unaware of services and supports available to them. We want to change this. Joni and Friends is committed to reaching families living with disability here in our community.

Care.
Let's bring people living with disabilities, their families, friends, and community partners together for a disability awareness event where families can learn together. Walk 'N' Roll is a fun event to join together and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors living with disability and their families. Walkers and Rollers raise awareness and obtain support from Fundraising Champions. All the money raised will stay right here in our area to support East Tennesse families impacted by disability.

Connect.
Participation is so easy. You can support others, Walk 'N' Roll yourself...or both! Fundraising Champion will raise funds in honor of our families and participate with them at the event. Your business can sponsor the event and have the opportunity to have your company recognized at the event. Remember, 100% of all donations stay local!

Join Us!
Please join us as a participant, volunteer, or Fundraising Champion!

Want to Walk 'N' Roll?

Contact Lauren Richardson at lauren.richardson@joniandfriends.org or call 865.540.3860 for more information

joniandfriends.org/knoxville