The Arc Mid-South was proud to participate in Disability Day on the Hill 2025 at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville last Wednesday, March 12th. Our group of self-advocates, staff, and supporters traveled by charter bus to meet with state legislators and share powerful stories about the real-life impact of access to quality healthcare and support services. It was inspiring to join other advocates and organizations from across the state to have our voices heard.

 

A huge thank you to the representatives and their staff members for taking the time to meet with us. We were grateful for their willingness to listen and learn about the issues that matter most to people with disabilities in Shelby County.

 

During the visit, The Arc Mid-South met with the offices of several state legislators representing parts of Shelby County, including:

•     Rep. Dewayne Thompson

•     Rep. Torrey Harris

•     Sen. Raumesh Akbari

•     Sen. Sara Kyle

•     Rep. Antonio Parkinson

•     Rep. Jesse Chism

•     Rep. Karen Camper

•     Rep. Kevin Vaughn

•     Sen. London Lamar

•     Rep. John Gillespie

•     Rep. Justin Pearson

•     Rep. Larry Miller

 

While we appreciate the legislators who took the time to listen, the fight to ensure that every person with a disability in Shelby County has access to the care they need remains a top priority. We urge all our representatives to champion policies that support true inclusion and independence.

 

Our advocates shared their personal stories and discussed priority legislation, such as the:

•     Freedom for Family Care Act to support paid family caregiving,

•     Katie Beckett Part A HRA Bill to provide more flexibility with Medicaid waiver funds

•     TennCare Network Reporting Reform Act to increase transparency on service delivery.

 

The Arc Mid-South also had the opportunity to attend subcommittee meetings focused on healthcare issues impacting the disability community

 

Disability Day on the Hill is an annual event that enables The Arc Mid-South and our allies to engage with elected officials, provide education on key issues, and build relationships to advance policies that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

 

Make your voice heard! Contact your state representatives and urge them to support policies that promote inclusion and independence for people with disabilities.