Jennifer Fischer, Outstanding Contributor of the Year
Family Engagement in Special Education-Tennessee (FESPED-TN) is a collaborative project of The Arc Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of Education. We help to empower parents and caregivers and increase family engagement in special education.
This group consists of eleven individuals with background experiences as educators, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers of individuals with disabilities, and disability-related fields. The family engagement team members can provide the knowledge and support from an educator and parent perspective.
Jennifer Fisher is the Communications specialist for The Arc Tennessee – FESPED TN.
Laura Da Fonte, Outstanding Contributor
The mission of Hispanic Family Foundation (HFF) is to utilize their platforms of economic, social services, advocacy, and culture to educate and strengthen Nashville’s Hispanic and immigrant communities.
The program consists of three factors in helping the community.
Education:
- Early Literacy Program and Bilingual Story Times allow parents and children to develop a love of reading and learning from an early age
- Adult Literacy Program includes our Adult English Classes, HiSet Classes (GED Equivalency), Adult Computer Classes, Entrepreneurship, and other seasonal classes and workshops offered for a nominal fee
- Baila School is all about learning the art of dance, music, and culture
Disaster Relief: Donations collected and given to families in need after losing their housing or household items due to a fire or natural disaster
Community Outreach Events:
- Health Fairs
- Dia de Los Reyes
- Community Baby Showers
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Baila Summer Camp
- Back to School School Supplies
- Giving Tree – Christmas event that involves trees with ornaments that have a child’s assigned number and choice of toy and size of coat or shoes for community members to choose and purchase the wish list for a child in need. People in the community come to the Giving Tree to become Angels of Hope, not just for the child, but also for the family in need.
- Las Posadas / Christmas Toys for Smiles – children’s entertainment, prizes and free tamales, hot chocolate and cupcakes
Laura Da Fonte is the Office Manager for HFF.
Independent Living Services, TDHS, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Outstanding Contributing Team
The Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services offers several programs to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Their Independent Living Services program enables customers to care for themselves in their homes and communities, instructors provide direct services to individuals on a one-on-one basis and coordinate other services that may be available from other agencies and organizations. Services may include:
- Guidance and Counseling
- Functional Low Vision Evaluations
- Orientation and Mobility Services
- Instruction in Communication Skills such as braille, use of recording devices, books in alternative formats, etc.
- Instruction in Daily Living Skills
- Leisure Time Activities
- Information and Referral