On Thursday, Tennessee celebrated Disability Advocacy Day 2021 with lit-up landmarks and a General Assembly resolution. Lights the color of “Coalition Blue” lit up landmarks across Tennessee to commemorate the day. The event gained traction across social media, with users noting all the areas across the state commemorating the event. The Tennessee House passed a resolution for the day as well.
Tennessee Disability Coalition Director of Communications & Technology Tom Jedlowski explained to The Tennessee Star that having a day of advocacy versus awareness was an important distinction.
“People do not need to be aware of something. They do need to be aware of the significant policy contributions and success of the community,” explained Jedlowski. “It’s a thank you to the advocates and their work. The reality here is that you have people who have advocated and won – that is the difference.”
Jedlowski added that their coalition has played a role in significant legislative wins for the disability community, such as the Katie Beckett Waiver program which further opens up Medicaid resources for children with extreme functional limitations. Recently, he added that their coalition has also helped Tennessee become the first state to prioritize COVID-19 vaccines for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Capitol honored the new day with blue lights, as remarked on by Governor Bill Lee.
Tonight the Capitol is lit in blue for #DisabilityAdvocacyDay.
In TN, we are committed to serving individuals with disabilities, and we are proud to celebrate the important advocacy work done by this community. #DDH2021 pic.twitter.com/4sHrMz7xwE
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) March 12, 2021
Nashville Mayor John Cooper also posted about the celebration.
Nashville joins cities across the state to honor the hard work and advocacy of Tennesseans with disabilities who have improved our state laws for the better. We light up the Historic Metro Courthouse to honor their accomplishments. #DisabilityAdvocacyDay pic.twitter.com/l1xF6pphL3
— John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) March 12, 2021
Jedlowski shared that their coalition has eyes on a series of bills in the legislature. One bill would redefine Tennessee’s definition of an intellectual disability as it relates to the death penalty, and another bill would require new public buildings to include changing tables for adults.
“There’s a big constituency that is impacted by disability policies,” stated Jedlowski. “People want to silo stuff in a certain way, but in reality it’s a much more universal thing that happens and a universal need.”
Jedlowski remarked that the nature of these bills don’t inspire partisanship, Â but instead have bridged gaps between the two parties.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tennessee Capitol” by Bill Lee.Â
I am all for celebrating successes for those who find themselves in the position of being disadvantaged. BUT… I voted for my representatives to the General Assembly to spend time their time on the consideration and passage of legislation that provides for the betterment of all Tennesseans. Not for feel good window dressing actions.
When are we going to celebrate normal blue collar white folks day?