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about
What is a “MegaConference”?
The Tennessee Disability MegaConference is a statewide gathering made possible through collaborations and partnerships of many disability advocacy organizations in Tennessee. It began in 2002 through the work of multiple disability and health organizations, and has been seen as Tennessee’s premiere disability conference ever since.
At the conference, people share the latest information, innovations, and practices in the disability field. This is an inclusive experience for all people connected to issues of disability. From family members to self-advocates to professionals in the field and even just interested citizens, the MegaConference is a wealth of knowledge for everyone. It builds stronger networks, empowers individuals and promotes the full participation of all people with disabilities in their own lives!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR DONATION
The MegaConference is all about empowering individuals with disabilities. For that reason, self-advocates will be attending for free! Your donations help us to make that happen.
2021 presenters
Hear best practices and inspiring ideas from leaders in the industry
Russel Leihman
Keynote SpeakerSpeaker, Poet, Advocate.
Author of Inside Out:
Stories and Poems from an Autistic Mind
Russell Lehmann is an award-winning and internationally recognized motivational speaker, poet, author and advocate who happens to have autism. His words have been featured in the USA Today, LA Times, NPR, Yahoo! News, Autism Speaks, Success Magazine and archived in the Library of Congress. He is the author of “Inside Out: Stories and Poems from an Autistic Mind” and “On the Outside Looking In.”
Jen Vogus
Able Voices TennesseeAble Voices Tennessee
Photography for Self-Expression, Empowerment, & Advocacy
Jen Vogus is a parent of a teenage son with disabilities, a photographer, and educator, She more recently founded AbleVoices, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to amplify the voices of people with disabilities through their photographs. Jen will share her story and the importance of storytelling for everyone in the disability community to foster positive change.
Penny Johnson
The Arc TennesseeThe Arc Tennessee
Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support
Penny Johnson is the Program Coordinator for the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support. She has over sixteen years of experience working in a variety of social service positions. To visit the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support, click on the button below.
Lauren Pearcy
TN Council on Developmental DisabilitiesPublic Policy Director
Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
Lauren Pearcy is the Public Policy Director with the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. Lauren worked at TennCare before joining the Council. To learn more about the Council, click on the button below.
Molly Anderson
The Arc TennesseeThe Arc Tennessee
South East Family Engagement Specialist
Molly Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development. She has a disability and has over 5 years of experience working with people with disabilities. She currently works for The Arc Tennessee as a
Susan Carr
The Arc TennesseeThe Arc Tennessee
South Central Family Engagement Specialist
Susan has more 11 years teaching experience in the field of Special Education (Behavior Modification, Transition, Comprehensive, Modified). She currently works for The Arc Tennessee as a Family Engagement Specialist for the South Central region of the state.
Presenters
Each year, the presenters at MegaConference include speakers from across the state and throughout the nation.
2021 presenters
Hear best practices and inspiring ideas from leaders in the industry
2021 Platinum Sponsors
The MegaConference would not be possible without sponsorship of community businesses, agencies, disability organizations, advocacy groups and individuals that invest in this event each year! Visit our sponsors page to view our full list of 2021 MegaConference sponsors.
