The staff had their pictures taken at the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground. They can be found more frequently at the disABILITY Resource Center.
Because of my relationships with friends and family members with disabilities,
I am very committed to the independent living movement philosophy and practice.
My responsibilities include the daily administration, management, direction and
operation of the disABILITY Resource Center programs, events, services, facilities,
and personnel. I enjoy meeting every person who comes to the DRC and watching
their progress. In addition, I represent the agency at local, state, and federal
levels. Just for fun, I love completing the yearly federal report!
Email:
Lillian
For the past fifteen years I have been involved in the independent living
movement at local, state, and national levels. As a person with a
disability, I share my experiences with consumers and provide them with a
positive image and sense of self-worth. My desire is to help people with
disabilities uncover hidden abilities, become stronger advocates for themselves
and for our community, and achieve the goals they have set for
themselves. I see each person as a unique individual with the potential
for self-determination; a cornerstone of the independent living philosophy.
E-mail:
Tom
I help clients reach their goals through encouragement, networking, training
and guidance. I also develop, and facilitate group training on
Motivation, Self-value, and advocacy. Peer Support is encouraged either
one on one or in a group setting. I'm here even if clients just need to
talk to someone. Whether they need to meet another person with a disABILITY,
find interests in the community, attend college or learn to advocate for
themselves, I am here to help them through this period in their life.
E-mail:
Katherine
Vocational Rehabilitation Services refers individuals seeking
employment to the DRC. I, then, perform vocational assessments, job
placement and job coaching. The client is assessed on the performance
of job tasks for a particular job at a work site in Knoxville. After the
assessments are finished, I assist individuals in finding employment.
After job placement, DRC offers job coaching that is on-going for as long
as needed by employee or employer. If you are not receiving Vocational
Rehabilitation Services, I can provide limited assistance with
employment needs.
E-mail:
Jeanette
I'm the DRC Bookkeeper and Office Manager. I maintain daily
office duties and I supervise volunteers and help with Special Events.
E-mail:
Kathi
I first came to the DRC as a client back in 2003. Prior to coming, I felt like
I was a hopeless case, totally unlovable and unworthy. The staff at DRC helped
me to see how extraordinary I am through independent skills trainings and peer
support. Without them, I would not be the success I am today. Through my job
as Independent Living Specialist and Resource Developer, I hope to bring out the
success in others.
As an Independent Living Specialist, I work with individuals to create their own
practical plan for achieving independence and providing trainings such as Anger
Management and Fitness Training and other trainings needed by our participants.
As part time Resource Developer, I seek funds to help DRC continue its mission
of empowering people with disabilities toward full community participation and
integration.
E-mail:
Amanda Carter
Having a disability since 1996, I know firsthand how it feels to need help.
As I began to accept my situation and adjust to the changes of everyday life,
my heart began to have a passion to help others. Ten years later, that passion
turned into reality when I received a bachelor's degree in social work from
the University of Tennessee. It was in those few months before I received my
degree when I got involved with the disABILITY Resource Center. My duties with
DRC involve assisting clients with their needs. This may come in the form of
referring them to local agencies in and around the Knox Co. area, offering peer
support, or by equipping and educating our consumers on how to be advocates for
themselves. I oversee any transportation problems that may come through the
agency whether it pertains to an individual or for overall systems change.
E-mail:
Jason Seaton
