A Word from Your Executive Director | | | |  | Prior to turning 18, individuals with special needs have gone to school, received education and services tailored to their specific needs, been guided through IEPs, and utilized service providers and specialists who are committed to helping them succeed. As a parent, you and your child have had the benefit of an educational infrastructure that has supported this process. Graduation day comes, and it’s a glorious time for all. It’s a day to celebrate and a day to look to the future. | | |
Then reality hits. I would like to think of it as what is really behind the walls and what life is going to look like, now that the structure of school has ended. Routine ends. Structure terminates. Now what? It’s time to start transitioning to adulthood. You are your child’s most important advocate, and your role becomes that much more critical. The key factor here is to stay engaged and take advantage of the many wonderful programs and opportunities available to your child to lead a functional, productive, and happy life. The challenge is sorting through what to do next and trying to ensure that you’re identifying programs that provide your child with a healthy balance of work, social, and recreational opportunities.
Not every teenager will go to a four-year college. Some will choose community college or will get vocational training while others will work. Many will go to a day program, and others will stay home. Regardless of the path they take, teenagers with special needs will become adults, both physically and legally. For parents, that means preparing for profound changes in nearly every aspect of their lives and for a season of change in their own lives.
Many of the systems that have been in place to support both child and family disappear. Building a new support structure requires sorting through a maze of options while also learning about a variety of new laws, systems, benefits, and requirements at the same time. Young people with special needs are grappling with the physical and emotional changes brought about by adolescence just like their typical development counterparts. These feelings about the future may be complex or even self-contradictory.
Here are six things to consider when planning for your child’s post-high school life:
- Routine – Start by establishing and maintaining daily routines. Structure sets the table for what’s next.
- Aligning with the right support agencies
- Training / Job preparation
-
Finances – If you haven’t done so already, work with your State Social Service Advocate to learn more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Ongoing life skills development
- Social activities
| | The Arc Mid-South Receives 2025 Chapter of Excellence award from The Arc Tennessee | | |
This recognition was presented during The Arc Tennessee’s statewide Annual Awards Luncheon, held May 22 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville.
While most categories honor individuals, this award recognizes an entire chapter, and this year they chose us. It’s a clear acknowledgment of the work happening across the Mid-South, the quality of our programs, and the people driving them forward.
To our staff, our board, and the individuals and families who trust us, you made this real. Thank you!
| | | How Memphis Led the World in Disability Justice for 75 Years | | |
Members enjoy friendship and relaxation at
The Arc Mid-South's summer camp
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Memphis has always been a place that makes the world listen and champions justice when others look away. 75 years ago, this spirit ignited a pioneering movement for disability rights.
When children with disabilities were told they didn’t belong, Memphis parents and advocates refused to accept it. They built their own classrooms, organized vital support, and proved the profound impact of an inclusive community where individuals could thrive, work, and enrich our world.
Discover the full story of Memphis's unwavering grit and join the call to finish what this city started.
| | Mid-South Summer Fun for Everyone Starts Here! | | | |
The Arc Mid-South's Summer Camp
July 24-27, 2025
Ages 8 and up
Join us for a 4-day, 3-night summer camp filled with adventure, crafts, fellowship, and relaxation.
Please send a completed application to:
events@thearcmidsouth.org
| | Celebrate 75 Years of Memphis Leading the Way! | | | | |
Join us for an evening that marks 75 years of disability rights progress in Memphis. We’re celebrating the movement that began here, recognizing the trailblazers who showed us the way, and recommitting to this crucial work for the next generation.
Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Venue: The Great Hall & Conference Center
| | The Arc Mid-South member Thomas M. discusses disability rights with TN Representative Mark White | | |
Advocacy in Action! Disability Day on the Hill
This spring, our advocates and families took their voices all the way to Nashville for Disability Day on the Hill. From powerful personal stories to policy conversations, we met with lawmakers to push for better support for people with disabilities in Tennessee.
Thank you to everyone who traveled with us, stood with us, and continues to raise their voice for a more inclusive state.
| | -- Terrence Green, The Arc Mid-South Board Member |
| Executive Director Carlene Leaper celebrates with the Sheriff's Office team after their thrilling second consecutive win | | |
Champions Again! Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
Our recent Wheelchair Basketball Tournament was a great community event. Competition was strong, with the Sheriff’s Office winning the title again in a close 10-8 game.
A sincere thank you to Memphis Parks, MPD, Terumo Medical, and all our volunteers. Your support made for a memorable day and really showed what inclusion looks like.
| | Students from the Avon Lenox High School choir | | |
Awareness is the Key to Change Conference
Our annual conference brought together self-advocates, families, and experts for a full day of learning. From conservatorship to employment, attendees left equipped with tools to navigate the systems that impact their lives every day.
Special thanks to Hope Church for hosting us and to everyone who braved the storm to be part of the movement.
| | Help Us Raise What This Work Deserves | | | | |
Memphis Stepped Up When the Country Stood Still. Don’t Let It Stop With You.
For 75 years, this movement has relied on the courage of people who step up when others look away. That hasn’t changed.
Our most urgent services still go largely unfunded—life skills education, respite vouchers, retreats, and scholarships. These are the things that help people with disabilities live fully, not just get by.
If you believe this work should continue, please take a look at the needs we’ve laid out and give where you can.
| | Your Guide to Local Summer Camps & Free Activities | | |
Aerial view of Memphis, TN by Sean Davis
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Local Summer Camps
We know summer planning for the family can be tricky, especially when you're looking for welcoming and accessible activities.
That’s why we pulled together a guide to some great summer camps and programs right here in the Mid-South.
These are places where kids can be themselves, meet new friends, and just have a really good summer.
| | DSP Larry M. and Kevon U. during a meaningful visit to the Lorraine Motel, part of The Arc Mid-South's community participation program. | | |
Explore Memphis with the Free Culture Pass!
Planning fun family outings around Shelby County just got easier and a whole lot more affordable! Thanks to the Art For All Culture Pass, students (plus up to 3 family members) get free entry to dozens of amazing Memphis cultural spots: museums, theaters, gardens, and much more.
This is a fantastic way to explore our city, learn new things, and make some great memories together, all without spending a dime.
Passes are easy to grab at any Memphis library or community center. See the full list of places you can explore!
| | Want to Make a Difference in Someone's Life While Having a Blast? Look No Further! | | |
Member Samuel G. enjoys fun and relaxation at
The Arc Mid-South's summer camp
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The Arc Mid-South is on the lookout for compassionate, energetic individuals to join our team of Direct Support Professionals for our upcoming summer camp. You'll be helping individuals with disabilities experience the joys of camp life to the fullest.
Camp Dates: July 24-27, 2025
If you're someone who thrives on making a difference, loves to have fun, and is ready for a summer job that truly matters, this is your chance to be part of something special and to make a real impact in the lives of others.
If you’re interested, please complete an application.
We can't wait to hear from you!
| | No Department of Education? Here's What It Would Mean for Students with Disabilities | | Member Memphis on his way to preschool. | | |
For students with disabilities, the consequences could be significant and detrimental to their ability to succeed in school and beyond.
Click the link below to read the discussion.
| | The Arc U.S. Asks for Your Help Protecting Medicaid: Please click on the flyers below to see how you can help! | | | | |
