Monthly Access to Accessibility August 2025 Volume 3.6
“There’s nothing more debilitating about a disability than the way people treat you over it.”
— Solange nicole
This quote lays bare a hard truth: the real harm often doesn’t stem from the disability itself but from the judgments, biases, and lowered expectations imposed by society.
Why This Quote Resonates
One of Refuge’s main focuses is to provide affordable and accessible services to all in our community, regardless of their differences. Once a month, we will share what is in the works, resources, and tools for your benefit as well as useful for clients,
Stay tuned for future spotlights on our property amenities and advancements in accessibility.!
Exciting news!
Refuge home at 4317 Long Lane, is intentionally designed to provide a unique and empowering experience to clients and visitors. From our sensory garden, labyrinth, outdoor chapel, outdoor hiking trail, provisions such as water, wind, and fire. you will find our home as a place of comfort and growth, always looking for more ways to make our property and services more accessible.
-Many programs, some new, are focused on exploring various interactive sensory interventions truly beneficial for all clients, especially the disabled. Stay tuned as we highlight these various services to foster growth and autonomy!
-Recent Training
Brodrick Thomas and Jimmy Boehm presented training to the staff on Accessibility, Diversity, Ableism, and Grace to encourage both staff and employees to reflect Refuge’s commitment outlined in our mission statement.
New Property Spotlight: Outdoor Chapel
An outdoor chapel offers a unique sanctuary where the boundaries between inner reflection and the natural world dissolve, creating space for profound mindfulness and meditation. Surrounded by a living, breathing sanctuary, the rustling of leaves becomes your choir, the whisper of wind through branches serves as your organ music, and the vast sky overhead reminds you of the infinite possibilities that exist beyond our daily concerns. This natural setting doesn’t just provide a backdrop for meditation; it actively participates in your practice.
Unlike indoor spaces, an outdoor chapel engages every sense in your mindfulness practice. You feel the earth beneath you, literally grounding your body to the world. The scent of flowers or fresh air cleanses your mind, while natural sounds create a gentle white noise that helps quiet mental chatter. Even the play of light and shadow as clouds pass overhead can become a moving meditation on the temporary nature of all things. The Refuge Center welcomes all to enjoy our outdoor chapel and all our other amenities for grounding and meditation.
Growth Lab-Experiential Group – Sign up now
Dates: October 18th and 25.
Join us for a 2-Saturday immersive group experience designed to spark growth, creativity, and connection by means of a special theme on each day. This isn’t your typical workshop—it’s a hands-on, experiential that each person will be actively engaged in every activity learning something new with each practice!
Experimental journey in fun but impactful body movement, art with a restorative process, music using the latest smart tech, for creative lyric/music production. outdoor exposure to wind, fire, and water while incorporating our labyrinth, outdoor chapel, and hiking trail will be unforgettable experiences! during our beautiful weather Plus! Weaving in Dr. Anis Kahlaf’s transformative interventions will want you coming back again!
Spots are limited so don’t delay! Sign up here.
Listen to the promo created using the music experiential tools here.
Hardship grants are available if qualified. Limited spots are available to apply. Limited spots left so don’t delay!
Did You Know?
Part of Refuge’s mission statement is centered on accessibility for all, which include:-Accessible intake and counseling processes
-Continual training with staff and therapist on disability etiquette
-Hardship grants and sliding scale to limit financial limitations
-Translation and interpretation services for over 200+ languages including ASL!
Specialty Sensory Features
News and Stories
-Blind woman’s vision restored with new surgery. Watch here. https://youtu.be/hIKXCHZTFpo
-Local school advocates for student diversity. Watch here.
–‘I Could Literally Be Left Behind to Die’: How a Student With a Disability Changed the Law. Read here.
-‘Infinite Potential’: How This Dance Company Is Advancing Inclusion
Disability Scoop / Cate Burtner, Los Angeles Times/TNS
Dazzling audiences with innovative choreography, a group of dancers with and without disabilities has performed at more than 350 events and their videos have been viewed over 100 million times.
The post ‘Infinite Potential’: How This Dance Company Is Advancing Inclusion appeared first on Disability Scoop.
Original Article: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/08/12/infinite-potential-how-this-dance-company-is-advancing-inclusion/31574/
Resources
-Android apps for people with various disabilities can be seen here.
-IOS has their own database of apps for all various disabilities here.
Schools across the country face increasing threats, but many students with disabilities don’t have a way to evacuate.
Resource Spotlight:
Tennessee is fortunate to be home to inspiring individuals who tirelessly champion the rights of others, regardless of the challenges they face. One such remarkable advocate is April Meredith from the Nashville area. April’s dedication to the disability community shines through her extensive work, heartfelt volunteer efforts, and passionate participation in countless initiatives.
Discover more about April’s impactful journey, the invaluable resources she offers, and how you can join her in making a difference. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
James Boehm, LPC-MHSP, CAAP
Staff Therapist/Accessibility Coordinator and Saturday Supervisor
The Refuge Center for Counseling
615-591-5262
931-674-1765
refugecenter.org
Thank you for taking the time to look at these resources and tools. Together, we will continue to serve all in our community, including individuals who may or may not have been diagnosed with disabilities. If you see or hear about a need that is not being met, please reach out to [email protected]. Your feedback is very valuable!