Disability Services

Hablando Juntos Para Comunicarnos

In collaboration with the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University, we have a program, Hablando Juntos Para Comunicarnos, where we help train families with children with disabilities to better communicate their needs and emotions. Families gain a better understanding regarding communication difficulties, how to support and advocate for their children, and how to create materials that can help children communicate with the outside world.

Families meet once a week for 1.5 hours with trained professionals at our HFF Offices. As a result of this program, children have increased their confidence with communication skills and families have been able to build stronger relationships and connections within their network. Parents report that they feel more confident, supported, and empowered to help their children find their voice by advocating for their child’s needs in schools, daycares, and the general environment. The sense of empowerment within the families and children has helped bridge gaps between educators, service providers, and the children.

Families participating:

YR2025

     20

Autism Awareness Event

Every April, we hold our Autism Awareness event where families and children with autism are invited to celebrate the community. Plaza Mariachi closes for the public to create a more sensory-friendly environment because we recognize that individuals hold different sensitivities and needs across the autism spectrum. This event offers a safe and welcoming space full of games and resources for the families who come.

This event has proven to strengthen relationships between families, awareness about autism, and promoted inclusion among the Nashville community. Parents have also stated that they feel heard and seen when they come into the event where it’s full of other parents going through the same situation and navigating the system with children on the autism spectrum. Individuals who are neurotypical are encouraged to come to the event and be part of the change within our community.

Kids participated:

YR2023          YR2022

     65                    50