A History of DCM

Forty Years of Independent Living 

EDITORS NOTE: This is from the Welcome speech given my Tim Wheat at the 2025 Deborah Cunningham Access Awards Dinner, Friday, July 25.

Disability Connection Midsouth was chartered in 1985 as Access All Areas and changed names officially in 1992 to Memphis Center for Independent Living. Forty years of Independence. That is who we are. 

Since 1985 The Center has been a tower of empowerment for individuals with disabilities; even though we work out of a basement. From that basement we are deeply rooted in the principles of self-determination and community integration. 

In May of 2008, New Mobility magazine profiled many of our Memphis consumers. The odd thing was they did not interview them in Memphis, they all lived in Denver. This Center bravely helped people like Devoe Mack, Willie Robinson and Darrell Williams move out of a Nursing Home in Tennessee to live in their own home in Colorado. 

Often it was “Against Doctor’s Orders” and many families did not approve. But our Center fought for equal rights and responsibilities of citizens with disabilities. This includes challenging the systemic marginalization that has historically plagued our community—a marginalization fueled by bigotry, discrimination, poverty, isolation, dependency, and pity. 

LaTonya Reeves was the first to use the Underground Railroad out of Memphis. LaTonya died two years ago; but she lived and worked in Denver for over 35 years. Back then, our state put people with disabilities in expensive nursing homes. The Center was determined to avoid that. LaTonya knew about nursing homes and said she would have died there.  The average life-expectancy of someone in a nursing home today is less than 14 months. 

Last year, Congressman Steve Cohen introduced the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act to finally close the gap to allow people with disabilities to live in the community rather than being forced into expensive nursing homes or institutions. Tonight we are awarding Representative Cohen our lifetime achievement award. 

Over a dozen people used the “Underground Railroad” to Colorado. Today DCM works to help people live independently in the community and we are currently working with nearly 800 people in the midsouth to remain in their own home and live independently. 

Independence is our legacy. It was this Center that camped out in Governor Bredesen’s office for a record 78 days demanding Home and Community Services. If you read Governor Bredesen’s profile today, it will tell you he is the greatest proponent of nursing home alternatives and that he started the Tennessee CHOICES program. We here at Disability Connection know where those ideas came from. This Calendar year, with our new Transition Coordinator, Early Smith, we have made contact with over 250 nursing home residents and provided countless hours of transition services. 

In 2002 This Center published more than 1,700 violations of the Fair Housing Act. These barriers kept people with disabilities from equally enjoying many new properties in the Memphis area. Today thousands of Units are accessible to our community that would not be without the work of this Center. 

In 2012, with the Urban Institute we managed a survey grant to determine the frequency of disability discrimination in local rental units. And we continue to work on Fair Housing in our area. In the past five years we have documented nearly 4,000 housing issues that DCM has assisted with. 

Before the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act was law, The Center worked to make the Memphis community accepting and accessible. Deborah Cunningham led the way to make movie theaters in Memphis have reasonable access. This Center pioneered using Pro Se Complaints to enforce the ADA. Our consumers, without an attorney, sued restaurants, stores and even Greyhound Bus lines, and won.

The Center led the community in demanding equality in transportation and housing. Over the past 40 years, before the ADA and since, with our Pro Se complaints, peer advocates, DCM Blog, Personal Attendant Services, Barrier Free Memphis, Jingle Hop, and all the community partners, interested locals and all of you here tonight, I cannot imagine all the lives we have impacted this 40 years.  

Memphis's journey with Independent Living began in 1982 when Easter Seals secured the first grant for IL. However, Easter Seals wasn't aligned with the core principles of independent living, particularly the crucial idea of consumer control (meaning people with disabilities leading). 

Because of this mismatch, a group of former Easter Seals staff and consumers took action. They founded a new non-profit organization. What made this new organization different, and what continues to define it, is consumer-control. I am proud this concept is critical to the Center today forty years after our rebellious founding. 

Thank you to each of you for being part of our Rebellious Future.

Goodbye Stephen

Stephen Kier Tennial 1971 - 2025

Disability Connection Midsouth bids a fond farewell to a remarkable individual who has been an integral part of the Disability Connection family, Stephen Kier Tennial. Stephen, who served as both a Human Resources Coordinator and Peer Mentor, is a true embodiment of kindness, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

Born on March 15, 1971, Stephen grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating from Fairly High School in 1989. He later returned to college, earning degrees from Southwest Tennessee Community College and the University of Memphis. Stephen’s career in Human Resources began right here at Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis' Center for Independent Living.

Stephen had a unique ability to make everyone around him feel seen and valued. His career at DCM provided him with the opportunity to advocate for individuals with disabilities, a cause he championed tirelessly. He was committed to ensuring the disability community was included in vital conversations concerning healthcare services, housing, transportation, and education, among other areas. His impact on the disability community is evident through his representation on numerous boards, including:

• State CHOICES Advisory Board Member for BLUE CARE Tennessee 
• Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee for the Memphis Area Transit Authority (Interim Chair) 
• Disability Rights Tennessee (Secretary) 
• Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, West Tennessee Policy Council 
• Memphis Advisory Council for Citizens with Disabilities 

As a Peer Mentor, Stephen brought a wealth of lived experience, empathy, and understanding to his role. His mentoring approach centered on listening, empowering, and helping others build confidence in their abilities, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those he mentored. Stephen’s dual roles truly allowed him to foster a workplace and community where everyone felt supported and empowered.

Beyond his professional life, Stephen was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to Monica Tennial, whom he married on April 24, 2020. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Stephen was also the proud father of his only child, Kierra Tennial, his “pride and joy”. He spoke highly of Kierra to everyone, guiding her with values of honesty, kindness, respect, and patience.

Stephen’s infectious laughter, keen sense of humor, and unwavering positivity enriched so many lives. He taught those around him the importance of living with love, gratitude, and a sense of purpose.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, precious daughter, mother, brother, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his sweet sister, Alicia Wilson.

While we will deeply miss Stephen’s presence, his legacy of kindness, advocacy, and dedication will continue to inspire us all. 

25 Years of Demanding "REAL CHOICE NOW!"

25 Years of Demanding "REAL CHOICE NOW!" Remembering ADAPT's Historic 2000 Rally

By Tim Wheat

Twenty-five years ago today, on June 18, 2000, a powerful roar echoed through Washington D.C., as 800 disability rights activists converged near the U.S. Capitol. Led by the determined and unwavering voice of Justin Dart, this ADAPT rally ignited a quarter-century of relentless advocacy, demanding nothing less than "REAL CHOICE NOW!" and an end to the forced institutionalization of people with disabilities.

Dart, often called the "Father of the ADA," didn't mince words, bravely labeling the incarceration of people with disabilities in state hospitals, ICF/MRs, and nursing homes as "the hidden holocaust of 2000." His message to the President and Vice President was clear: "America demands REAL CHOICE now, MiCASSA now." And to the impassioned crowd, he fired up their resolve with a resounding, "Today we say no more bullshit." This wasn't just a rally; it was a declaration of war against systemic injustice.

The day began with a series of workshops, setting the stage for the collective action to come. Discussions ranged from ADAPT's rich history and procedures to critical topics like MiCASSA (Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act parts of which are still evident in the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act), defending the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from attacks, implementing the landmark Olmstead decision, and effective negotiation strategies. Around noon, the energized contingent made their way to a plaza with the Capitol dome looming in the background.

As the crowd swelled, Mike Auberger warmed up the atmosphere with legendary ADAPT chants, building anticipation for the main event. At 2:00 PM, Linda Anthony officially welcomed ADAPT and other MiCASSA supporters to the "Voices and Faces of Institutionalization" Rally for MiCASSA.

The rally featured a diverse array of voices, all united by a common purpose. When Tim Westmorland from HCFA spoke, a symbolic white-bearded figure appeared, carrying an hourglass and scythe – a stark reminder that time was running out for those trapped in institutions. Andy Imperato, then president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, acknowledged ADAPT's crucial role, stating that "we would not get anything done in this town if it wasn't for ADAPT."

Perhaps the most poignant moment came from Kyle Glozier, who, wearing Justin Dart's hat, asked the gut-wrenching question, "What crime did I commit to be put into the crippled children's home?" He powerfully articulated how forced institutionalization shattered constitutional principles. Yet, his story also highlighted the transformative power of family, as he gratefully acknowledged his father's determination in rescuing him. "By the way, happy father's day dad," Kyle said, looking toward his father, "I love you." His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the personal toll of institutional bias and the hope found in community-based living.

Advocates from Georgia, Kansas, and the Washington D.C. area shared their personal experiences in nursing homes, further emphasizing the urgent national need for MiCASSA. Their testimonies painted a vivid picture of the lives impacted by the lack of choice and the critical importance of home and community-based services.

As the rally concluded, Mike Auberger underscored ADAPT's presence: "Washington must know that ADAPT is here." He passionately reminded advocates of their responsibility to "advocate for those brothers and sisters in nursing homes that cannot."

The rally then transformed into a powerful march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Passing iconic marble buildings like the Old Post Office, the Ronald Reagan Building, and the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building, ADAPT carried its message directly to President Clinton and Vice President Gore: Americans nationwide were demanding an end to institutional bias.

Back at the hotel, ADAPT members gathered to plan their next moves. Mike recounted the very first ADAPT action in Washington D.C. back in 1984, inspiring newer members with the movement's long and impactful history. Stephanie Thomas perfectly encapsulated ADAPT's persistent progress with an analogy Bob Kafka often used: "It's like turning the Queen Mary," she said, "because it is such a huge project, it is hard to see the progress."

Twenty-five years on, the echoes of "REAL CHOICE NOW!" still reverberate. While significant progress has been made, the fight for full community integration and an end to institutional bias continues. Today, we honor the courage, tenacity, and vision of Justin Dart and all the ADAPT activists who, on that pivotal day in 2000, declared loudly and clearly that disability rights are human rights, and the time for change was, and still is, now.

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What are your thoughts on the progress made in disability rights and community integration over the past 25 years?

MATA PLUS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

DCM Intern on why MATAplus is important

By Brittany Alyse Bryant, DCM Intern

Why is transportation important? Transportation is crucial for several reasons. It plays a vital role in promoting economic development, connecting people to necessary services, facilitating urban growth, and creating employment opportunities. Public transportation is an excellent resource; for instance, buses offer an economical and dependable option for those without their own vehicles. 

Every day, millions of Americans depend on public transportation to reach work, educational institutions, appointments, and other commitments. A 2019 study by the U.S. Department of Transportation revealed that 25.5 million Americans reported having disabilities that limit their travel. Among these, 3.6 million individuals remain at home due to their disabilities, which may result from physical limitations, cognitive challenges, or financial difficulties. 

Access to public transportation significantly impacts various aspects of an individual's life. Individuals with disabilities often face challenges related to mobility, making public transportation essential for them to get around, whether it's for running errands, visiting friends, or accessing healthcare services. 

Many people with disabilities depend on paratransit, a service that provides personalized rides using taxis, minivans, or small buses that are equipped with wheelchair ramps and lifts to facilitate access. Paratransit fills the gaps where regular public transportation may not adequately serve the needs of individuals with disabilities. This is why it's essential to involve individuals with disabilities in planning and budgeting discussions, as they are significantly impacted by the services provided. Their participation ensures that people with disabilities have equal chances to engage in all aspects of life according to their abilities and aspirations. 

This idea extends beyond mere physical accessibility to encompass overall social inclusion, which is a crucial component of a fair and just society. They have the freedom to convey how these services affect their ability to live more independently. This highlights the importance of such services. 

Recently, a brief questionnaire was created for users of MATAplus services to gather their opinions on the services and their experiences. The unfortunate reality is that we can't resolve accessibility issues immediately. However, we can work to promote change. It's essential to highlight the significance of inclusion within the community by advocating for change, engaging with the local government, and raising awareness about these matters. For additional advocacy advice, organizations, and resources.