AWS Foundation announced today that its software platform, Indiana Disability Resource FINDER, was chosen by Tennessee Disability Pathfinder to help people with disabilities living in Tennessee. FINDER, Indianas statewide portal to disability-related information, is designed to make it easier for individuals and their families to find services. Pathfinders adoption of the FINDER platform highlights the opportunity to expand Indianas centralized resource model to additional states.
The FINDER program is uniquely positioned to support the disability community, states Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO. When we realized individuals in other states could benefit from the software, Tennessee Pathfinder was a natural fit with their desire to upgrade an existing platform. Developed in collaboration with individuals of the disability community, we are continually adding new features and functionality based on their user feedback.
The website of disability-related information was created in Fort Wayne by AWS Foundation in collaboration with disability service providers, people with disabilities and their families, and local software developers. The Indiana Disability Resource FINDER program is administered by IUs Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC) as part of its library information and referral services. Funded by AWS Foundation, FINDER is free to users.
Were proud of the entire Pathfinder team and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Centers partnership with so many state agencies and AWS Foundation to make this new website a reality, said Elise McMillan, JD, Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Disabilities and the Faculty Director of Pathfinder.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a project of the Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, part of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The new website upgrades the programs original online directory. Updated interactive features match users anywhere in Tennessee with disability resources, service providers, and community events.
Tennessee Pathfinder recently kicked off the new website with an online Nashville-style launch celebration live across its social media pages, complete with special guests, musical entertainment, and giveaways.
It has been a great experience working with AWS Foundation, said Pathfinder Program Director Megan Hart. This upgrade has allowed us to keep the important parts of Pathfinders existing online services while adding new features that allow users to better access and save information.
InChoice Navigation, LLC, AWS Foundations fully-owned subsidiary, plans to expand the FINDER platform and its availability to other University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
About Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
As part of The Vanderbilt Kennedy Centers University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Pathfinder helps people with disabilities, their family members, educators, and other professionals across Tennessee connect to appropriate community resources, provides innovative trainings and presentations. The Pathfinder program aims to remove the barriers that many culturally diverse communities find when trying to access disability resources.