Molly Anderson
Governor Bill Lee has appointed Molly Anderson of Chattanooga to a three-year term on the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, representing the Southeast development district.
The Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state government agency that works to improve services and supports to make life better for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
“I got connected with the Council through my advocacy work,” Ms. Anderson said. “I was interested in the Council because it helps bring a systemic change.”
Ms. Anderson has a nonverbal disability and uses assistive technology and American Sign Language to communicate. She previously worked for the Arc of Tennessee and currently is the director of Peer Support for Family Voices, a program of the Tennessee Disability Coalition. She also serves on the Chattanooga Mayor’s Council on Disability.
Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) has worked with Anderson on several issues. “Governor Lee could not have appointed a better person than Molly Anderson to serve on the Council on Developmental Disabilities,” Senator Massey said. “I have known Molly for years and have worked with her on passing legislation and policy to assist Tennesseans with disabilities.
“We first worked to pass a bill to allow American Sign Language as a foreign language credit in Tennessee high schools. Then, due to a bill she helped with, we were able to get policy in place for citizens who are not able to verbally call 911 to be able to text their emergency. Molly is a passionate advocate and will be a great addition to the Council.”
Ms. Anderson says her perspective on disability is broader than just communications issues. “I want to see systemic change to norms within the disability community,” she said. “We can work, be married, have kids.”
Ms. Anderson is married to Josh Anderson and has a daughter, Lucy, age two. The couple is now expecting their second child. In her free time, Ms. Anderson loves to run and kayak.
Ms. Anderson will meet with the full Council on Development Disabilities quarterly in Nashville and will serve as a representative in the local community. Her role will connect the Council’s statewide work to the needs in Hamilton and surrounding counties. The Council on Developmental Disabilities’ work focuses on building bridges between the experiences of real people with disabilities and the policies and service systems that affect their lives.
“This Council is important to me because it brings various perspectives on the disability community and collaborates on change,” Ms. Anderson said.
Council Executive Director Lauren Pearcy welcomed Ms. Anderson’s appointment. “Molly has been a powerful disability advocate for many years. She is a 2022 graduate of our Partners in Policymaking leadership program and has worked on important legislation and program improvements for people with disabilities. Those experiences and her perspective as an active member of the Chattanooga community will be invaluable in our work to understand barriers and create real solutions. I know she is going to be an important resource for our Council and for the Southeast Tennessee district she is representing. We are lucky to have her.”