Daughters of Zion and William and Johnson Career College Hosts First CNA Orientation, Championing Inclusive Education and Career Opportunities
Shelby County Observer Community Affairs Staff on October 14, 2026
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — Daughters of Zion the owner of William and Johnson Career College has established the Pathways to Independence Program – which gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to train as Certified Nursing Assistants. The initiative seeks to expand access to postsecondary education and workforce training for individuals with IDD while fostering an environment in which inclusion, independence, and achievement are central to the student experience. The program is funded through The Tennessee Believes grant program from The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging which supports the expansion of inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.
On October 8, 2026, the Pathway to Independence reached an important milestone by hosting its first orientation for students enrolled in its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training class, launching an inclusive educational experience designed to open doors to healthcare careers for individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities. The orientation marks the beginning of a new chapter for students pursuing professional skills, industry-recognized training, and opportunities for meaningful employment. Through its inclusive approach, Pathways to Independence brings together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), demonstrating that individuals with different learning needs and abilities can learn alongside one another while working toward a common goal. A total of 8 students showed up for the orientation, all filled with hope and a desire for a meaningful career in the medical field.
“I’m going to get my certification!” said Jalisia Pledge – a CNA student with big dreams and determination.
Removing Barriers to Education and Employment
A distinguishing feature of the initiative is its commitment to reducing the financial and educational barriers that can prevent students with IDD from pursuing career training. Eligible students with IDD are provided with full tuition scholarships, textbooks, peer mentors, and employment assistance to support their participation and progress. These supports are intended to help students access training, strengthen their academic skills, develop confidence, and prepare for the transition into the workforce. Rather than creating a separate classroom for students with disabilities, the all-inclusive CNA class provides a shared learning environment in which students can pursue the same broad career objective while receiving appropriate individualized support. This model recognizes that inclusion is not simply about enrollment. It involves creating opportunities for students to participate, learn, develop their abilities, and prepare for employment alongside their peers.
Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
The CNA program prepares students to pursue entry-level opportunities in healthcare settings, including nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and other care environments where nursing assistants support patients and residents with daily living needs.
Tywana Freeman – one of the attendees said – “I want to get a job where I can help in the elderly community – this is giving me the opportunity to get this job and become certified.
Through workforce-focused instruction and career preparation, students work toward developing the knowledge and practical competencies necessary for their chosen career pathway. The program’s employment assistance component extends the focus beyond classroom instruction by helping participants prepare for job opportunities and workplace expectations. This is great news for Nakayla Walker – “I am already working in the field since high school – I have a passion for it and I am planning to go to nursing school.”
For students with IDD, this combination of training and individualized support can help create a clearer pathway from education to employment. For the entire class, the shared learning experience provides an opportunity to build professional relationships and develop the collaborative skills valued in healthcare.
An Inclusive Vision for the Future
Pathways to Independence builds on William and Johnson Career College’s experience in workforce training. The college has graduated more than 135 CNA students through its accelerated training model over a 36-month period, including students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The new initiative strengthens this foundation by bringing academic support, peer mentorship, inclusive campus participation, and employment transition services together in a coordinated approach.
This is great news for Lanice White as she wants to follow her mother’s footsteps into healthcare – “I want to go into nursing like my Mom and I want to be able to take care of her when she gets older.”
The program reflects a broader vision: individuals should have opportunities to pursue meaningful careers based on their interests, strengths, and potential, with appropriate support available when needed.
The first orientation represents more than the start of a training course. It signals a commitment to building a learning environment where students with different abilities can work toward professional goals together and where disability does not automatically limit access to educational or employment opportunities.
As the students begin their CNA journey, Pathways to Independence aims to demonstrate how inclusive workforce education can benefit individuals, strengthen healthcare employment pathways, and contribute to a more inclusive community.
Need CNA Training or Daughters of Zion Services?
Individuals and families with special needs interested in the Daughters of Zion / William and Johnson Career College Certified Nursing Assistant program, including the upcoming October class, may call 901-260-9933 or email info@daughtersofzion.org.
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