MPDP Community Dance "New Year" sponsored by The Rochelle Center

Come join our friends at MPDP for their Community Dance- it will be a morning of fun, music, and dancing with friends!

Bellevue Community Center 10:00-12:00

Get ready to groove to some great music and meet new friends in the community. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to dance the day away!

To register: Click Here

We’ll kick off 2026 by setting some goals - big or small - and creating vision boards together! Ashley Wang will lead this class in South Nashville, and Bobbi Young will lead in North Nashville. Bring any arts and crafts supplies you might want to use in creating your vision board!

Join our friends at Metro Parks disABILITIES and the Nashville Skating Academy for Adaptive Ice Skating in Spring 2026. The program supports beginners and experienced skaters. Instructors provide guidance for anyone learning the basics or improving skills.

We will offer two Adaptive Skating Programs in Spring 2026.

Program Session: January-May 2026

Centennial Sportsplex
Tuesday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00.
The session includes:
• Adaptive Learn to Skate from 10:00 to 10:30.
• Theater on Ice from 10:30 to 11:00.
Learn to Skate focuses on skill development. Theater on Ice teaches group performance routines for exhibitions and competitions. All skaters can participate in both.
Arrive 30 minutes early to put on skates.

Tuesday Dates
January: 1/13, 1/20, 1/27
February: 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24
March: 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31
April: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28
May: 5/5, 5/12

Bellevue Ford Ice Center
Adaptive Learn to Skate will run in the afternoon. Class time: 1:00 to 1:30.
Arrive 30 minutes early to put on skates.

Monday Dates
January: 1/12
February: 2/2, 2/9
March: 3/2, 3/16, 3/30
April: 4/6, 4/13, 4/20
May: 5/4

Potential Competition Dates
Skate Nashville performance: April 16-19, exact day and time TBD
Possible out-of-town performance: March 20-22, exact day and time TBD

For questions, comments, or concerns please contact Glen Adkins at Golden.Adkins@Nashville.gov.

This program is offered in partnership with the Nashville Skating Academy. Learn more at https://www.nashvilleiceskate.com.

To register- click here

Navigating Future Financial Assistance Resources with ABLE TN

Join our friends at Tennessee Disability Pathfinder for this informative webinar featuring ABLE TN, a program that makes it easy for Tennesseans with disabilities to save and invest money for qualified expenses.

To register : CLICK HERE

Matt Peters will be joining us to give residents an in-depth look at the Davidson County Department of Health and all the valuable services they offer!

Sharon Scrofne from the Metro Parks DisAbilities Program will be leading us in a yoga class! She’ll also provide more information about the DisAbilities Program and how residents can get involved.

Martha is back in action with some fun glassmaking crafts at FH6!

Join our friends at MetroParks disABILITIES: Community Day at The Belcourt Theater on Monday, January 26th. Doors open at 9:30am, and the movie begins promptly at 10:00.

This event is for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend. 

The movie title will be available the week before the showing, please call our office for the movie selection.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days.  For questions, comments, concerns, or more information about Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please contact Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call our office at 615-862-8489.

for tickets and more info: CLICK HERE

Matt Peters will be joining us to give residents an in-depth look at the Davidson County Department of Health and all the valuable services they offer!

Sharon Scrofne from the Metro Parks DisAbilities Program will be leading us in a yoga class! She’ll also provide more information about the DisAbilities Program and how residents can get involved.

Connect’s Quarterly Outing: Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo!

Join our friends at AutismTN for their quarterly Connect outing at the Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination! Enjoy over 1,000 beautiful silk lanterns, live performances, food, cozy drinks, and more.

Ticket Information

• Tickets must be purchased through AutismTN to receive this special group rate.

• All attendees (members and guests) must purchase a $20 ticket.

Your ticket includes:

• Admission to Zoolumination and

• A FREE Premium Snack Package, provided through our NEXT for Autism Grant, which includes:

  • A souvenir hot chocolate in an insulated tumbler

  • Your choice of funnel cake, pretzel, popcorn, or cotton candy

Zoo Accommodations

• Complimentary Zooper Packs are available at the ticket booth and may include fidget toys, earplugs, and other helpful sensory tools.

Register Here: Click Here

More event details: Autism TN

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

Jeff Stark from Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management will be joining us tonight with an important presentation! Residents will learn how to ensure they’re prepared in the event of a weather-related emergency or community incident.

Join our friends at Autism TN for their Game Day!

Game Day is a great opportunity to make friends in a relaxed environment. We'll have a variety of games to play, including classic favorites like Connect4 and Scrabble, as well as newer games like Catan.

Pizza, drinks, and other snacks will be provided thanks to the generous support of the Metropolitan Nashville Community Safety Grant. Their partnership helps us provide a welcoming space for connection through common interests and community.

Game Day is appropriate for children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. Parents/caregivers and siblings are also welcome to join. Bring a friend or come and make new ones – everyone is welcome!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashley Lira-Rivera: ashley@autismtn.org

For the address and to register: CLICK HERE

Jeff Stark from Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management will be joining us tonight with an important presentation! Residents will learn how to ensure they’re prepared in the event of a weather-related emergency or community incident.

Join our friends at EmpowerTN for Access Music City Evenings at the Frist Art Museum. 

Access Music City Evenings are nights for art, connection, inspiration, and fun, where inclusion is celebrated. Art serves as the connector. The Frist Art Museum hosts this collaboration with Empower Tennessee. Come join us to tour the galleries, enjoy delicious food from Grilled Cheeserie, create at Art Quest, and connect with new and old friends. We hope to see you there!

Where: Frist Art Museum at 919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203

Date: Thursday, February 12th 2026

Time: 4:00 PM CT to 7:00 PM CT

Cost: Free!

Register: bit.ly/ETAMC2601

Note: There is limited parking, so please carpool with family, friends, and colleagues. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions- info@empowertn.org, or call (615) 200-6028

Join our friends at MetroParks disABILITIES: Community Day at The Belcourt Theater on Monday, February 23rd. Doors open at 9:30am, and the movie begins promptly at 10:00.

This event is for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend. 

The movie title will be available the week before the showing, please call our office for the movie selection.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days.  For questions, comments, concerns, or more information about Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please contact Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call our office at 615-862-8489.

for tickets and more info: CLICK HERE

Join our friends at TN Disability Coalition for their Community Party the night before Disability Day on the Hill.

Every year, Disability Day on the Hill brings together advocates, families, and organizations from across Tennessee to speak up for disability rights and inclusion. It’s a time for us, the Tennessee disability community, to come together, share our stories, and meet with lawmakers about the issues that matter most to our community. We hope you’ll join us as we continue the work of building a more accessible and inclusive Tennessee for everyone.

Join us in Nashville for a fun, family-friendly time of connection and community the evening before we head to the Capitol for DDH. Heavy appetizers will be served at this free event.

Adventure Science Center

800 Fort Negley Blvd
Nashville, 37203

more information: https://tndisability.org/event/tdc-community-party/

Join our friends at TN Disability Coalition for their annual Disability Day on the Hill.

Every year, Disability Day on the Hill brings together advocates, families, and organizations from across Tennessee to speak up for disability rights and inclusion. It’s a time for us, the Tennessee disability community, to come together, share our stories, and meet with lawmakers about the issues that matter most to our community. We hope you’ll join us in Nashville in 2026 as we continue the work of building a more accessible and inclusive Tennessee for everyone.

Disability Day on the Hill will be at the Cordell Hull Building in downtown Nashville. Boxed lunches will be provided.

Cordell Hull Legislative Offices

425 Rep. John Lewis Way N
Nashville, TN 37243

https://tndisability.org/event/disability-day-on-the-hill/

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

Join our friends at EmpowerTN for Access Music City Evenings at the Frist Art Museum. 

Access Music City Evenings are nights for art, connection, inspiration, and fun, where inclusion is celebrated. Art serves as the connector. The Frist Art Museum hosts this collaboration with Empower Tennessee. Come join us to tour the galleries, enjoy delicious food from Grilled Cheeserie, create at Art Quest, and connect with new and old friends. We hope to see you there!

Where: Frist Art Museum at 919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203

Date: Thursday, March 12th 2026

Time: 4:00 PM CT to 7:00 PM CT

Cost: Free!

Register: bit.ly/ETAMC2601

Note: There is limited parking, so please carpool with family, friends, and colleagues. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions- info@empowertn.org, or call (615) 200-6028

Join our friends at MetroParks disABILITIES: Community Day at The Belcourt Theater on Monday, March 23rd. Doors open at 9:30am, and the movie begins promptly at 10:00.

This event is for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend. 

The movie title will be available the week before the showing, please call our office for the movie selection.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days.  For questions, comments, concerns, or more information about Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please contact Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call our office at 615-862-8489.

for tickets and more info: CLICK HERE

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

Join our friends at MetroParks disABILITIES: Community Day at The Belcourt Theater on Monday, April 27th. Doors open at 9:30am, and the movie begins promptly at 10:00.

This event is for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend. 

The movie title will be available the week before the showing, please call our office for the movie selection.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days.  For questions, comments, concerns, or more information about Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please contact Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call our office at 615-862-8489.

for tickets and more info: CLICK HERE

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

Join our friends at MetroParks disABILITIES: Community Day at The Belcourt Theater on Monday, May 11th. Doors open at 9:30am, and the movie begins promptly at 10:00.

This event is for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend. 

The movie title will be available the week before the showing, please call our office for the movie selection.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days.  For questions, comments, concerns, or more information about Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please contact Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call our office at 615-862-8489.

for tickets and more info: CLICK HERE

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

Join our friends at MetroParks disABILITIES: Community Day at The Belcourt Theater on Monday, June 22nd. Doors open at 9:30am, and the movie begins promptly at 10:00.

This event is for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend. 

The movie title will be available the week before the showing, please call our office for the movie selection.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Office at 615-862-8489.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days.  For questions, comments, concerns, or more information about Metro Parks disABILITIES Programs, please contact Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov or call our office at 615-862-8489.

for tickets and more info: CLICK HERE

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

Our friends at EmpowerTN offer several different monthly peer support group for adults with disabilities to connect with one another. Use the links below to register for one, several, or all of their Peer Support Group events. Check them out below!

Empowered Book Club

Book Club is a social group for people with disabilities to connect and discuss fiction and non-fiction works containing diverse representation. We will meet virtually and in person monthly. Facilitated by Kasondra Farmer. Come join us and engage in active conversation about books we love and ones we have yet to discover.

Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CT
Location: Hybrid - Zoom and at 955 Woodland St. Nashville, TN, 37206

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, kasondra@empowertn.org or 615-200-7294

Theme: Discussion of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Empower Rainbow Crew

A free online support group for LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.
The groups will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central. Our next gathering will be held Virtually on October 16th, 2025. 
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as male. The Gents gather to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary.

Day: First Thursday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM CT (5:00 – 6:30 PM ET)

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/ETEG22

Contact: Quoc "Q" Lam with questions or for more info at q@empowertn.org or 615.212.9250

Empowered Ladies

Empowered Ladies is a social group of people with disabilities who identify as female. The Ladies gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants exchange authentic life experiences with their peers. It’s a chance to say, “I matter!”

Day: Second Wednesday, unless otherwise indicated

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm CT

Place: Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSELAS22

Contact: Kasondra Farmer with questions or for more info at kasondra@empowertn.org or 615.200.7294.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

Living Your Best Empowered Life is a social group for people with disabilities to discuss experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment. Participants can also learn more about ways to navigate “the system” to make the journey a little easier.

Day: Third Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CT

Place: Virtual on Zoom

Register: bit.ly/PSLYBEL22

Contact: Marissa Smith-Fletcher with questions or for more info at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Youth Leadership Academy 

Empower Tennessee invites young people with disabilities ages 18-24 to participate our Youth Leadership Academy. This year's academy will be a series of virtual gatherings where participants have opportunities to learn, engage, and empower each other toward their future goals.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm CT

Place: In-Person at 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Register:  Contact Marissa Smith-Fletcher at marissasf@empowertn.org or 615.200.6028.

Theme: Hang Time

Let's have some seasonal fun! Come join us for crafts, music, and more.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.