Join Daphney Johnson from the Nashville Public Library at our North location!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B

Join our OT Intern Megan for a fun photo scavenger hunt at our South location!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B

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: Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise noted

Time: 5:00-7:00 PM CT
Location: Zoom

Register: https://bit.ly/ETBC25

If you have any questions, reach out to Kasondra Farmer, info@empowertn.org or (615) 200-6028

Empower Rainbow Crew

Empowered Rainbow Crew is 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 group will be facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBTQ+.

When: 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM Central.

Where: on zoom
To sign up contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org

Empowered People

About Our Group: Empowered People is a social group for adults with disabilities. We gather to talk, learn, laugh, and empower one another. Participants share authentic life experiences with their peers and resources to increase independence. In return, you gain confidence and companionship.

When: One Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each month.

Times: 2:00 - 3:30 pm CT

Where: Virtual on Zoom

Registration Link: bit.ly/ETEP26

Contact: Contact us if you need help registering or have any questions.

*Zoom details will be provided only to those who register.

Living Your Best Empowered Life

About Our Group: Living Your Best Empowered Life has discussions about employment and housing, including strategies and tips to help you Live Your Best Life.

There are opportunities to chat, learn, and share stories about your personal experiences in seeking, securing, and maintaining housing and employment while living with a disability. The group is facilitated by our Independent Living Specialist, Marissa, who helps folks set goals and find solutions every day. 

When: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise noted.

Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm CT

Where: Virtual on Zoom

Registration Link: bit.ly/ETEL26

Contact: Contact us if you need help registering or have any questions.

*Zoom details will be provided only to those who register.

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 the MetroParks disABILITIES program for a fun inclusive kayaking class designed for adults with IDD and Caregivers, Family, & Friends.

In this kayaking class, we will introduce participants to the sport of kayaking in a fun and safe environment. We will reinforce paddle safety and how to dip out of the kayak for our experienced participants. We will discuss the importance of wearing a PFD (life jacket) & teach them how to properly put it on. We will show them how to get in and out of the boats, give them an introductory paddle lesson, and then give them an opportunity to paddle around in the swimming pool. No prior experience paddling is required.

Please bring a change of clothes, towel, and any other personal items needed in the water.

For free tickets and more info: click here

**The last day to apply is May 26th**

Partners in Policymaking® is a free leadership and advocacy training program from the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Over 8 months, Partners scholars build the knowledge and skills to ask - and answer - big questions like:

-What does a good life look like for me, my family, and other people with developmental disabilities?

-What needs to change for that vision to become reality?

-How can I take action and help create that change?

Partners in Policymaking is designed for Tennessee residents who are:

Adults with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities.

Parents, adult siblings, and other family members of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Partners is an 8-month program (September – April).

You will meet for class sessions once a month:

September 9, 2026 (Wednesday) – virtual evening orientation

October 2-3, 2026 (Friday-Saturday) – 1.5 days in person at a hotel in Middle Tennessee

November 5, 2026 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session

December 10, 2026 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session

January 14, 2027 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session

February 19-20, 2027 (Friday-Saturday) – 1.5 days in person in Middle Tennessee

March 11, 2027 (Thursday) – virtual 1-day live session

April 16-17, 2027 (Friday-Saturday) – 1.5 days in person in Middle Tennessee, including graduation

For more information or to apply- Click here.

Megan from MOVE Inclusive Dance will join us for an end-of-semester dance party!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Jeff Stark from Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management will be joining us for a presentation on emergency preparedness tactics. You don’t want to miss this important information!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Lori Beerman from The Porch will be leading a fun class to get your creative juices flowing! Don’t worry, no essays involved - just some fun games and prompts to get you thinking!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Chef Danny from The Skillful Spoon will be joining us for a lesson on kitchen skills and some hands-on demos!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

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

Get ready to paddle and chill at our Inclusive Kayaking event - no experience needed, just good vibes and fun on the water.

Join our friends at the MetroParks disABILITIES for a fun day on the lake! We will start with a safety meeting and life jacket fitting. Then we will explore the cove at Hamilton Creek in our Kayaks.

Please bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and a towel. Make sure to wear water shoes or tennis shoes that are ok to be wet (flip flops will not stay on your feet in the water), and clothes that are ok to get wet.

You may also bring a sack lunch and eat before or after your session.

This event is an Inclusive Event, and families & Friends are invited to join us on the water as well.

This is a Community Drop-In Event. MPDP Staff are on hand to organize the group and facilitate the event but are not responsible for chaperoning individual participants. If participants require a personal chaperone, they MUST bring one with them.

For questions about this program or any of our other programs, please call our office at 615-862-8489 or email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov

Free tickets and more info: click here

CD Paddock from Shelby Park will join us to teach residents about the Nature Programs offered in our area. CD will also be talking about seed saving and how to respectfully interact with the beautiful nature that surrounds us in Nashville.

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Tonight, we’ll be joined by Rion Humphries from The Arc Tennessee! Rion will be sharing about the People First Tennessee program, a statewide disability rights organization with the goal of empowering people with disabilities to have voices in addressing issues of equality that affect them.

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

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.

Kathryn Wyatt will be joining us tonight to teach about boundaries! We’ll talk about what they are, how to effectively set them, and why they are important. Don’t miss out on learning more about this major life skill!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Rachel Carden from the TN Dept of Commerce & Insurance will be back tonight to cover financial advice you might find on social media. Is it good advice? Is it a scam? We hope you’re able to join us!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

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

Join our friends at the MetroParks disABILITIES program for a fun inclusive kayaking class designed for adults with IDD and Caregivers, Family, & Friends.

In this kayaking class, we will introduce participants to the sport of kayaking in a fun and safe environment. We will reinforce paddle safety and how to dip out of the kayak for our experienced participants. We will discuss the importance of wearing a PFD (life jacket) & teach them how to properly put it on. We will show them how to get in and out of the boats, give them an introductory paddle lesson, and then give them an opportunity to paddle around in the swimming pool. No prior experience paddling is required.

Please bring a change of clothes, towel, and any other personal items needed in the water.

For free tickets and more info: click here

Angela Mueller from Mindful Nashville will be joining us to teach some basic mindfulness techniques to help calm our bodies and minds. Mindfulness is a great tool to add to your coping skills list, so don’t miss out!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Darian Davis from the organization A Step Ahead will join us tonight to discuss healthy relationships, family planning, and birth control options/resources in our area. This is an important topic you don’t want to miss!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Jeff Stark from Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management will be joining us for a presentation on emergency preparedness tactics. You don’t want to miss this important information!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

No class at FH6 tonight - enjoy a week off!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Join our friends at Metro Parks' disABILITIES program as they host a 5-week Inclusive Volleyball League League for athletes with and without IDD. Games will be played on the following Saturdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

League Days -

• April 11th

• April 18th

• April 25th

• May 2nd

• May 9th

• Special Olympics Volleyball Competition May 16th & 17th

There is no fee to participate in the Leagues, but all athletes need a valid Sports Physical (Special Olympics physicals are accepted) and an MPDSL Sport Waiver completed.

More information and to sign up- Click here

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, April 9th 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

The Vanderbilt Curb Scholars are back with another fun crafting activity! Tonight, we’ll be making collages. All materials will be provided - just bring your creativity!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Helen Sanders, the Director of Education at The Parthenon Nashville, will be joining us to teach residents all about ancient art - with objects to “show and tell” included! Residents will also learn more about The Parthenon itself, an iconic Nashville spot.

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

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 us for a virtual presentation from Don Loiacano with the National Alliance on Mental Health organization! Don will talk us through how to take care of your own mental health and help support others through tough times. Residents are welcome to gather in the community rooms at FH5 and FH6 to watch the presentation on the TV or join remotely.

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Kathryn Wyatt will be leading a class on how to set and maintain healthy, kind boundaries with friends and family. This is such an important topic, so we hope you can make it!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.

Angela Mueller from Mindful Nashville will be joining us to teach some basic mindfulness techniques to help calm our bodies and minds. Mindfulness is a great tool to add to your coping skills list, so don’t miss out!

For the most up-to-date information about our Monday Night Classes, please check out the Our Place Nashville GroupMe. Residents and waitlist members can join by clicking this link: https://groupme.com/join_group/71755699/vANiA52B.