Join our friends at the MetroParks disABILITIES program for a hike and scavenger hunt at Shelby Bottoms.

Come along for the Shelby Bottoms Outdoor Hike and Scavenger Hunt! Explore the beauty of nature with our guided hike through scenic trails. Test your sleuthing skills with a fun scavenger hunt along the way. It's a great way to spend time outdoors, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and enjoy some physical activity. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

Please dress appropriately for weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat.

For free tickets and more info: click here

Join our friends from the Frist Art Museum for a class at the 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 friends at the MetroParks disABILITIES program for their Fall Shutterbug Photography Club.

Overview

Explore photography, build new skills, and share your unique perspective in a supportive club designed for individuals of all abilities.

MPDP Shutterbugs

Get ready to capture the world from a new perspective with the Shutterbugs Photography Club. This inclusive photography program welcomes individuals of all abilities who want to develop their creative skills, experiment with photography equipment, and connect with others who share an interest in visual storytelling.

The club meets at least once each month at different locations throughout the Nashville area. Members will explore a variety of photography styles, including portrait, landscape, nature, event, and creative photography. Participants will also have opportunities to use equipment and practice techniques in real-world settings.

Each month will include a photography assignment that gives members a structured way to practice their skills and express their individual viewpoints. Members will share selected photographs during group reviews, celebrate one another’s work, and receive supportive feedback in a welcoming environment.

Fall Schedule

Tentative meeting dates include:

• Wednesday, August 5 @Coleman Park (Open to new Photographers)

• Friday, August 21 - Location TBD (Photographers trained on our cameras)

• Saturday, September 12 @Elmington Park (Photographers trained on our cameras)

• Friday, September 25 - Location TBD (Photographers trained on our cameras)

• Wednesday, October 14 @Coleman Park (Open to new Photographers)

• Saturday, October 24 @DSAMT Extra Mile (Photographers trained on our cameras)

• Friday, November 13 @Coleman Park (Open to new Photographers)

• Friday, December 4 @Coleman Park (Open to new Photographers)

For free 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: 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 from the Frist Art Museum for a class at the 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

Join our friends from the Center for Decision Making for a class at the 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 friends from Glassville at the South location in a stained glass making class!

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 from Empower for a music therapy class at the South location. Class begins at 5:15!

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 Hannah for a cupcake decorating class at the 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 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, July 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

Join our friends from the Center for Decision Making for a class at the 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

Join our OT intern Megan for a budgeting class at the 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 us at Friendship House 5 for an Independence Day Cookout

OPN Residents & Waitlist friends invited!

More details to come.

Join our friends from Empower for a music therapy class at the South location. Class begins at 5:15!

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 Resident Support Specialist Bobbi at the North location for a fun Trivia Night!

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 Special Olympics for a Sports Demo Day! Come experience the excitement, energy, and community of Special Olympics Nashville! 

Whether it’s your very first time joining us or you’re ready to explore NEW sports opportunities, this is the perfect chance to jump in, try something new, and have FUN alongside amazing athletes and families!

🏅 Discover different sports
🤝 Meet athletes, coaches, and Unified Partners
🎉 Explore new opportunities within Special Olympics Nashville
💪 Build confidence, friendships, and teamwork

📅 Thursday, June 25th
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Father Ryan High School

All athletes, Unified Partners, families, and supporters are welcome!

To register click here

Join our friends from Empower for a music therapy class at the North location. Class begins at 5:15!

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 from Glassville at the South location in a stained glass making class!

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, 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

Join the Curb Students for theater games at the 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 Resident Support Specialist Ashley for a Kahoot Trivia Night at the South location! Class begins at 4:30.

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 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, June 11th 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 us for Music Therapy taught by our friends at Empower. Class will begin at 5:15 at the 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 budgeting class at the 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

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

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

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.