Programs and SErvices

Group Programs

We have a number of groups who meet regularly for fun, friendship, and peer support. Check out our current group programs and let us know if you want more information. Have an idea for a group? We want to hear about it! Let us know what group activities or events you are interested in.

Live and Thrive

Do you have a desire to be healthier?  Do you have barriers or struggles? Come join our group. We focus on overall fitness: mental, emotional, and physical!  We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. This group is intended for adults 18+ with any disability. This group meets in-person and virtually at the same time.

This year’s topics include: sexuality and relationships, adaptive self-defense, barriers to fitness, living with diabetes, mental health resources, spotting scams, accessible travel, and more!

ASL for Beginners

Learn Basic American Sign Language skills in a fun and casual way! This virtual class is open to anyone of any age. You can join in at any time as one lesson is done each week. Learn about Deaf culture, Deaf etiquette and basic conversation!

Circle of Friends Social Club

This group of peer supporters has been enjoying fellowship and fun for over 30 years! Come make new friendships and get in on the good times we share together. This group of adults with disabilities meets bi-weekly and plans activities they want to participate in. Reach out today and join our Circle of Friends.

Your Life Youth Social Club

Want to make new friends and have fun? This group is for youth ages 14-25 with any disability. We meet the second Thursday of each month from 4:30-6:30 PM. Each month we do a different activity such as painting, watching a movie, or playing games. We also go out into the community some months and have fun at places like Incredible Pizza, Andy B's, or the Dickerson Park Zoo! This group is a great way to meet peers with disabilities and socialize!

HOME (Housing Options Must Expand) Team

Join our HOME Team and help increase housing opportunities for all people in our communities. We work to promote affordable, accessible, and universal design housing through education, advocacy, and collaboration. If you want to see housing options expand in Springfield and the surrounding area - join the HOME Team!

The HOME Team is a subcommittee of the Community Partnerships of the Ozarks - Housing Collaborative.

Post Polio Support Group

If you are a Post Polio survivor, you are not alone! Join our support group for peer support and information on topics specific to your challenges and needs. This group meets monthly on the third Monday of each month and is currently hosted via zoom only. Contact us for more information on this group.

Empower Access Team

Join the Empower Access Team and help us identify, reduce, or eliminate accessibility barriers in our community so all people can eat, work, play, and live with dignity regardless of ability. Our team is dedicated to promoting accessible dining in the Springfield area through the RAP (Restaurant Access Points) project in 2023. Members will receive training to conduct secret-shopper surveys to identify local restaurants that meet accessibility standards. Our group meets monthly, both in-person and via Zoom. Don't wait to promote accessible dining in Springfield, join the Empower Access Team today

Check out our upcoming events

Discover a world of inspiration and empowerment at empower:abilities upcoming events where we bring together incredible speakers, workshops, and interactive experiences to ignite positive change. Don't miss out!