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Empowered Services Events
Events hosted, sponsored, or co-hosted by Empowered Services this August — the annual picnic, disc golf in Springfield, weekly bowling, sensory movies, and the Florence community event with The Arc and Connections NW. Everyone is welcome. Please check details before each outing.
Hosted by ESAugust 2026
ES Hosted
Annual Provider & Customer Picnic
Wed Aug 26Everyone WelcomeFree
When: Wednesday, August 26 · 11 AM–2 PM
Where: Location and full details will be confirmed by Empowered Services
Our flagship gathering of the year — customers, providers, DSPs, families, and the whole Empowered Services community together for food, games, and connection. Bring a chair, bring a friend.
Let us know you're coming so we can plan food and seating. Questions about accessibility, transportation, or a quiet space? Email or call ahead and we'll sort it out.
Main office: 8101 SW Nyberg St, Suite 217, Tualatin, OR 97062. A cool, air-conditioned option on hot August afternoons. Please check details before you go.
Salem — Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Thursday, August 6 · 6–8 PM · Regal Santiam Studio 11 (first Thursdays)
Oregon City — Paw Patrol: Wednesday, August 19 · Regal Hilltop · details
Roseburg: Saturday, August 22 (fourth Saturdays)
Partnered with Autism Society of Oregon. Lower sound, softer lighting, open captioning, headphones and fidgets available, and a welcoming room where moving around is fine.
Free, but you need to sign up first. Registration opens about 10 days before each showing and seats fill fast. Presented by the Autism Society of Oregon and sponsored by DSP Connections and Empowered Services.
Heading into a new school year is a good moment to check that supports are in place. Use the quick quiz to find the right coordinator and next step for your county — whether you're exploring support, ready for intake, or helping someone move from uncertainty to a clearer plan.
Plan it, build it, take it home. A recurring partner series across Salem, Portland, Newberg, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Eugene, and more — new dates are added regularly through late summer.
Free events with limited space. You need to sign up first before attending.
Where: Clearwater Park, 2400 Clearwater Ln, South Springfield
Play disc golf alongside fellow Empowered Services customers and DSPs. No experience needed — the course is a gentle walk and morning timing keeps it out of the afternoon heat.
Next round: Thursday, September 10 · 1–3 PM · Ewingyoung Park, Newberg
All August events collated and organized by region and category, with a link or email contact on each listing. Tap a region to expand it — or use the filters above and matching regions open automatically. Save events with the ❤ button to build your own August plan. Many recurring listings run all year.
Organized ListingsCollated by RegionAugust 2026
Choose what fits you
Every person and family is different. Before you go, a quick call or message to the organizer can confirm any of these so an outing matches your own interests, comfort, and needs.
Sensory level — How loud, bright, or busy will it be? Are quieter spaces available?
Crowd size — A large event or a smaller, calmer group?
Cost — Is it free, and if not, what does it cost?
Transportation — How will I get there, and is parking or transit easy?
Restroom access — Are accessible restrooms available on site?
Registration — Do I need to RSVP or confirm a spot first?
Tip: for some people, a smaller predictable event is often more useful than a larger, busier one.
August outing checklist — heat & smoke
For DSPs, families, and caregivers. August is Oregon's hottest, smokiest month, and heat affects people differently — some medications reduce the body's ability to cool down.
Check the air quality — wildfire smoke can turn an outdoor plan into an indoor one
Heat plan — shade, water, hats, and a cool indoor place to retreat to
Medications — some raise heat sensitivity; ask the prescriber if you're unsure
Cooling centers — call 2-1-1 or check your county's hot weather page
Transportation — when TriMet activates its extreme-weather fare policy during a declared heat emergency, riders who cannot pay are not turned away while traveling to or from a cooling center; tell the operator where you are going
Power outages — if equipment needs electricity, have a backup plan in place
Registration confirmed — spot reserved, arrival time known
Exit plan — a graceful early-leave option if it's too much today
Recurring programs are the backbone of a good month — the same place, same time, same friendly faces. That matters even more in August, when school routines are gone and September's change is coming. Here's the week at a glance; tap below to filter every recurring listing.
Mondays
Bingo Night (McMinnville) · REFIT High (Florence) · Buford Park volunteering (Eugene)
Tuesdays
ES Bowling (Sherwood) · Craft Group (McMinnville) · Woodburn Music in the Park (thru Aug 11) · Creswell & Eugene markets
Wednesdays
ES Bowling (Wilsonville) · Autistic Adults Zoom group · McMinnville Chess Club · Corvallis & Seaside markets
Thursdays
Live Music on the McKenzie · 21+ Bingo (Damascus) · Florence free lunch · Summer Sounds Harrisburg (thru Aug 6)
Fridays
ES Bowling (Keizer) · KindTree Zoom Social 4:30 PM · ASO Drop-In Hours (Portland) · Lego Club (Florence)
Saturdays
Farmers markets everywhere · Live Music on the McKenzie · Movies in the Park (Clackamas thru Aug 8, Creswell Aug 1/15/29)
Sundays
Game Night (McMinnville) · Public Fun Days (Molalla Train Park)
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Northwest — Start Here
NWAll counties assigned
Counties: Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Yamhill
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
When: Saturday, August 1 · 9–11 AM (first Saturday monthly)
Where: Sign-up in front of the Seaside Aquarium, 200 N Prom
Bags and gloves provided, staff on hand to answer questions, and volunteers earn Beach Cleanup Coins redeemable at local coffee shops and attractions. A clear, purposeful task in cool coastal air.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
When: Thursdays, August 6 (Session 3) & August 13 (Session 4) · 1–3 PM
Where: Circle Creek Conservation Center, 32825 Rippet Rd, Seaside
Rain or shine: a short walk to a journaling spot, then sit, observe, and write or draw. August's theme is "Sense of Place." No journaling experience needed and you can come to just one session.
Registration required. Families welcome. Restrooms available; no dogs on site.
Adaptive Youth Soccer: registration is open now for the fall season — Sundays, Sept 13–Oct 4, Sue Buel Elementary, ages 7–17, indoor, full scholarships available
Adaptive Swim for Children: 1st & 3rd Saturdays (Aug 1 & 15) · 3–4 PM · Aquatic Center small pool — adult in the water required; financial assistance available
Adaptive Swim for Adults: contact the Aquatic Center (503-434-7309) for dates
Soccer is one of the few fall programs that opens registration this early and fills — worth doing in August rather than September.
A full day outdoors with snacks and games for all ages. Bring a picnic blanket and come ready to relax — a good low-pressure first outing of the month.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Activities, arts and crafts, food, drinks, and dessert provided. Covered picnic tables next to easy-access parking and a playground — shade and a quick exit if it gets to be too much.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Portland Metro — Start Here
PMAll counties assigned
Counties: Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
When: 4th Sunday · 2:00–4:00 PM — confirm the August date with the library
Where: Hillsboro Public Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy
A low-pressure environment focused on creativity and quiet productivity alongside others — write, plan, or create side by side in a calm, welcoming space.
Where: Hidden Creek Community Center, 5100 NE Hidden Creek Dr, Hillsboro
One of the strongest adaptive calendars in the state, running right through August — Sensory Playtime, sensory-friendly warm-pool swim, BINGO, Build-A-Bin family sensory nights, music therapy, and Griffin's Place pickleball.
Their indoor warm-pool swim and sensory playtimes are especially good on smoke or heat days.
Where: Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Beaverton area
Adaptive aquatics, weekly adult recreation, socials and outings, inclusion supports for camps and classes, and Griffin's Place autism-community programming.
Where: 1341 SW Pacific Ave, Forest Grove (trips statewide)
Adaptive outdoor adventure for all abilities — kayaking, rafting, hiking, camping, and cycling with trained guides and adaptive equipment. August water trips are the coolest way to be outdoors.
Adaptive gymnastics built around each student's goals — semi-private Sunday sessions (2:45–3:30 PM, $8 members / $10 non-members, pre-sign-up needed) plus Adaptive Open Play family times.
Where: ASO Office, 9320 SW Barbur Blvd, Suite 240, Portland
Free drop-in hours to speak with staff about resources. Children welcome; fidgets and sensory toys available. Free parking and #12 bus access. A good August stop if you're prepping for the school year.
When: Summer sessions run through August · register per activity
Where: Portland community centers & parks
Social, creative arts, recreation, and outing-based programs for teens and adults with disabilities. Fall session registration typically opens late August — worth checking now.
Dance and game nights, LEGO afternoons, OMSI days, and sensory-friendly socials continue through August. Check the ASO calendar for dates and RSVP links.
When: Select August dates · register ahead of time
Where: Forest Park, Portland
Free guided nature and bilingual family walks with Portland Parks and the Forest Park Conservancy. Shaded trails make this one of the better hot-day outdoor options. Sign-up needed; limited spots.
Your county CDDP determines eligibility and coordinates services. August is a good month to call about anything you want in place before the school year — respite, attendant care, or a plan review.
The county's annual IDD resource fair is held each spring; watch for 2027 dates.
Portland's longest-standing arts organization for adults with IDD — theatre, music, dance, visual art, and creative writing taught by professional artists, plus dances, cabarets, and social events. Tuition assistance covers up to 80% for about half of students.
Fall term enrollment typically opens in late summer — August is the month to ask.
When: Tuesday, August 25 · check-in 10:00–11:00 AM, then all-day access
Where: OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland
Free entry with hands-on exhibits and time to make new friends. Sensory kits available if you need one, plus parking assistance and help with planetarium shows and special exhibits.
Free with limited availability each month — RSVP as early as you can. A strong indoor option if the air quality is poor.
Where: Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St
Designed especially for the disability community — a supportive environment for learning and connection. Check the library calendar for the August session date.
Aug 1 — How to Train Your Dragon: Mt. Scott Elementary, 11201 SE Stevens Rd, Happy Valley · starts at dusk, roughly 8:30–9:00 PM. Kona Ice available for purchase.
Aug 8 — Elemental: Pfeifer Park, 14074 SE 139th Ave, Clackamas · starts at dusk. Final night of the season.
Free and open to all ages. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy movies under the stars.
Both listings came through marked Friday, but Aug 1 and Aug 8 are Saturdays in 2026 — confirm the day with North Clackamas Parks before you go.
When: Wednesday, August 19 · doors around 5:45 PM, movie 6–8 PM
Where: Regal Hilltop, 325 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City
Lower sound, softer lighting, and a room where moving around and making noise is fine. Sponsored by Empowered Services with the Autism Society of Oregon.
Sign-up required and seats fill fast. The flyer and the registration page list slightly different start times — confirm when you register.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Willamette Valley — Start Here
WVAll counties assigned
Counties: Lincoln, Benton, Linn
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
Where: Corvallis Parks & Recreation and the C3 Community Center
Dedicated adaptive and inclusive recreation designed for adults experiencing disabilities — seasonal classes, community recreation, dances, and inclusion supports. Sign up per activity; fall classes are posted late summer.
Open rec and lap swim through August, with accessible entry. On a 95-degree day this is one of the best mid-valley options — call ahead about quieter hours and adaptive supports.
Where: Chintimini Park, just outside the Corvallis Community Center
Free community concert sponsored by the Friends of Corvallis Parks & Recreation. Open lawn, so you can sit as close to or as far from the speakers as suits you.
Free community concert featuring a former contestant from The Voice. Beer garden and food on site. Bring your own lawn chair. Parking is $10; no outside food or drink.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Where: Sales throughout Harrisburg; map on the City website · start near the Gazebo, 120 Smith St
Browse sales across town at your own pace, then stop by local businesses for lunch. To add your own sale, contact Jamie at 541-995-6655 or jknox@ci.harrisburg.or.us — vendors need a temporary business license first.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Where: Aquarium Village, 3101 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport
A free, family-friendly outdoor night market with local art, music, karaoke, food, and small businesses. Weather dependent—check the event page before leaving.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Mid-Willamette — Start Here
MWAll counties assigned
Counties: Polk, Marion
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE, Salem
The biggest event on Oregon's August calendar — animals, music, food, and exhibits. Large, loud, and hot, so plan around it: mornings and weekdays are calmer, and the fair offers accessibility services including wheelchair rental and accessible parking.
Call the fair's accessibility line before you go to ask about quiet spaces, entry points, and mobility rentals. Confirm 2026 dates and ticket prices on the official site.
Where: Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall
Rocks, gems, jewelry, fossils, beads and minerals from around the world. Quiet, indoors, and highly browsable — a good fit for anyone with a collecting interest.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Family events, parenting classes, and playgroups across Polk County and the mid-valley — many free and inclusive of children of all abilities. Back-to-school support sessions often appear in August.
Where: IKE BOX, 299 Cottage St NE, Salem (and other venues)
Cosplay & Pop Culture Group, Game Night, LEGO afternoons, and sensory-friendly socials continue through August. RSVP via the calendar — dates shift month to month, so check before you go.
Bring an adult and explore STEAM kits. Recommended for grades 2–5, with some options for younger kids — a gentle way to ease back into structured activity before school.
Family Building Blocks' annual health and safety fair — activities and resources for children and parents, all free. Morning timing keeps it out of the afternoon heat.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Free karaoke with pizza, light snacks, and beverages provided. Games and tables to sit at, so you can join in or just watch — no pressure to take the mic.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Activities, arts and crafts, food, drinks, and dessert provided. Covered picnic tables beside easy-access parking, a splash pad, and a playground — the splash pad makes this one of the better hot-day choices.
Ampkwa Advocacy invites the community to walk in honor of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, standing with the families who carry this grief and raising awareness for prevention and protection. Wear red. Bring your signs, your prayers, and your people.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Southwest Valley — Start Here
SVAll counties assigned
Counties: Lane, Douglas
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
When: Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30, 2026
Where: Near Florence, on the Oregon coast
KindTree's beloved autism-community camp: whole families, autistic adults and kids, art, music, campfires, and cool coastal air at the end of a hot month. This is the single biggest date on the August calendar for Oregon's autism community.
Registration is currently waitlist only. Early arrival, cabin beds, and RV spaces are all full. You can still complete the waitlist form — but do not submit payment unless KindTree confirms an opening for you.
A weekly online social hangout hosted by KindTree — Autism Rocks, which also runs year-round adult socials, arts programs, camp, and community supports. Join from anywhere in Oregon, smoke or shine.
When: Thursdays & Saturdays in August · 6:00–9:00 PM
Where: McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill, 91837 Taylor Rd, Blue River
Free outdoor live music evenings along the McKenzie River — local and touring performers in a relaxed, family-friendly outdoor setting. Riverside means cooler evenings.
Performer lineups vary weekly, and river-corridor events can be affected by wildfire smoke — check the local calendar before making the drive.
When: Summer programs run through August · fall registration opens late summer
Where: Eugene Rec centers & parks
City of Eugene adaptive recreation: sports, swim, outings, and social programs for youth and adults with disabilities. Indoor pool time is a good hot-day option.
When: Wednesdays · 10:30 AM · Fountain Plaza, Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St
Free morning performances for all ages. The series typically winds down as school approaches — confirm the August lineup and end date with the library.
The Arc Lane County's annual fair to meet emergency first responders and community partners. Meeting police, fire, and EMS in a calm setting — seeing the uniforms and vehicles up close without an emergency happening — is genuinely useful preparation for anyone who might one day need them.
One of the most practical events on the August calendar for families and DSPs. Morning timing, free, and no registration listed.
Hosted by The Arc, Connections NW, Impact of Oregon, Empowered Services, and other community partners. Community building, games, crafts, popcorn, and snow cones. We hope to see you there.
Where: Amazon Community Center South Lawn Amphitheater, 2700 Hilyard St, Eugene
A story of love, jealousy, and redemption performed outdoors. Bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs. All performances are free, family-friendly, and ADA accessible — and outdoors means you can step away and come back without disrupting anyone.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
When: First Friday of every month (Aug 7) · 10 AM–5 PM
Where: Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene
Free admission to explore Oregon's fossils and ecosystems and its cultural history, from the First Americans at Paisley Caves to today's Tribes. Cool, quiet, and indoors — a reliable hot-day or smoke-day option.
Plan it, build it, take it home. Legos and light snacks provided. A quiet space is set up with comfy chairs and weighted plushies for anyone who needs a break from the activity — worth knowing about before you arrive.
The listing gives Wednesday, August 9, but Aug 9 falls on a Sunday in 2026 — confirm the day when you register.
Where: Fountain Plaza, Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St
World Champion Hoop Dancers Lane, Tyrese, and Kailayne Jensen, in partnership with Chifin Native Youth Center, UO Home Flight Scholars, Many Nations Longhouse, 4J NATIVES, LCC Longhouse, Eugene-Springfield NAACP, Lane County Government, and others.
Where: Fountain Plaza, Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St
DJ Prashant leads an interactive dance party with synchronized moves set to Bollywood's greatest dance music. Free fun for all ages, part of the outdoor multicultural Summer Reading Celebration series.
When: Thursday & Friday evenings through Aug 14 · gates and concessions 5:30 PM, music 6:00–8:30 PM
Where: Island Park, 176 W B St, Springfield
Thu Aug 6EastSide AllStarsFunk, soul & R&B
Thu Aug 13Honey Brown BandCountry
Fri Aug 14Sugar Beets + Bob RuggieroSeason finale
Admission is free when you bring two non-perishable food cans to donate. Two sets with a 20-minute intermission — a natural break point if you need one. Bring blankets or chairs; picnics and sealed non-alcoholic drinks welcome.
Where: PublicHouse Courtyard, 418 A St, Springfield
Meet adoptable dogs from Lucky Pawz Rescue, who rescue animals at risk of euthanasia and place them in foster homes until they find a family. Free to attend and spend time with the dogs, whether or not you are adopting.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Tractor and truck pulling, from 70-year-old Allis Chalmers tractors to high-horsepower pulling trucks, plus food and merchant vendors, a beer tent, live bands, and a kid zone.
Engine pulls are extremely loud. Hearing protection is essential, and the vendor area sits further from the track if you want the atmosphere without the noise.
Four days of Nordic heritage — music, traditional food, arts, crafts, and family activities. One of the biggest events in the county, so the first hours after opening are the calmest.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Junction City Local Aid and The Hope Project provide backpacks with school supplies and socks, plus access to shop the children's pre-loved clothing section. A free event to help local families get ready for the school year.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Games, crafts, bounce houses, face painting, snow cones, cotton candy, and community resource booths — plus free backpacks for South Lane students while supplies last. Everyone is welcome.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
When: Friday, Aug 21, 10 AM – Sunday, Aug 23, 4 PM
Where: 2000 N Douglas St, Cottage Grove
Free to attend, with live music, entertainment, kids' games, a logging show, livestock barns, an exhibition building, and vendors. A non-perishable food drive benefits Community Sharing.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Thu Aug 6Tote-tally Awesome Paint PartyPaint totes & rocks
Thu Aug 13Service Animal StorytimeMeet Maj & Persephone
Thu Aug 20LEGO ClubBuild & create
Aug 13 is worth a special note: a storytime about how a puppy becomes a service dog, how to behave around a working service animal, a Q&A, and a chance to watch Persephone run her commands. Genuinely useful for anyone who uses or may one day use a service animal.
The Creswell Library flags three community events worth catching this month, though they are run by other groups: National Night Out, the Farm to Table Event, and Movies in the Park.
Movies in the Park dates are confirmed — Aug 1, 15 & 29, see the Creswell movies listing. Dates and times for National Night Out and Farm to Table were not published with the library listing, so check the City events page before planning around them.
When: Tuesday, August 4 · 4:00 PM, about 45 minutes (first Tuesdays)
Where: Creswell Library
August's book is It's All or Nothing, Vale. Every session includes a simple hands-on activity connected to the story. Next up: A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin on Sept 1.
A direct organizer page was not available for this listing. Confirm the date, cost, accessibility, and registration details before attending.
Where: O'Brien Memorial Library, 51771 Blue River Dr, Blue River
Author Molly Gloss discusses The Jump-Off Creek following a community reading of the novel — part of the River Talks series on local rivers and how they shape the community. Free, no RSVP, and a quiet, thoughtful setting.
When: 4th Saturday of each month (Aug 22) · confirm showtime at registration
Free monthly sensory-friendly screenings co-sponsored by the Autism Society of Oregon and The Arc of Lane County / FEATT — Douglas County's regular sensory movie date, and a cool indoor break.
Peer mentoring, independent-living skills, information and referral, advocacy, and recurring community groups for people with disabilities in Douglas County.
Person-centered developmental-disability case management, eligibility guidance, employment and day supports, in-home services, and protective services.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
South Coast — Start Here
SCAll counties assigned
Counties: Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
Navigating Special Education | Navegando la educación especial
Tue Aug 18FreeFamilies
When: Tuesday, August 18 · 5:30–7:00 PM
Where: 1017 N Riverside Ave, Medford
A FACT Oregon training in partnership with The Arc of Jackson County, Bridging Communities, and Autism Society of Oregon. Whether you're new to special education or strengthening what you know, this session covers the core principles of IDEA, how to communicate with your school team, and how to walk into your next IEP meeting prepared.
In English with Spanish interpretation on request. Childcare available on request. Light bites served.
Timed deliberately for the weeks before school starts — this is the single most useful August event for families heading into an IEP year.
In-home supports through their DSP program plus beloved community traditions like Arc dances and social events for people experiencing IDD. Also a co-host of the Aug 18 special education training above.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Central Oregon — Start Here
COAll counties assigned
Counties: Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes, Klamath
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
A peer-led Center for Independent Living providing information and referral, independent-living skills, peer support, advocacy, transition help, and public-health navigation.
Central Oregon Disability Support Network runs family activities, inclusion events, autism community supports, and back-to-school transition help across the region.
Where: Caldera High School, 3375 SE Clearpine Dr, Bend
The inaugural Central Oregon event brings together families, employers, healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations for a full day of connection. Resource and service booths, employment opportunities, live speakers and workshops, food vendors, and dedicated disability and mental health support.
Free admission for families. Booth registration is open if your organization wants to table.
Where: Bend Park & Recreation District facilities, Bend
Central Oregon's anchor program: year-round youth outings (adapted biking, bowling, skating, arts & crafts), summer programs for kids and teens with disabilities (lake swimming, rafting, games), adult programs 18+, adaptive sports clinics, inclusion supports for any district program, and recreation scholarships.
Fall programming is posted in late summer — August is the month to register.
Adaptive mountain biking, Gravel Club, paddling, and free community golf at Sunriver run through August. Water-based programs are the best heat option. Cascade Crankfest applications open in the fall.
Free peer counseling, information and referral, independent-living skills, housing and employment help, benefits counseling, and transportation navigation. No referral is needed.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
North Central — Start Here
NCAll counties assigned
Counties: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
A free weekly family community tradition with music and room to spread out on the lawn. Bring seating and check the official calendar for the weekly lineup.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Northeast — Start Here
NEAll counties assigned
Counties: Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
Start here for regional navigation and resources serving more than one county.
Eastern Oregon — Start Here
EOAll counties assigned
Counties: Grant, Baker, Harney, Malheur, Lake
Use the county filter to see local events, regional supports, and statewide resources. For IDD eligibility or authorized-service questions, start with your county program.
Free information and referral, peer support, independent-living skills, housing and benefits help, employment support, and transportation navigation for Lake County.
Oregon school start dates vary by district and grade, from late August through mid-September — check your district calendar for the exact first day. Either way, August is when a little preparation pays off all year, especially if an IEP meeting is coming.
IEP SeasonPrepare in August
FACT Oregon — Family Training & Support
FamiliesFree
Oregon's family-to-family hub for disability and special education. Their free support line answers real questions from real families, and their training calendar runs year-round.
This month: Navigating Special Education in Medford on Aug 18 (see Southern Oregon above).
Coming Sept 2: One-Page Profiles — A Simple Tool for School, Medical, and More, 6–8 PM on Zoom, with the Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center. Simultaneous English and Spanish sessions. Worth registering in August.
A one-page profile introduces a person the way they'd want to be introduced: what people like about them, what works, what doesn't, and what matters to them. Hand it to a new teacher, aide, bus driver, dentist, or DSP and skip weeks of guesswork.
Free templates and examples from FACT Oregon. It takes an afternoon and pays off every time someone new enters the picture.
Write your parent input before the meeting, not during it. Ask for draft goals in advance. Bring the one-page profile. Know that you can request a meeting any time — you don't have to wait for the annual date.
FACT Oregon's on-demand trainings cover parent input, evaluations, behavior plans, and what to do when you disagree.
Moving from school services to adult life takes planning that starts years early. Vocational Rehabilitation youth services can begin before graduation; many Oregon high schools run the Youth Transition Program (YTP) — ask your school's transition coordinator in the first weeks of the year, not the last.
First, check your district calendar. Oregon start dates run from late August (Beaverton and Portland Public begin in the last week of August) through mid-September (Salem-Keizer and Bend-La Pine start in early-to-mid September). Count backwards from your own first day.
Then use the two weeks before it: shift sleep and wake times gradually, visit the school building if it's open, meet the new teacher if possible, and practice the bus or drop-off route.
Small rehearsals now prevent big overwhelm later. Ask your school about a quiet early visit before the first crowded day.
These all open or close while it's still summer. Putting them on the calendar now is the difference between getting a spot and joining a waitlist.
Open now
McMinnville Adaptive Youth Soccer — season runs Sept 13–Oct 4, full scholarships available
Register in August
OSAC Inclusive Leadership Summit — Tue Sept 22, 9 AM–4 PM, Holiday Inn Salem
Early-bird window
ORA's NW Conference on Disability Services — Oct 19–22, Sheraton Portland Airport. Early-bird pricing has historically closed in early August
Waitlist only
KindTree Friends & Family Camp, Aug 27–30 — join the waitlist, but do not pay unless they confirm a spot
Watch for
Fall session registration at Portland Parks, Eugene, Corvallis, Hillsboro, THPRD & Bend adaptive recreation — most post in late August
Plan for September
DSP Recognition Week falls in early September — if you're a provider, the budget and plan need to be set in August
Camps & Year-Round Programs
IDD, autism, and all-abilities camps across Oregon. Most summer sessions are ending, but family camps run into late August and several programs roll straight into fall.
Late Summer 2026Register Early
Two master camp directories
OHSU maintains a statewide list of camps for children and teens with special health needs, and the Autism Society of Oregon maintains a sports-and-camps directory. Start with these, then confirm details with each camp directly. Both are also the right places to look in January for next summer.
Ask each camp about staff ratios, medical support, and sensory accommodations.
ACAP — Autistic Community Activity Program
CampsYear-round
Where: 1900 SE Milport Rd, Milwaukie
Summer day camp (ages 5+), after-school programs, and outdoor recreation built for the autistic community — respite funds can be used toward tuition. After-school registration for the new year opens in late summer.
An overnight summer camp built for autistic youth — traditional camp adventure with staff and structure designed around autistic campers. Check remaining August session availability and get on next year's list.
Who: Campers with disabilities + their whole family
One of the state's premier family disability camps — week-long family camps near Foster Lake with fully accessible facilities and one-on-one buddies. Late-summer weeks sometimes have openings.
One of Oregon's flagship disability camps — classic overnight camp on Mt. Hood with horses, canoeing, zip line, and campfires, and high staff support ratios. Mountain elevation keeps it cooler than the valley.
Speech-language-pathologist-led day camps blending communication practice with classic camp fun (Lake Oswego area). School-year social groups also run — ask about fall.
Year-round training and competition in 13+ sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities — free to athletes. Fall sports registration happens now, right after the Summer State Games.
Statewide self-advocacy: leadership development, rights and policy work, and peer connection led by and for people with IDD. Their Inclusive Leadership Summit is Sept 22 in Salem — register in August.
One-to-one friendships between people with and without IDD, plus leadership development, jobs, and family support. School chapters re-form in September — sign up in August.
As of January 2026, people whose disability or blindness began before age 46 may be eligible to save for disability-related expenses while protecting eligibility for key federal benefits.
Peer-led centers offer information and referral, independent-living skills, peer counseling, advocacy, and transition support. Coverage varies by county.
Every Oregon county — including Douglas, Coos, Curry, Klamath & Lake — has a Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) that connects families to case management, day supports, and local providers. And the University of Oregon's AbleFind directory lets you search disability resources by county anywhere in the state — the fastest way to find what's near you when your town isn't listed on this page yet.
When: Wednesday, August 5 · 12:00–1:00 PM (first Wednesdays, every month)
Where: Zoom — statewide. No registration required.
Leaders from the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services invite you to share ideas, feedback, and experiences. Learn about services and updates, ask questions live, or send them ahead using their form by 8 AM the Monday before.
Free accessibility supports: American Sign Language, Spanish interpreter, and live captioning. Need another language? Call 503-945-5811.
ODDS has published 13 guiding principles for its 2027–29 budget requests, shaped by community feedback this spring and summer — this meeting is where you can respond to them directly.
When: An August session · 12–1 PM · date posted on the GO! Project page
Free virtual advocacy trainings from the Oregon DD Coalition's Grassroots Oregon project — learn how the legislative process works, get budget and policy updates, and meet advocates from across the state. Sessions also run in November and January.
Sign up for the monthly GO! Bulletin while you're there; it's the most reliable way to hear about Legislative Committee Days and GO! Days in Salem.
Disability Pride Month has passed, but the work and the programs continue. These statewide organizations advocate, teach, and get people moving all year.
Year-roundStatewide
ODDS + OSAC Self-Advocate Feedback Sessions
Self-AdvocacyVirtualAccessible
Who: Self-advocates with IDD, statewide
ODDS partners with the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition on feedback sessions where self-advocates shape state services directly — with accessibility supports including ASL, Spanish interpretation, and live captioning.
This matters more than usual right now: ODDS is building its 2027–29 budget request against a tight state and federal picture, and community input is shaping it.
Where: Holiday Inn Salem, 3301 Market St NE, Salem
A full day of leadership development built for and led by self-advocates with IDD. If you or someone you support has been thinking about stepping into advocacy, this is the doorway. Register while it's still August.
Where: In-person classes in the Greater Portland area + weekly Zoom classes
Inclusive group exercise built for adults with IDD who have aged out of special education — adaptive workouts with built-in social time and a 1:1–2 teammate ratio. Reduced cost with scholarships available. The Zoom class is a good smoke-day alternative.
Wheelchair basketball, adaptive sports clinics, recreation, and volunteer opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Indoor basketball season ramps up in the fall.
Who: ALSO (Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity), Oregon IDD nonprofit
Their monthly Heart Work Virtual Tour is a live, public walkthrough of how ALSO supports independence and community connection across Oregon — useful whether you're comparing providers or considering the field as a career. They also hold open walk-in hiring events.
The Oregon Rehabilitation Association's flagship annual conference for provider organizations, DSPs, coordinators, and leadership across the Northwest. Early-bird registration has historically closed in early August — worth checking now if your team is going.
The second annual conference on the future of disability inclusion in the workplace. Relevant if you're an employer, a job developer, or an advocate working on employment access.
Meaningful work is a right, not an afterthought. These programs help people with IDD prepare for, find, and keep community jobs — and Oregon's Employment First policy backs them up.
Supported EmploymentJob Coaching
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
State ProgramFree
Individualized help preparing for, finding, and keeping a job — assessments, training, job coaching, and workplace supports. Youth services can begin before graduation, so August is a good month to open a case for a student entering their final years.
Oregon's commitment that community employment is the first and preferred option for people with IDD — resources for job seekers, families, and employers.
A one-year, business-embedded internship model with a strong employment track record for young adults with IDD. Programs start with the school year — ask your VR counselor or county CDDP about current Oregon host sites now.
Every region of Oregon has supported employment providers offering job coaching, job development, and long-term employment supports. Ask your county CDDP, brokerage personal agent, or VR counselor which providers serve your area and how to enroll.
Employment Resources Connection plus Work Incentive Network benefits counseling — answering the "will working affect my benefits?" question that stops so many job searches before they start.
Adult day & community life — where to look on this page
Families often search for "day programs" — in Oregon, day supports are arranged through your county CDDP or brokerage personal agent, and many of the best community options are already on this page: PHAME's arts school and Every Body Athletics for adults, the Hillsboro, Corvallis, McMinnville & Bend adaptive recreation programs in the regional listings, and weekly staples like the McMinnville adaptive craft group and ES bowling. Use the Recurring filter to build a weekly routine from them.
Wellness Culture at Empowered Services
Community connection is part of wellness. Explore how Empowered Services builds a culture of wellbeing for the people we support and the teams who support them.
ES Culture
Wellness is how we work
CommunityWellness
From weekly bowling to sensory-friendly events and everyday encouragement, wellness culture shapes how our care teams show up. August is the month our whole community gathers at the annual picnic — the clearest picture of what this looks like in practice.
Caring for others starts with caring for yourself. Each month, Empowered Services challenges providers to take part in a self-care activity — sleep in, get outside, spend time with family — and everyone who participates is entered into a monthly raffle, with one winner recognized in the newsletter.
August idea: find your cool place. A shaded park, an air-conditioned library, an early-morning walk before the heat sets in.
Federal OHP changes begin in 2027 and 2028. Some adults may face new work or activity requirements or more frequent renewals, and exemptions will apply to many people. Nothing changes all at once, and nothing changes right now. Keep your contact information current with OHP so notices reach you, and check OHA's official updates before acting on anything you hear.
Moving from school services to adult life takes planning. VR youth services can start before graduation; FACT Oregon coaches families through transition planning; many high schools run the Youth Transition Program (YTP) — ask your school's transition coordinator.
It starts with you — your interests, your goals, your community.
Everything in this guide starts with a person — what you enjoy and what you want to try. These photos show people having fun their own way: making art, getting outside, and making friends. Families and support teams are right there with them.
Creative community supportsInclusive outingsFamily & care-team resourcesAccessible activitiesBelonging through local events
OSAC Inclusive Leadership Summit · Holiday Inn Salem · register in August
Oct 6–7 & Oct 19–22
DisabilityNext Summit (Portland) and the NW Conference on Disability Services — both register early
Questions about the guide
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about updates, costs, sensory-friendly listings, and suggesting a resource.
How do I find events and resources in my county?
Use the county finder near the top of the page. On desktop, the Oregon map shows the ten regions; on mobile, counties are listed under their region. Choosing a county opens the right regional section and filters the page.
How often is the Oregon IDD events guide updated?
A new edition is published at the start of every month. The September 2026 guide arrives in early September. Listings can change, so check details with the organizer before you go.
Are the events in this guide free?
Many events are free. Each listing shows the cost when there is one, and every listing has a link or email to check current details. Use the Free filter to see only free events.
Who is this guide for?
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oregon, their families, direct support professionals (DSPs), and care coordinators. Anyone can use it.
How do I find sensory-friendly events in Oregon?
Tap the Quiet and calm button or the Sensory filter to see sensory-friendly events, including low-sensory movie nights and quiet indoor options for hot or smoky days.
What if it is too hot or smoky to go outside?
Use the Virtual filter for online groups that run regardless of weather, and check the hot weather and smoke checklist near the top of the county listings. Libraries, adaptive swim, and sensory movies are good indoor alternatives.
How do I suggest an event for the guide?
Email info@empowered-services.org or call (503) 855-3581. Community suggestions are reviewed for the next monthly edition.
More Oregon IDD resources
State, advocacy, training, and community resources to keep exploring after the August guide.
The resource guide is open to everyone. When you are ready to connect with Empowered Services, start with your county care team—or use the direct pathway you already know you need.
Best place to start
Find Your County Care Team
Answer a few short questions to find the Empowered Services team assigned to your county and the right next step.
