Empowered IDD Resources

Online Support Groups

Virtual support and connection options — especially useful for rural families and individuals who prefer remote access.

• Autistic Adults Support Group — Wednesdays, 3:30 PM (18+)
• Weekly Autism Social via Zoom — Every Friday, 4:30–6:30 PM
• Social Skills Class (KindTree) — July 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
• All ASO online events

Special Olympics Oregon

Year-round free sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across Oregon.

• Jun 14 — Summer Regional Athletics (Salem)
• Jul 10–12 — Summer State Games (Corvallis/OSU)
• Summer registration open: track, bocce, golf, softball
• Full SOOR events calendar

Autism Society of Oregon

Rolling source for sensory-friendly events, drop-in hours, summer walks, social groups, and community events statewide.

• Full summer event calendar
• Autism Walks — Eugene & statewide
• Drop-in hours: Fridays 1–4 PM · Portland location

KindTree Autism Rocks

Community building, camps, and social events for the autism community throughout Oregon — including major summer programming.

• Social Skills Class — July 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
• Friends & Family Camp — Aug 27–30, Florence, OR
• Event registration

ODDS Self-Advocacy Hub

Best statewide entry point for self-advocates — service planning, ONA, ISP meetings, rights, and monthly feedback sessions.

• Self-Advocate Guide + videos
• Community Conversations: 1st Wednesday monthly, noon–1 PM
• ODDS events & meetings

Oregon Adaptive Sports

Non-competitive outdoor recreation — skiing, cycling, hiking, and year-round adaptive programs in Central Oregon. Great for summer outings.

• OAS main site
• Ideal for individuals who prefer outdoor, non-competitive activities

North Pole Studio

Professional art studio + gallery for individuals with autism and I/DD. Art classes, studio space, and opportunities to sell artwork.

• northpolestudio.org
• One of the best art career programs in Oregon for adults

Elbow Room PDX

Inclusive community art studio focused on creative expression, mentorship, and exhibitions for people with I/DD.

• elbowroompdx.org
• Low-pressure creative space — great for building confidence

Portland Adaptive Recreation

Creative arts classes + social activities for teens and adults with disabilities through Portland Parks. Summer sessions available.

• Portland Parks Adaptive Rec
• Check current summer availability and registration status before attending

ACAP — Autistic Community Activity Program

Recreation-based learning for individuals with autism: crafts, creative group activities, and camps with art components.

• acappdx.org
• Summer camps and programs — enroll early

THPRD Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation

Tualatin Hills Parks — adaptive arts, sensory-friendly creative events, and inclusive programming year-round.

• THPRD Adaptive Rec

Corvallis Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation

Programs designed for adults experiencing disabilities with inclusive recreation opportunities — especially active during summer sessions.

• Corvallis Parks & Recreation
• Summer 2026 sessions — check site for schedule

Four Simple Pillars

The blog turns wellness into four repeatable categories that caregivers and staff can actually use.

• Body: walking, stretching, hydration, rest, meal prep, breathing, sleep, movement, less screen time.
• Mind: journaling, counseling, boundaries, asking for help, reducing overload, quiet recovery after a hard day.
• Life: family time, faith practices, hobbies, community, creativity, gratitude, and renewal.
• Team: clear communication, breaks, realistic boundaries, support requests, and healthy team rhythms.

Open Wellness Culture

Who It Supports

This is not only a staff morale page. It connects directly to care quality and family stability.

• DSPs: protects patience, consistency, clear thinking, and care quality.
• ECP providers: helps family and friend caregivers avoid isolation and overload.
• Individuals & families: steadier routines, safer relationships, calmer support, and stronger trust.
• Admin & care team: protects responsiveness, compassion, coordination, and sustainable leadership.

Open Wellness Culture

Use It the Right Way

The wellness entry is meant for encouragement, not urgent reporting or private service details.

• Submit a simple self-care activity: rest, walking, prayer, hobbies, movement, counseling, boundaries, family time, or asking for support.
• Keep entries focused on personal wellbeing — not customers, coworkers, incidents, medical details, service plans, payroll, HR, or scheduling issues.
• For urgent safety, care, schedule, incident, HR, or payroll concerns, use the normal Empowered Services communication path.
• Open the Wellness Culture page

ODHS I/DD Services

Primary statewide landing page for Oregon I/DD supports, eligibility, and program structure.

• ODHS I/DD main page
• Eligibility information
• CDDP locator

Brokerage + County Navigation

The right local system entry point rather than a general event list.

• Brokerage locator
• County DD directory PDF
• Brokerage directory PDF

County / Rights Support

When families hit roadblocks or need county-specific contacts and rights-oriented support.

• Multnomah County I/DD
• Clackamas DD services
• Washington County DD