Here we share ideas and resources for where you can meet friends. This includes in-person or virtual events, places to find social events near you, and social media resources.
In-Person Events
Best Buddies PA: Upcoming Events
This organization is a group of volunteers who work to bring people together. They want to make sure everyone has chances to make friends and find jobs. They also help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in inclusive communities.
Common Spaces
Common Space provides a shared space where people of all ages, races, abilities, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds make connections and cross boundaries. They offer creative programming that includes classes, workshops, and discussion groups, as well as a community space to learn, meet, share, and enjoy a tasty treat.
Integrate for Good: Upcoming Events
Integrate for Good thinks it’s important to recognize everyone’s strengths and abilities. They offer support for young people and adults with disabilities. They also help their families and organizations that support them. They want to help people get involved in their communities and connect with others.
Places to Go: ACCESS Participating Organizations
The organizations listed on this website accept the Art-Reach ACCESS Card. The ACCESS cards can provide reduced cost access to fun places all over Pennsylvania.
Social Growth and Community Connections
This is a meetup group for young adults with disabilities (18 years of age or older) seeking independence and friendships in their local communities. They host 2-3 social/educational events in the community a month, in the Montgomery County, PA area, lasting approximately 2 hours long. Examples of such meetups are: bowling, miniature golf, dining out, holiday shopping, Escape Room, guided painting lessons, exercising, amusement park, etc.
Online Events
Commit to Connect: Upcoming Events
Looking to connect with people who are interested in reducing social isolation and loneliness? Commit to Connect webinars include expert speakers, with time for Q&A between speakers and participants. Commit to Connect also facilitates virtual Office Hours. These events allow participants to connect with others and learn from each other.
EngAGED: Upcoming Events
This is a project from The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults. Its goal is to help older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers connect with others. It does this by offering opportunities for social engagement.
Social Media and Apps
Guidebook: How to Use Social Media to Keep Relationships Going
From ConnectAbility Canada.
One Love Foundation Instagram Group
One Love is on a mission to make healthy relationships possible for everyone. Join us and find out how #ThatsLove.
MAF: Making Authentic Friendships App
This app helps individuals with special needs (age 13+) find friends at home or on the go. It can do this based off their geolocation, diagnosis, age and interests.
This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.