Support Groups
The Arc of Oklahoma helps coordinate several support groups throughout the Tulsa area providing an effective hub of peer support. We do this through our Family Support and Self-Advocacy Programs.
Family Support groups are:
- Mom’s & Dad’s
Mom’s & Dad’s is for parents of children with developmental disabilities focused on nurturing and supporting families, encouraging positive strategies in dealing with challenges, and sharing in the joy of raising children. This group currently meets virtually on the last Thursday of each month from 7-9 p.m. For more information, email Sherilyn Walton at SWalton@TheArcOK.org.
¡Nos Apoyamos! “We Support Each Other” is a support group for Spanish-speaking parents of children with developmental disabilities. This group brings parents together in a relaxed, casual setting that provides an opportunity to share and learn from each other as well as listen to guest speakers. For more information, email Hannah Chaboya at HChaboya@TheArcOK.org.
- Teen Connections
Teens Connection is a social group for middle and high school students with high-functioning autism. They get together for fun activities such as board and video games where they can practice positive social skills with others their age who have similar interests. This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6 p.m. at the The Arc of Oklahoma office, 2516 E. 71st St., Suite A, Tulsa.
Self-Advocacy support groups
Tulsa People First is a support group run by, and for, adults with developmental disabilities. The primary objective of the group is to help participants develop self-advocacy skills by learning how to speak up for their rights as human beings. Members participate in activities that promote the development of social and decision-making skills so that people with developmental disabilities can live fulfilling, self-directed lives in the community, and be contributing members of society. This group meets for dinner (at various locations chosen by participants) on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. with a group meeting following dinner.
- DayMakers
DayMakers is an activity group for adults with developmental disabilities. It is a group setting that offers a wide variety of arts and crafts activities, including games like bingo and dance parties. There are two separate activity groups that meet weekly. The first group meets each Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Gatesway Day Center, 1217 E. College, Broken Arrow. The second group meets each Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. at Whiteside Community Center, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave., Tulsa.
- Links
Links is a support/social skills group for adults with high-functioning autism. Monthly gatherings are designed to help participants build positive social skills as well as enjoy a variety of fun activities. This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. at the The Arc of Oklahoma office, 2516 E. 71st St., Suite A, Tulsa.