There are a number of local support groups for persons with disabilities and their families. All are welcome to participate. These groups serve as a gathering place offering peer-to-peer support and advice in dealing with the daily challenges of living with a disability. They are an opportunity to learn from the experience of others, who once had the same questions as you, and for others to learn from your experience.
Amputee support group
A support group for amputees and their family and friends. The group meets every third Monday of each month , 1 to 2 p.m., at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, TeleHealth Conference Room, first floor (102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C.,)
For more information, please contact Jessica Eng at 202-877-1447.
Brain injury families & friends
Sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of Washington, D.C., and MedStar Health, this group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, TeleHealth Conference Room, first floor (102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C.,)
Connect with members of the DC area brain injury community and meet other families who are going through the same things you are. Hear from brain injury survivors and their families and learn about the resources that are available to help you. For more information, contact Ellen Ramsay (BIADC) at 301-641-4793.
Cardiac support group — heart talks
Heart Talks is a support group for people with a history of cardiac disease, and their family and friends. The group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3 p.m., at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, TeleHealth Conference Room, first floor (102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C.,)
This group offers people affected by cardiac illness a space to learn, share, and connect with one another. Parking is available onsite and is validated for all attendees.
For more information, contact Kidist Surafel at 202-877-1517 or email kidist.surafel@medstar.net.
Expressions and stroke comeback clubs
Expressions Club
For brain injury and stroke survivors, consider joining the Expressions Club if:
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You’re interested in connecting with other survivors and the community
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You’d like to give back and have fun!
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You’d like to share your successes and challenges with others
The Expressions Club is run by its members and meets weekly for two hours. Please contact the Expressions Club coordinator if interested: Deanna Cho, LGSW at 202-877-1966 or email.
Stroke Comeback Club
For stroke survivors, family, and friends. Meets on the fourth Monday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m., at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, TeleHealth Conference Room, first floor (102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C.,)
For more information, call Jessica Copperman at 202-877-1026.
Stroke Comeback Club in Mitchellville, MD
For stroke survivors, family, and friends. Meets on the third Thursday of every month, 6 to 7 p.m. in the MedStar Health Network Mitchellville Clinic (12158 Central Ave, Mitchellville, MD). For more information, contact Breanne Reynolds at 301-390-3076.
Stroke Comeback Club in Bel Air, MD
For stroke survivors, family, and friends. Meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the large Conference Room at the Bel Air Athletic Club (658 Boulton Street, Bel Air, MD). For more information, contact Leigh Root at 410-638-9400 x 2.
Urban re-entry group
For individuals with disabilities who are victims of violence. Provides peer support to promote adapting to living in an urban environment with a disability, and helps with community reintegration including accessing resources for job re-entry, housing, and financial assistance.
Meets Tuesdays — 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Auditorium, ground floor (102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C.,).
Contact Dr. Sam Gordon at 202-877-1120 for more information
Relapse Prevention Group
This group is intended for persons with chronic medical conditions or physical disabilities who would benefit from peer support developing and implementing strategies to avoid the use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
Meets Thursdays – 3 to 4 p.m. in the MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital South Conference Room, – third floor (102 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C.,) To learn more, call 202-877-1120.