Access & Empowerment Hub (A&E)
Have your voice and experiences heard.
The A&E Hub helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive in our community. Through research and conversations, we develop programs that address unmet needs in Benton County.
Meet the A&E Team
Misha Marie
Director of Access & Empowerment
Leads justice advocacy, health education, and life skills training initiatives
Abby Guzman
Assistant Director of Access & Empowerment
Designs new health education and life skills training programs
Ash Ri’chard
Community Resource Coordinator
Connects program participants to local resources
Andrea Heath
Life Skills Teacher
Develops life skills training curriculums
Timothy Nierman
Community Advocate
Provides perspectives from lived experiences with neurodiversity
Sarah Simmons
Community Advocate
Provides perspectives from lived experiences with neurodiversity
Current Access & Empowerment Programs
The CommCard Program
A simple communication tool can make the difference between a routine police call and a traumatic experience. That’s where the CommCard Program comes in, bridging conversation between helping authorities and people with IDD.
Corvallis Summer Club
An 18+, 6-week-long social club aimed at building connections, enhancing well-being, and enjoying a diverse range of activities throughout the community.
Family & Friends Support Group
A warm, welcoming space where we share stories, swap resources, and support one another through the ups and downs of life with a family member with IDD.
SLLEDD
Smart Living, Learning, and Earning with Developmental Disabilities (SLLEDD) is a 22-week program designed to support adults with developmental disabilities in Benton County to build life skills for greater opportunities. Participants can expect strength-based support as they develop life skills, build social connections, and gain self-confidence.
People come to us for:
criminal justice advocacy
Help Navigating State and County DD Services
Connections to Community Resources
Help Planning For the Future
Support for Family Caregivers
How Our Programs Support People With IDD
Our program staff are trained and qualified to offer high quality direct support in our classes and activities. They use creative and supportive ways to teach, adapt, communicate and motivate participants to reach their fullest potential.