Support Groups
Find your community.
Support groups within ProfouND are communities that bring together employees with shared lived experiences related to seen or unseen disabilities and those who support them. They offer a safe space for connection, conversation, and mutual support through ongoing virtual discussions and occasional group gatherings.
Our groups are:
- Member-led: driven by volunteers, not just the steering committee.
- Flexible: shaped by community needs and interests.
- Accessible: designed to meet people where they are — online, on Zoom, or in person.
You’re welcome to join one or more groups, whatever best fits your experiences or interests.
Before joining a support group, please become a ProfouND member (Tip: unsure if you are already a member? If you can view this chatroom, you have already joined!).
Seen Disabilities Support Group
Living with a visible or physical disability often means that your experiences are seen — but not always understood. You may find yourself constantly educating others, advocating for accessibility, or managing assumptions about what you can or can’t do. Visibility can bring connection, but it can also bring pressure and fatigue. This group offers a safe, understanding space for employees with visible disabilities to share experiences, talk openly about challenges and wins, and connect with peers who truly get what it’s like to navigate a world that sometimes sees your disability before it sees you. Together, we share resources, celebrate resilience, and support one another in fostering a more inclusive and accessible workplace.
Join the Seen Disabilities Support GroupAlready a member? Start a chat.
Unseen Disabilities Support Group
Living with an unseen disability can be complicated. Maybe you’ve been managing a chronic condition for years, were diagnosed in adulthood, or are still exploring what your experiences mean. You may sometimes wonder whether you “count” — or feel hesitant to share your story at all. This group is a safe, understanding space for employees navigating life with nonvisible conditions such as chronic pain, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, autoimmune disorders, or other hidden disabilities. Together, we talk openly about stigma, self-advocacy, and belonging — and remind one another that your experiences are valid and you don’t have to go it alone.
Join the Unseen Disabilities Support Group Already a member? Start a chat.
Caregivers and Allies Support Group
Supporting a child with disabilities? Caring for elderly parents, a spouse, or another family member? Balancing work, life, and care can be both rewarding and exhausting, and it can feel isolating when few people truly understand what it takes. This group is for caregivers and for anyone who wants to learn how to support those with seen and unseen disabilities — whether you’re a people leader hoping to better support your team, a coworker wanting to show up with empathy, or simply someone who values understanding others’ experiences. Together, we share experiences, talk through challenges, share resources, and exchange ideas for building a more understanding and supportive community.
Join the Caregivers and Allies Support GroupAlready a member? Start a chat.
What happens when I "join"?
When you click a “Join” button, you’ll add yourself to that group’s Google Group. This gives you access to:
- Email your group directly for conversation and resource sharing
- Automatic calendar invites for that group’s upcoming events (Note: these groups are newly established, so events may not yet appear on your calendar. Feel free to email or chat with your group to suggest the next meet-up!)
- A private Google Chat room open only to group members
You can join or leave a group at any time — whatever fits your needs best.