Need for Speed! Speed Friending That Is.

Cover image of two people with differing abilities and ethnicities talking at a table in the park. The graphic in the top left corner is a zooming clock to depict "speed friending"

Did you know there is an upcoming event called “speed friending”? Maybe you are like me and you’ve seen entertaining depictions of speed dating in tv shows. You know the scene. Two people sit across from each other and have only a few minutes to start asking questions and sharing a little about themselves to each other. Then when the timer or an announcer hollers, they switch conversation partners and start again. It looks exciting.

What’s happening?

Well Lawrence County MH/DS and Beaver County Developmental Supports have partnered to bring a similar event to the community called Speed Friending. Instead of dating, the goal is friending. It sounds like a super fun way to get to meet new people. The FREE event is for individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism. It is a chance to maybe find a new friend through structured conversations.

Where is the Speed Friending event?

Everyone will meet at the Ewing Park – Shelter #4. The address is 105 Riverside Drive, Ellwood City, PA 16117.

Image of five young people with differing heights, ethnicities, skin color, and abilities smiling and taking a picture together. They wear handwritten name tags and a graphic in the bottom left corner says "Make New Friends"

When do we meet?

Speed Friending at Ewing Park will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

What else do I need to know?

Get ready by registering online. Register at: https://form.jotform.com/252224500464144. Refreshments will be provided for this event. You do not have to go alone because caregivers are welcome to attend. If you want to download, print, or share a copy of the flyer, click the image below.