A real club
Not a one-time activity. Members come back to the same people and build shared history over time.
American Fork, Utah · Founding group forming now
More than gaming.
Playing together.
GamePlus is a friendship-first social gaming club where young adults with and without IDD play, laugh, and get to know the same people over time.
Hosted in person. Small by design. Built around shared interests—not labels.
6equal club members
4weekly founding sessions
1consistent paid host
Play+Friendship+Consistency+Fun
Why GamePlus?
Gaming gives people something to do together. GamePlus gives friendship a better chance to grow.
Lots of people play games. Fewer have a consistent group where they feel expected, included, and genuinely glad to return. GamePlus adds the things that make connection more likely: the same small group, shared experiences, and a thoughtful host who helps the room work socially.
An intentionally mixed group
Young adults with and without IDD participate together as players—not as clients and helpers.
Hosted for connection
A consistent host guides gameplay, reads the room, and helps everyone stay part of the fun.
One intentionally mixed group
Different recruitment pathways. Equal membership once the club begins.
GamePlus is not a disability-only activity, and it is not a volunteer program where some young adults are assigned to help others.
Each six-person group is intentionally formed with four players with IDD and two peer players without IDD. Everyone joins because they enjoy gaming and want to become part of the same recurring group.
Players with IDD
Young adults who enjoy gaming and want to try a small, recurring social group.
Peer players without IDD
Young adults who enjoy gaming and want to join as genuine, equal club members.
GamePlus group
Six players sharing games, choices, humor, challenges, and time together.
These labels explain how the group is assembled.
Once GamePlus begins, everyone is simply a player and member of the club. No player is assigned to help, supervise, mentor, or care for another player.
45%
of adults with IDD in one national analysis had an unmet desire to participate in mainstream community groups.
Research-informed by design
Why this mix matters
The same analysis found that participation in mainstream community groups was strongly associated with better friendship outcomes. Broader research on positive contact across differences points to the value of equal status, common goals, cooperation, and supportive structure.
GamePlus translates those principles into small recurring groups: equal membership, a genuine shared interest, the same people over time, and a consistent host.
Explore the research-informed design →The Founding Round
Four weekly sessions to begin something ongoing.
GamePlus is intended to continue. We are starting with a four-session Founding Round so the first players can get to know one another and help shape what the club becomes next.
Six equal players
Four players with IDD and two peer players without IDD
In person
American Fork, Utah
Hosted weekly
Approximately two hours onsite
Multiplayer gaming to start
Private servers and group-selected games
No cost
The four-session Founding Round is founder-funded
Built to continue
Future seasons are intended to be sponsor-supported and free to members
Who might enjoy it?
Start with the person. Start with what they enjoy.
GamePlus may be a strong match for a young adult who enjoys multiplayer games, would like to meet other players, and prefers a small, consistent group.
Players do not need to be expert gamers, highly outgoing, highly verbal, or fully independent. Different communication styles are welcome.
A promising fit may look like:
- Gaming is a genuine personal interest
- The player personally wants to try the group
- The family can support consistent attendance
- Any needed personal support is arranged by the family
Support boundaries
A social gaming club—not a caregiving service.
GamePlus does not provide personal care, respite, medical assistance, behavioral support, or one-to-one supervision. Families remain responsible for arranging the support their player needs.
A caregiver may remain in the room, wait nearby, or leave while staying reachable, depending on the player. Caregivers who remain onsite may also have a natural opportunity to connect with one another.
Get involved
Two member pathways. Two host pathways.
The first two roles make up the club. The other two help operate and support the experience. The first step for any role is intentionally short.
Join the club
Six young adults participate as equal players.
4 founding places+
Player with IDD
For a young adult with IDD who enjoys gaming and would like to try a small, recurring social group.
Players do not need to be highly verbal, highly outgoing, or expert gamers.
Player with IDD interest form →2 founding places+
Peer player without IDD
For a young adult without IDD who enjoys gaming and genuinely wants to become part of the same recurring group.
Peer players are equal club members—not volunteers, aides, mentors, or caregivers.
Peer Player interest form →
Once the group begins, both are simply GamePlus players.
The distinct labels are used during recruitment so everyone clearly understands the intentionally designed mix.
Help host the experience
Operational roles are distinct from club membership.
Paid role+
GamePlus host
For someone who can make a small gaming gathering fun, welcoming, inclusive, and well run.
Internship or practicum credit may be explored with advance school approval.
Start the host interest form →Service pathway+
Assistant host
Help with setup, technology, welcoming players, transitions, and debriefs while learning from the primary host.
Verified service hours may be available. Academic credit requires advance school approval.
Explore the assistant-host role →Free for members
Commitment comes from the season—not the price of admission.
GamePlus is sponsor-supported and free to members whenever funding allows. Members make a season-long attendance and communication commitment rather than paying a participation fee. Families and supporters may help sustain future seasons, but participation is never dependent on giving.
Sponsorship funds the host and structure that create recurring friendship and community-participation opportunities while keeping GamePlus free for members.
Explore sponsorshipWhy we are starting
We are beginning with something Lauryn already loves.
Our daughter Lauryn enjoys gaming, funny moments, competition, and spending time with people who share her interests. Like many young adults with IDD, however, she has had too few natural opportunities to build recurring friendships around the things she enjoys.
We are starting GamePlus to create one of those opportunities—not only for Lauryn, but for small recurring groups of young adults who may enjoy playing together and becoming part of something ongoing.
— Matt and Tiffani Weir
GamePlus Founding Round