Welcome to Elevatus Training
Elevatus Training is a national leader in healthy relationships training and sexuality education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We offer comprehensive, age-appropriate products and workshops that help professionals, educators, self-advocates, and parents confidently teach and discuss healthy relationships and sexuality.
Field-tested and trusted by thousands of people around the world, our products are medically accurate, evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and include the following:
- Curricula
- Communication Supports
- Live Online Training
- On-Demand Workshops
- Self-Study Programs
- In-Service Training
- Private Organizational Training
- Keynotes and Conferences
Who Founded Elevatus Training?
Founded by a national expert on healthy relationships, sexuality, and I/DD
Elevatus Training was founded by Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Educator (CSE) with more than 30 years of experience in sexuality education and disability support. She is the CEO and lead trainer for Elevatus Training. Her work began in reproductive rights and public health, then grew to focus on healthy relationships and sexuality education for people with I/DD.
That shift was shaped in part by her own life. After a spinal cord injury at age 26, Katherine became a wheelchair user, and that experience deepened her understanding of the inequities many people with disabilities face, including the harmful belief that they are not sexual beings. Her career has focused on changing that belief through education, advocacy, and practical support.
Our Flagship Training Program
Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality:
Becoming a Sexuality Educator and Trainer
A 3-Day Certificate Training for anyone who works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and wants to lead sexuality education classes and staff/parent trainings.
When it comes to talking about sexuality, people with I/DD are often excluded, almost as if they are incapable of having sexual thoughts, feelings, and needs. In reality, they, too, are sexual beings who need information and skills for making healthy decisions about sexuality.
Though agencies that work with people with I/DD know that sexuality issues need to be addressed, they often do not feel comfortable or competent enough to do so. This training will provide you with the curriculum, tools, and skills you need to teach sexuality education classes and lead staff/parent training sessions.
What People Are Saying
Remarkable, inspirational experience
“Katherine Mclaughlin has the rare gift of imparting vast amounts of information and best practices while remaining warm and relatable. Her long experience in the field means that the material itself is shaped for maximum impact … She’s an inspirational teacher, whose three-day seminar transformed our group of 35 educators, trainers, and direct care staff into a pop-up community of a sort united by our desire to take her work out into the world. It was a remarkable experience.”
Eli Gottlieb — Author on Autism
Ready to Get Started?
Our Most Popular Products
Build skills, increase confidence and effectiveness, lower stress, and enjoy your work
Curriculum
Building Healthy Relationships at Work
Twelve lessons on healthy relationships in the workplace.
Curriculum
Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities
Our flagship curriculum. Scripted lessons for teaching sexuality education to adults with I/DD.
On-demand workshops
All-Access Pass
Every pre-recorded workshop in one pass, plus each new workshop as we add it.
Self-study for parents
Talking With Your Kids
A self-paced course to help parents support healthy sexuality at home.
Self-study for staff
Healthy Relationships and Sexuality 101
A self-paced course for direct support professionals and other staff.
Free
Free Online Workshop
A no-cost live workshop. A good first step if you are new to Elevatus.
What People Are Saying
Elevatus sets the standard
“The training modules and curriculum that Katherine has designed set the standard for sexual education for individuals with ID/DD. They are straight forward, sensitive, humane, and with compassion.”
Dr. Rob Weiss — Psy. D., BCBA-D
Why Choose Elevatus Training?
The Top 8 Reasons to Work With Elevatus Training
What People Are Saying
Comprehensive, adaptable curriculum
“Katherine is an inspired trainer who shares her knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way … The curriculum is very comprehensive and well done. I like the way I can pick and choose which units to use depending on the needs of my group. The lesson plans are user-friendly, with clear language and great visuals for the handouts. I would recommend this curriculum to anyone interested in putting together a comprehensive sexuality education program for adults with developmental disabilities.”
Linda Sandman — University of Illinois-Chicago
From our resource library
Articles for educators, staff, and families
When Someone You Support Is Watching Porn: A Guide for Parents and Staff Supporting People with I/DD
Teaching Consent to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: What Builds Real-Life Skills?
Sex Ed vs. Sexuality Education: Why the Words We Use Matter
Managing Curveballs in Teaching Healthy Relationships and Sexuality
Let’s Talk: Simple Conversation Tips for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
How to Use Communication Supports in Sexuality Education for People With I/DD
What People Are Saying
Incredible ability to teach
“Katherine McLaughlin has an incredible ability to teach people with developmental disabilities about sexuality. She provides a safe atmosphere for them to ask questions and share their concerns without feeling hesitation. Even though sex and relationships are not easy to talk about, we always feel comfortable with Katherine … I highly recommend Katherine as an awesome person to work with!”
Max Barrows — Self-Advocate, Green Mountain Self-Advocates
Questions