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Four diverse adult friends, including a man with Down syndrome, laugh and talk together at an outdoor café table.

Sex Ed vs. Sexuality Education: Why the Words We Use Matter

Many people hear the words “sex ed” and assume the topic is sexual activity. That is one of the biggest misconceptions about sexuality education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The act of sex is only one small part of sexuality. Most of what we teach is about relationships, communication, boundaries, consent, identity, and belonging. Those are the skills that reduce vulnerability to abuse and open up connection, confidence, and independence. Read more about: Sex Ed vs. Sexuality Education: Why the Words We Use Matter

Consent training for people with IDD as an adult self-advocate uses an AAC device to ask a direct support professional to wait.

Teaching Consent to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: What Builds Real-Life Skills?

Consent is giving permission: saying yes, or agreeing to do something. Teaching it to people with I/DD rests on two ideas. There must be two yesses, and both must be freely chosen. Those skills grow through everyday practice, accessible communication, and supporters who ask before they act. Read more about: Teaching Consent to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: What Builds Real-Life Skills?

Colorful graphic image showing Ten Sexual Rights for People With I/DD

Sexual Rights for People With I/DD: Are They Honored or Taken Away?

This article is part of Elevatus Training’s Sexual Rights series. Download the full Sexual Rights Toolkit to explore all 10 rights with activities for self-advocates and supporters. Read more about: Sexual Rights for People With I/DD: Are They Honored or Taken Away?

Graphic image showing all Sexual Rights, with Speak Up and Out highlighted.

Sexual Rights: Speak Up and Out – For People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the right to speak up when they are hurt, abused, or their rights are violated. In this article, you will learn what the sexual right to speak up and out means, as wel as three ways you can support self-advocates in speaking up and reporting. Read more about: Sexual Rights: Speak Up and Out – For People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Graphic image showing all Sexual Rights, with Respect highlighted.

Sexual Rights: Respect for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Believing in someone’s right to choose is only half of it; respecting the actual choices they make is what completes it. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), that respect is too often withheld. In this article, you will learn what the sexual right to respect means and where these rights come from. We also discuss three ways you can show real respect for the choices self-advocates make. Read more about: Sexual Rights: Respect for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Graphic image showing all Sexual Rights, with Choice highlighted.

Sexual Rights: Choice for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The ability to make your own choices is the cornerstone of an empowered life. That holds true for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), in general and in their sexuality. In this article, you will learn what the sexual right to choice means, where these rights come from, and why self-advocates have the right to make their own choice around important life decisions. We also discuss three ways you can support this right. Read more about: Sexual Rights: Choice for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Diverse group of self-advocates, parents, and professionals smiling and learning together in an Elevatus Training workshop on understanding your body and sexual anatomy.

Inside and Out: Understanding Your Body – Sexual Anatomy and Medical Terms for People with I/DD

Knowing the correct medical terms for sexual body parts supports bodily autonomy, safety, clear communication, and protection from harm. This article provides accessible guidance for self-advocates, families, and supporters on sexual anatomy, using respectful language and resources tailored for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more about: Inside and Out: Understanding Your Body – Sexual Anatomy and Medical Terms for People with I/DD

Diverse group of friends and community members laughing and embracing warmly in a close group hug, representing joyful chosen family and supportive connections.

The Power of Acceptance and Chosen Family for LGBTQ+ People with I/DD

By the end of this article, you will understand why family acceptance matters for LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, what to do when families struggle to provide that acceptance, and how to help build a supportive chosen family. Read more about: The Power of Acceptance and Chosen Family for LGBTQ+ People with I/DD

Graphic showing, 3 faces - unhappy, neutral, and happy

Healthy, Unhealthy, or Unsafe? A Relationship Check-In Guide for People with I/DD

This guide walks you through the three types of relationships — healthy, unhealthy, and unsafe — and provides a practical, step-by-step tool for honestly examining the connections in your own life. Whether you are a person with I/DD working through this on your own or a supporter helping someone you care about, the steps below will help you see clearly and decide what comes next. Read more about: Healthy, Unhealthy, or Unsafe? A Relationship Check-In Guide for People with I/DD

Two people sitting on a bench talking and laughing in a community garden

Building Self-Confidence: Why It Matters for People with I/DD (Worksheet included)

By the end of this article, you will understand why self-confidence is important for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and learn practical ways to help build it. Read more about: Building Self-Confidence: Why It Matters for People with I/DD (Worksheet included)

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