All Articles

Filter posts by category

Graphic indicating the article is an interview

Self-Advocate Perspective: Tina Fitzgerald on Disability, Sexuality, and Safe Relationships

Tina Fitzgerald is a disability rights self-advocate who works to promote understanding of sexuality, healthy relationships, and safety for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also an Elevatus Training Adjuct Trainer. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, she emphasizes the importance of open education, informed choice, and challenging stigma around disability and sexuality. Read the full interview below to learn more about her perspective and work. Read more about: Self-Advocate Perspective: Tina Fitzgerald on Disability, Sexuality, and Safe Relationships

Photo of an Asian woman teaching a class

Managing Curveballs in Teaching Healthy Relationships and Sexuality

Teaching healthy relationships and sexuality can be deeply rewarding — and unexpectedly messy. A room goes quiet, a participant says something surprising, a parent feels uneasy or a lesson lands harder than planned. This guide offers practical, compassionate strategies for educators and trainers who want to stay grounded when teaching about sexuality, disability, consent and self-determination gets real. Read more about: Managing Curveballs in Teaching Healthy Relationships and Sexuality

Graphic image showing all Sexual Rights, with Knowledge highlighted.

Sexual Rights: Knowledge — Empower Self-Advocates to Make Healthy Choices

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the right to sexual health education. We know that knowledge is power and ignorance is NOT bliss — yet people with I/DD are often given the message that this information is not for them. We all have the right to learn and become informed, and when we are not, we may suffer. Read more about: Sexual Rights: Knowledge — Empower Self-Advocates to Make Healthy Choices

A diverse group of adults, including people with disabilities, stand together smiling and talking in a warm, welcoming setting.

Do Autistic People Speak a Different Language?

Autistic people want love and partnership like anyone else, but communication differences can make dating feel like speaking a different language. Written from an autistic educator’s perspective, this article explains how literal interpretation, sensory and touch needs, and conflict styles play out in relationships, the real strengths autistic partners bring (honesty, reliability, loyalty), and how partners and sexuality educators can meet autistic people in the middle. Read more about: Do Autistic People Speak a Different Language?

Graphic image showing all Sexual Rights, with Acceptance highlighted.

Sexual Rights: Acceptance for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Everyone deserves to feel accepted for who they are. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are also LGBTQ+, acceptance can be harder to come by. This article explains the sexual right of acceptance, along with three practical ways to build understanding — plus free handouts and a Rainbow Support Group resource. Read more about: Sexual Rights: Acceptance for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Graphic image showing all Sexual Rights, with Pleasure highlighted.

Sexual Rights: Pleasure for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Pleasure — including sexual pleasure — is a normal, healthy part of life that everyone can enjoy, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This article reframes pleasure as something to embrace rather than feel guilty about, sets a learning objective for self-advocates and the people who support them, and offers three ways to explore general pleasure, sexual pleasure, and sexual feelings. Read more about: Sexual Rights: Pleasure for People With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top