Keynotes and Workshops
Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., is available to deliver engaging and educational presentations on the topic of Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality. Katherine is certified as a sexuality educator by AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) and is the Founder of Disability Workshops, now Elevatus Training, LLC. She is the Director of Training and delivers our live and online training. She is the author of Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum and also develops educational materials for others to use in teaching and communicating.
- Possible Topics for Self-Advocates
- Possible Topics For Professionals/Parents
- Contact for More Information
Topics For Self-Advocates
Healthy Boundaries and Relationships – Understanding healthy relationship boundaries is an important skill for us all, but what does that mean, and how do you know what your boundaries are as well as other people’s boundaries? In this workshop, we will explore these questions and learn skills on ways to speak up if someone disrespects your boundaries and ways to have relationships without disrespecting someone else’s boundaries.
Sexual Self Advocacy: Speaking Up for Yourself – People with disabilities may be familiar with the idea of self-advocacy, but what is sexual self-advocacy? All humans are sexual beings, from birth until death, and need/want love and connection just like people without disabilities. You have a right to health care, sexuality education, and to speak for yourself. What skills are needed to be a sexual self-advocate? This workshop will explore these questions and give you tips and tools for being a sexual self-advocate.
Moving from Friend to Sweetheart in the Age of Technology – People with developmental disabilities want to form positive, healthy relationships but may not know how to meet others and develop these relationships. When we add the latest technology and social media, you may feel nervous or unsure about how to do this with technology (texting, cell phones, internet). This workshop will explore how to move from friend to sweetheart in a helpful, safe way. We will examine the various types of technology and how to use them in a way that keeps you safe, and also helps you make friends and find enriching relationships.
Sex and Relationship: How do I figure this out? – When a person is in a sexual relationship, there are many questions people have and also need to think about. In this workshop will discuss what is a sexual romantic relationship, what are the ways people can be sexual with another person, reasons people decide to be sexual or not, which sexual acts can be risky, and what is comfortable to you. We will also explore what makes a positive sexual and romantic relationship.
What is Going on “Down There?” Learning About our Sexual Parts – One of the ways a person can be sexually healthy is to understand and know about their sexual parts or their “down there” parts. In this workshop, we will learn all about the sexual parts, how they work, and how to take care of sexual parts. There will also be lots of time to ask your questions and get answers about sexual parts.
Topics For Professionals/Parents
Teaching Healthy Boundaries and Relationships – Healthy relationship boundaries are an important skill for us all. We are seeing more and more examples in our culture of those who have crossed lines. Even though people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are sexual beings, just like everyone else, they also need the information and skills to navigate these waters and learn what’s okay and not okay in various settings. This workshop will explore tips and tools for addressing sexuality one-on-one with the individuals you work with. We will explore why this topic can be difficult to approach and useful tools that will help you become more comfortable and confident and communicate about this sensitive topic.
Moving from Friend to Sweetheart in the Age of Social Media: Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities – People with developmental disabilities want to form positive, healthy relationships but may not know how to meet others and develop these relationships. When we add the latest technology and social media, we may feel nervous or unsure about how to support people with disabilities. This workshop will explore how to help people move from friend to sweetheart in a helpful, safe way. We will examine the various types of social media and how to use social media in a way that keeps people safe, and also helps them make friends and find enriching relationships.
Wait, What? You Want Me to Address Sexuality: Tips and Tools for Discussing Sexuality For Professionals and Parents/Caregivers – People with developmental disabilities are often left out of the conversation about sexuality, almost as if they are incapable of having thoughts, feelings, and needs. In reality, they, too, are sexual beings who need information and skills for making healthy decisions about sexuality. As someone who works with people with developmental disabilities or as a parent of a child with a developmental disability, you may be the most likely person to discuss sexuality with them, or you may even be approached with questions about sexuality. This workshop will help you become more comfortable talking about this sensitive topic by discussing what needs to be taught when and how to help people with developmental disabilities or your own children have safe and satisfying relationships.