Note: This document description was co-created with AI and reviewed by the Elevatus team for accuracy.
This clear and practical one-page guide helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) understand the important difference between public and private situations.
The resource breaks down:
Public – Places where others can see or enter, appropriate public conversation topics, and acceptable public touch.
Private – Places where you are alone with no one coming in and out, private conversation topics, and private forms of touch.
With simple explanations and real-life examples (including places in the home), this guide supports better decision-making around personal boundaries, safety, and social expectations.
Ideal for: Self-advocates, parents, educators, and support professionals teaching healthy boundaries and social skills.
Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Trainer for Elevatus Training. She has been a sexuality educator and trainer for over 30 years. As a national expert on sexuality and intellectual and developmental disabilities, she trains professionals and parents, as well as people with I/DD, to become sexual self-advocates and peer sexuality educators.
