People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are sexually assaulted at seven times the rate of people without disabilities. As always, our team at Elevatus Training believes that education is the first line of defense in preventing sexual abuse. With this in mind, we aim to support all your training needs, and that is why we have created a toolkit filled with educational articles, resources, and training to support you. Together, let’s raise awareness and educate people about this issue!
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2025 New Toolkit Resources
Video Series: Sexuality and People with Developmental Disabilities
In this educational set of videos, you will hear directly from people with developmental disabilities about the importance of open dialogue, information, and community connection in helping people have meaningful relationships and supporting their sexual self-advocacy. These videos were developed with the training company Elevatus, the Self Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS), and the filmmaker, the University of Minnesota. The videos will soon be accompanied by an online toolkit that will further assist self-advocates, professionals, and family members in supporting people with developmental disabilities around sexuality and relationships.
- Sexuality and People with Developmental Disabilities https://youtu.be/cRzVfz_ZvpQ
- Sexual Self-Advocacy: Sexuality and People with Developmental Disabilities https://youtu.be/Tc9VdCemhoM
- Sexual Feelings and Relationships: Sexuality and People with Developmental Disabilities https://youtu.be/iCg3OJ-O9jA
- Consent and Sexual Relationships: Sexuality and People with Developmental Disabilities https://youtu.be/UDn1NNWHptQ
Documentary: “The Life of Natalie Rose”
A powerful documentary about Natalie Rose, a woman with disabilities celebrating her 40th birthday with family and friends. The film reflects on the abuse she endured while in the care of a trusted program and aims to raise awareness about the lack of safeguards for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Watch the trailer and book a screening for your community here: https://www.thenatalieproject.org/nattyfilm
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) Sexual Assault Awareness Month
NSVRC provides research and tools to advocates working on the frontlines to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse with the understanding that ending sexual violence also means ending racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression. View the resources here: https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/together-we-act-united-we-change
Videos
AMAZE Videos
Personal Safety – Amaze has a variety of videos about personal safety topics. Topics include consent, sextortion, social media, sexting, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and more. Each video also has conversation starters for parents and educators and lesson plans. Watch the videos here: https://amaze.org/myamaze/personal-safety-1519/
Sextortion: Online Coercion and Blackmail – This video explains what sextortion is and some of the red flags of when behaviors might be sextortion. It also describes what to do if a person experiences sextortion and how to get help. Watch the video here:Â https://amaze.org/video/sextortion-online-coercion-and-blackmail/
Sex Trafficking – This video includes a definition of sex trafficking and grooming, as well as examples of how traffickers might lie, manipulate, and threaten victims. Watch the video here: https://amaze.org/video/personal-safety-what-is-sex-trafficking/
Consent for Kids by Blue Seat Studios
Consent is like being the ruler of your own country … population: YOU. This is a smart, playful guide to consent and bodily autonomy for kids, but great messages for all of us! Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/h3nhM9UlJjc
Video: Sex Ed for People with IDD: Consent
This video from the National Council on Independent Living’s (NCIL) video project helps people with IDD learn about consent. Watch the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09m9Hv0Ajto
Articles & Resources
A Prelude to Consent
Believing it is YOUR Life and Knowing When to Say No AND Yes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the conversation about consent with the people you work with.
Read the article here: https://www.elevatustraining.com/prelude-to-consent/
Abuse Awareness and Prevention Guide
In an effort to prevent sexual assault and other forms of abuse for people with disabilities, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) partnered with other organizations to develop the Abuse Awareness and Prevention Guide. The guide is designed to help people with disabilities and others understand and identify sexual assault and other forms of abuse. The guide provides both tools to help people prevent various forms of abuse and resources for survivors of abuse. Also, a video version of the guide is available.
Read the article here: http://www.lifecoursetools.com/lifecourse-library/exploring-the-life-domains/abuse-awareness-and-prevention/
Autism Housing Network
Ten-point guide on responding to suspected abuse of people with developmental disabilities.
View the guide here: https://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/please-share-guide-on-responding-to-suspected-abuse-of-people-with-developmental-disabilities
End Abuse of People with Disabilities
This website is a place to connect with others engaged in this work, to access the latest resources and research from the field, and to advance the thinking around intervention and prevention.
Read the article here: https://www.endabusepwd.org/
Disability Justice & Violence Prevention Resource Hub
Statewide efforts support to prevent violence and enhance independence and wellness among people with disabilities.
View the hub here: https://indisabilityjustice.org/?s=abuse
NPR Series: Abused and Betrayed
This series focuses on a year-long investigation into the hidden epidemic of sexual assault on people with developmental disabilities.
View the series here: https://www.npr.org/series/575502633/abused-and-betrayed
Sexual Right: Safety, Empowering Self-Advocates to Keep Themselves Safe
When knowledge and skills are withheld, people are set up to be unsafe. People with disabilities are not asking for us to protect them; they are asking for knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe. They are saying they have the right to have what they need to protect themselves – education.
Read the article here:Â https://www.elevatustraining.com/sexual-rights-safety-empowering-self-advocates-to-keep-themselves-safe/
Recognizing Survivors of All Ages and Abilities This Domestic Violence Awareness Month from the Administration for Community Living
From the Administration for Community Living.
Talk About Sexual Violence from The Arc
Access videos and accompanying resources to support healthcare professionals in talking to their patients with IDD about sexual violence.
Read the article here: https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/criminal-justice/talk-about-sexual-violence/
The Natalie Project
The Natalie Project (#ustoo) is a family-driven sexual assault prevention advocacy organization whose mission is to raise awareness that the rate of sexual assault amongst people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is at epidemic levels due to a vulnerable system. The Project empowers caregivers with effective planning tools to manage suspected abuse and builds a community of advocates for systemic change.
Training
Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality: Becoming a Sexuality Educator and Trainer
A three-day certificate training for anyone who works with people with developmental disabilities and wants to lead sexuality education classes and staff/parent training.
Learn more here: https://www.elevatustraining.com/developmental-disabilities-and-sexuality-becoming-a-sexuality-educator-and-trainer/
Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality 101
This 6-module online course offers you a proven, nuts-and-bolts approach to discussing sexuality and responding to behaviors. You will come away feeling more skillful, comfortable, and confident when discussing sexuality with the people you serve.
Learn more here: https://www.elevatustraining.com/workshops-and-products/developmental-disabilities-and-sexuality-101/
Curriculum
Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum
This 350-page, one-of-a-kind curriculum has been field-tested and praised by experts and laypeople alike. It is cognitively accessible and designed for teams of self-advocates, staff, and teachers to co-lead an inspiring and engaging sexuality class. There is also a section that focuses on helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn about healthy relationships and when to recognize when things go bad.
Learn more here: https://www.elevatustraining.com/workshops-and-products/sexuality-education-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-curriculum/
Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum Adapted for People with High Support Learning Needs
In an effort to reach all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we have created adaptations to our existing Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum for people who need simplified concepts, more visuals, and more time to process information.
Learn more here: https://www.elevatustraining.com/workshops-and-products/curriculum-hsn/
Building Healthy Relationships at Work for People with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum
This 12-lesson curriculum will help you teach people with Developmental Disabilities how to navigate all types of relationships, including co-worker relationships, and become great employees. Topics include healthy and unhealthy relationships and what to do if you are being harassed or experiencing abuse.
Learn more here: https://www.elevatustraining.com/workshops-and-products/sexuality-education-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-curriculum/