Elevatus Training • Curriculum
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) want, need, and deserve relationship and sexuality education. Just like everyone else. Those who support them know this. But knowing it and delivering it are two different things.
If you are like most professionals, educators, and caregivers who work with people with I/DD, you probably have not received much — if any — training in teaching this topic. You may feel confused, underprepared, uncomfortable, or unsure where to begin.
This curriculum changes that. Developed by Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Educator with 30+ years of experience, with input from people with I/DD and professionals. It gives you 22 well-scripted lessons with the words to say, the activities to run, and the handouts to use, from your very first class. Pair it with the optional slide deck and picture-based communication supports to make every lesson even more engaging.
- Comprehensive
- Medically accurate
- Age appropriate
- Evidence informed
- Trauma informed
- Instructor manual
- 22 scripted lessons
- 60 handouts
- Pre/post test
- Spiral-bound
- Field-tested
Why this curriculum?
Co-created with self-advocates. Tested in real classes.
The result: language your learners understand, and lessons you can lead with confidence, even if you have never taught this topic before.
What does the curriculum cover?
22 lessons — start with the ones that fit your group
Each lesson runs about 90 minutes, with a break. Teach all 22 in order, or start with the topics your setting is ready for and add more as you go.
Skills people practice. Public and private, meeting new people, speaking up, and making decisions, through skits, role plays, and games.
Built for co-teaching. Designed to be taught by a person with a disability and a staff member together. It also works with staff alone. The instructor manual shows you how.
Who created the curriculum?
Written by a national expert, co-created with self-advocates
Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., is an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Educator with more than 30 years of experience and the founder of Elevatus Training.
She wrote this curriculum with Karen Topper and Jessica Lindert and with Green Mountain Self-Advocates, in the spirit of “nothing about us without us.” Self-advocates who co-taught the classes provided valuable input, and the lessons were field-tested in real groups before publication.
Who is the curriculum designed for?
Fully scripted lessons
You get the exact words to say
Every lesson is written in a Say/Do format, so you can teach with confidence even if you have never taught this topic before.
Say
“Let’s all say it together, ‘My body is my own. I decide what is right for me.'”
Say
“Can you tell what kind of relationship these two people have with each other? How can you tell?”
Do
Activity Two: Public and Private (30 minutes)
Download a full sample lesson and handout, or look through the table of contents before you buy.
What people are saying
“It is the best one out there.”
“I would like to share with you about the sexuality curriculum. It is the best one out there. It has pictures and easy-to-understand language. Katherine and Green Mountain Self-Advocates did an awesome job. We have used it where I work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. People really enjoy using it.”
Tia Nelis — Former Co-President of SABE (Self-Advocates Being Empowered)
What is included
Every lesson comes ready to teach
The curriculum and the instructor manual are combined into a single spiral-bound book.
22 scripted lesson plans
Do and Say cues tell you what to do and what to say, including how to model inclusive language. Each lesson lists its goals, materials, and timing.
60 handouts and teaching tools
Picture-based handouts and activities you are free to copy for your class. Digital handouts in English and Spanish are available on request.
Pre/post test
22 questions, given before and after the class, with options like large print and read-aloud. Codes replace names to keep answers private.
Instructor manual
How to set up a class in an agency or a school, work with parents, handle challenges in class, and respond if a person discloses abuse. Includes intake and consent forms.
What people are saying
Trusted by educators and clinicians
“The curriculum is very comprehensive and well done. I like the way I can pick and choose which units to use depending on the needs of my group. The lesson plans are user friendly, with clear language and great visuals for the handouts.”
Linda Sandman
University of Illinois Chicago
“I literally am getting phone calls every single day from folks on Long Island looking for someone to provide this information. Your curriculum is incredible! I am so thrilled that I took your class and I’m able to provide this information in such a concrete and respectful manner.”
Laura H. Pace, MS
All Ability Wellness, LLC
“The training modules and curriculum that Katherine has designed set the standard for sexual education for individuals with ID/DD. They are straight forward, sensitive, humane, and with compassion.”
Dr. Robb Weiss, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Order the curriculum
Start with just the curriculum, or add the slide deck and/or communication supports
Every order includes the spiral-bound, 22-lesson curriculum and instructor manual.
The Curriculum
$299
Curriculum only
One-time purchase. Pay by card, check, or purchase order.
The curriculum includes
Shipping $16 in the US, $35 outside. Arrives in 5 to 10 days.
Add to your order (optional)
+ $175
Curriculum Slide Deck
Ready-made slides to teach every lesson in person or online. (Learn More)
+ $235
Communication Supports: Boards and Cards
Picture boards and cards for people with limited or unreliable speech, a trauma history, or anxiety. (Learn More)
Want everything? Get the Complete Set, $709.
Already own the curriculum? Buy the Slide Deck or Supports on their own. Ordering for a large team? Contact us about a quantity discount.
Ready to get started?
Give people with I/DD the information and skills to lead a more fulfilling life
22 ready-to-teach lessons that help people with I/DD build healthy relationships, stay safe, and speak up for themselves.
Want to learn from Katherine McLaughlin directly?
Join the 3-Day Sexuality Educator Training, or bring Elevatus in to train your staff.
Questions