Developing a Sexuality Policy that Empowers, Supports, and Protects

It is a common occurrence, that a person with a disability has a question you do not know how to answer. Maybe they want to go out on a date or want privacy in their bedroom. You are not sure what to do, or where to turn to make sure the person’s needs are being addressed while at the same time not opening yourself to liability.

Having a sexuality policy is key to helping individuals get the education, support, and backing they need to have healthy sexual relationships, and helps employees feel confident about addressing these situations. Having a sexuality policy means that:

• there is consistency in how people respond to certain situations, 
• time will be saved, 
• people understand their rights and responsibilities related to these policies, 
• people will receive the training needed to carry out these policies, and 
• will feel less anxious because they know they have the agency’s support to address these issues. 

Many agencies lack a policy and need help developing one that empowers, supports, and protects people with disabilities. This two-part online workshop will help you create a draft policy. 

Part one will explain the steps to creating a policy, provide questions to explore, including how to get approval, and provide a template for drafting your policy.

October 27th, 2025 from 3-4:30 pm (Eastern Time)

Our plan for this 90-minute webinar is to: 

• Explore why having a policy is crucial to supporting, empowering, and protecting the sexual rights of the individuals you support. 
• Examine the components of an effective, supportive, and inclusive sexuality policy. 
• Create an action plan for creating a policy for your agency or school. 

Part two will take place six weeks later when you will return with a draft and work with others on giving and getting input for your policy. We will also answer any questions that you have about creating your draft policy, explore challenges, and discuss solutions to your challenges.

December 8th, 2025 from 3-4:30 pm (Eastern Time)

Our plan for this 90-minute webinar is to: 

• Review draft policies and receive input from trainers and other participants.
• Explore challenges and discuss solutions to these challenges. 
• Answer any questions you may have about drafting policy.

This training will take place over two days. Participants should attend both days.

Part 1: October 27th, 2025 from 3-4:30 pm (Eastern Time)

Part 2: December 8th, 2025 from 3-4:30 pm (Eastern Time)

This training WILL sell out quickly; there are only 35 seats. Register today to secure your spot.

Tuition for this training is $60 and includes:

• Two, 90-minute webinar trainings
• PowerPoint of the presentation
• Resources
• Live Q&A
• Email access to the instructors

This is a live, online training session delivered using Zoom, a video conference platform. The presenters and other participants will be available to answer questions and engage in live engagement.

Access Instructions:

After you register, you will get a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the training (please check your spam, whitelist [email protected] and [email protected] if you don't get an email). You must have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a mic on your computer to join. We strongly recommend that each attendee participate from their own computer to ensure the best use of breakout groups.

Registration Policies:

Refunds:

We offer refunds up to 15 days before the training. A $25 service charge will be assessed for processing refunds. All cancellations must be requested in writing (emails are acceptable) and must be received by October 12, 2025. No refunds will be processed after that date. All requests for refunds should state the registrant's name and payment amount. We regret that we cannot offer refunds for "no shows" at the training.

Cancellation By Us:

We reserve the right to cancel any training due to insufficient enrollment at least 30 calendar days in advance of the scheduled course date. Notice will be provided with the option to reschedule for a future course date or to receive a full refund of registration fees.

Registrant Substitution:

Substitutions for a registrant who can no longer attend can be made anytime. Please contact us and let us know who will be using the ticket.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact: Helaine Iris 603-399-5777 [email protected]

Workshop Presenters:

Patricia A. Carney, M.Ed.; ABD has 40+ years of experience in human services, working with people who have developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Starting as a direct support professional, Pat has done direct service throughout her career. Currently, Pat is the Director of the Office of Learning and Development in the Central/West region of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and an educator/consultant. As a trainer and advocate, Pat’s focus areas are sexuality education for individuals served, staff development in the areas of sexuality and developmental disabilities, and human rights of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  For Pat, sexuality and human rights are inseparable parts of a larger discussion acknowledging the humanity and personhood of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Pat has published articles in national disability publications and presented on sexuality and rights regionally, nationally, and internationally. Pat has a M.Ed. in Health Education and is hoping (after retirement!) to FINALLY pursue the dissertation component of her Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Boston, in the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development. 

Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Trainer for Elevatus Training. As a national expert on sexuality and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), she trains professionals and parents, as well as individuals, to become sexual self-advocates and peer sexuality educators. She is the author of the Sexuality Education for People with Developmental Disabilities curriculum. She has developed two online courses: Developmental Disability and Sexuality 101 for professionals and Talking to Your Kids: Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality for parents, and a 3-day certificate training: Becoming a Sexuality Educator and Trainer. She has spent her 30-year career committed to elevating the status of all people, which is why the name of her growing company is Elevatus Training. Contact Katherine at www.elevatustraining.com.

Host or Publisher Elevatus Training