Among Friends

Sexual health rights are human rights. At Among Friends, our trainings are rights-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered—helping individuals, families, and professionals support healthy relationships, self-determination, and improved quality of life. Support should empower people to thrive. 💛 Let us support you. Visit among-friends.org/tier-1 for more information.

At Among Friends, we support the whole person. From consultation and assessments, to advocacy, trainings, and tools, our work helps people with complex needs build safer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Because sexuality, relationships, dignity, and self-determination matter. 💛 Visit among-friends.org/tier-1 to register for our up coming training!

Ready to grow your skills and deepen your impact? The Among Friends Certification Program offers innovative and interactive training, advocacy tools, mentorship, and community for professionals and caregivers supporting people with complex needs. Learn. Connect. Advocate. 💛 Next training available this Fall! Register now!

Visit among-friends.org/tier-1 to join the movement.

Everyone deserves support that honors dignity, autonomy, and healthy relationships. Our Sexual Self-Determination Certification Program helps professionals and caregivers build the skills to support social-sexual health in proactive, person-centered, and trauma-informed ways. Because informed support changes lives. 💛 Visit among-friends.org/tier-1 to register for our next Tier 1 in November.

Supporting sexuality and relationships for people with ID/DD takes more than good intentions, it takes education, tools, and confidence. The Among Friends Sexual Self-Determination Certification Program equips professionals, parents and caregivers with practical, person-centered strategies to support healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and self-determination. Register now for our last Tier 1 training of 2026! among-friends.org/tier-1
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Stories have the power to build understanding.

Movies, television, and other forms of media allow us to experience the world through someone else's perspective. Yet people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are still too often portrayed as side characters—or their stories are told through the lens of someone without lived experience.

That's why authentic representation matters. When people with ID/DD have the opportunity to tell their own stories, audiences gain a deeper understanding of disability, identity, relationships, and everyday life.

We've put together a small list of recently released films that feature authentic disability representation and/or center the experiences of people with ID/DD. We'd love to keep the conversation going!

What movies, shows, or documentaries featuring genuine ID/DD representation have you enjoyed recently? Share your recommendations in the comments! 🎬💟

If you haven't heard it from us before, we'll say it again:
Sexuality is a human right.

Every person—regardless of disability, support needs, or body—deserves the opportunity to explore their sexuality in ways that are safe, consensual, affirming, and accessible.

Adaptive products, inclusive design, and the advocates pushing for change are helping break down barriers that have existed for far too long. They remind us that accessibility doesn't stop at ramps and doorways—it also includes relationships, intimacy, pleasure, and the freedom to make choices about our own bodies.

There is still work to do, but every conversation, every innovation, and every advocate moves us closer to a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience this fundamental part of being human.

Keep speaking up. Keep advocating. The changes are coming. 💟

Communication is the foundation of healthy relationships.
For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, communication happens through AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), sign language, communication boards, picture cards, and other tools; not just speech.

Every person deserves the opportunity to express their wants, needs, boundaries, feelings, and consent in the way that works best for them. When we support all forms of communication, we support healthy relationships, self-advocacy, autonomy, and sexual health.

Every voice deserves to be heard, no matter how it's expressed. 💟

Education is a key part of self-advocacy. At Among Friends, we support individuals as they explore and express their identities, relationships, gender, and sexuality in ways that are meaningful to them.

Our approach balances an understanding of cognitive and neuro diversity with person-centered support, recognizing that every individual's journey is unique.
Because feeling accepted, respected, and a true sense of belonging can make all the difference. 💛

It was at this moment where I felt slight regret that I actively taught my kids body autonomy and proper body part names. Anyone else?