Online Relationships: Finding Friends and Partners Safely

Description:

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities want to be in relationships, but often struggle with just how to meet people. One way to meet others is through dating apps and other platforms. This workshop is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to use the internet to meet people, but stay safe online.

Join us to talk about the different types of dating apps and other platforms, ways to protect yourself from online scams, and form positive, healthy online relationships

Learning Objectives:

• Explore ways to meet others online.
• Examine tips for staying safe online.
• Explore what a healthy online relationship is.

This FREE online workshop is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Workshop Date:

Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm Eastern Time (please note your time zone)

Access Instructions:

We use Zoom, a video conference platform, to deliver the workshop. There will be the opportunity for questions and live engagement with the presenters.

After you register, you will get a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the workshop. If you do not get the email, check your spam. You must have a stable internet connection to join, or you can call in via phone.

Accommodation Requests:
We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this training, please notify us at the time of registration by contacting us via email at helaine@elevatustraining.com or by calling 603-399-5777. Please note that accommodations requested within two weeks of the training start date cannot be guaranteed.

Workshop Presenters:

Tina Fitzgerald is a self-advocate from Syracuse, New York. Tina holds degrees in Special Education and Social Work. Tina is participating in the LEND program at Westchester Institute for Human Development. Tina works with Elevatus Training and the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS).

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 (I/DD), 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.