Relationship Classes for People with I/DD

September 03, 2019

Foothills Gateway has offered relationship classes since 2011, with a focus on developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Our goal is to educate families and people in services to learn about their bodies, emotions, sexual health, and their individual rights around sexuality.

Classes are available to individuals in two age groups: 10 to 18 years old, and 18 years old and older.

The Healthy Relationship Class focuses on basic information around the components of developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Individuals will learn to identify and differentiate types of relationships, as well as boundaries within those relationships (i.e., helper versus friend), and identify social skills and behaviors that accompany each type of relationship. The class develops and practices issues related to self-esteem. More specifically, how healthy relationships with ourselves help in having healthy relationships with others.

The second in the series is the Healthy Sexuality Class, which complements the Healthy Relationships class by reinforcing the idea of having healthy boundaries and knowing when private information should be kept private.

Many people with disabilities get negative (or NO) messages about sexuality.

This course is based on positive messages for people with developmental disabilities including:

• Sexual feelings and needs are healthy and normal;
• It’s okay to have questions and be curious;
• It is your right to have a sexual relationship;
• It’s okay to ask for what you need;
• Sexuality and sexual expression can be a pleasurable part of life, and;
• Getting accurate information on sexual health, sexual orientation, reproduction, and sexual limit setting is everyone’s right.

Over the past eight years, more classes have been developed based on needs of participating individuals. These classes include, couples class, safe internet usage, and adolescent classes.

The next class sessions are taking place Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 2019 – Nov. 13, 2019.

View the Adolescent Class Flier | View the Adult Class Flier 

If you would like to learn more about classes offered, or sign up someone in services through Foothills Gateway, please contact the individual’s Case Manager.