Among Friends

Protections for disability rights matter!
Right now, lawsuits surrounding Section 504 and gender dysphoria are raising concerns across the disability community because of how many people rely on these protections to access education, healthcare, accommodations, and community support.
For individuals with ID/DD, disability rights are not theoretical; they directly impact autonomy, safety, inclusion, and quality of life.
Regardless of where conversations around gender identity land politically, weakening disability protections has the potential to negatively affect millions of disabled people who depend on them every day.
At Among Friends, we believe every person deserves dignity, access, support, and the freedom to exist safely as themselves.
Protecting disability rights protects people. 💛

Happy Pride Month! At Among Friends we believe strongly that Pride is about authenticity, inclusion, and celebrating people exactly as they are. 🏳️‍🌈💛

People with ID/DD have the same desires for connection, intimacy, and belonging as anyone else. Yet stigma, limited education, and restrictive systems often stand in the way.
Research continues to show that when individuals with ID/DD are provided with accessible education, supportive environments, and opportunities for autonomy, they are better equipped to make informed choices and build healthy relationships.
Sexuality is not an optional part of person-centered support, it’s an essential one.

Awkward moments? We see them all the time, and honestly, we love it! That “cringe” is often where the best learning happens. We’re here to support growth, confidence, and a little laughter along the way.

Mental health matters… period. And caregiving for someone with ID/DD comes with layers that only those living it truly understand.
So let’s be real… how is your role as a caregiver affecting your emotional well-being?

We envision a world where individuals with ID/DD have the freedom to choose how they express their sexuality.
Help us create that future: one individual, one organization, one provider, one family at a time.
Visit our website to explore our training opportunities, and consider becoming a trainer yourself. We’d love to partner with you in building a more accepting, informed, and empowered community. https://www.among-friends.org/tier-1

May is International Ma********on Month, and yes, that matters.
The lack of accurate information around self-pleasure is real, and education is key to changing the outcomes for anyone needing long term or complex care.
At Among Friends, we offer person-centered support that empowers individuals to explore their sexuality safely, confidently, and without shame. Everyone deserves that. What resources or tools have you found?
********on

Information = power.
When we know what affects us, we can respond with intention instead of reacting in the moment. Utilize this awesome self evaluation strategy to begin taking back some control for yourself or your loved one!

We love to eat, we love to laugh, and most of all… we believe everyone deserves to have a little spice in their lives if that’s what they want!