Supporting Break-Ups, Rejection, and Heartbreak

A 90-minute training for professionals working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Description:

Romantic relationships are a meaningful part of life, and so are the painful experiences that sometimes come with them. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience break-ups, rejection, and heartbreak just as deeply as anyone else, yet they are often denied the emotional support, language, and space to process these losses. Professionals may feel unsure how to respond, tempted to minimize the experience, or focused solely on behavior rather than the underlying grief.

This interactive workshop equips professionals with the knowledge, language, and practical tools needed to support people with I/DD through relationship loss in respectful, affirming, and emotionally healthy ways.

Participants will learn how to:

• Understand break-ups and rejection as legitimate losses that deserve support—not avoidance or punishment.
• Recognize how grief and heartbreak may be expressed differently by people with I/DD.
• Respond to intense emotions without minimizing, rushing “closure,” or discouraging future relationships.
• Set appropriate boundaries while still honoring feelings, autonomy, and dignity.
• Support healing, resilience, and readiness for future relationships.

This is a 90-minute online workshop ideal for sexuality educators, direct support professionals, educators, clinicians, case managers, residential staff, and anyone supporting people with I/DD in navigating relationships.

Workshop Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM Eastern Time (please note your time zone)

Access Instructions: 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.