Love IRL (In Real Life): Dating in the Physical World for Individuals with a Developmental Disability

Join Dr. Alan Martino in this virtual workshop which offers caregivers and service providers practical, empowering tools to support individuals with a developmental disability in navigating dating, relationships, consent, and sexuality. The workshop will include interactive scenarios, real-world examples, and concrete strategies for supporting individuals with a developmental disability in pursuing safe and meaningful connections.

By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a deeper understanding that:

1. Sexuality is a Human Right for Individuals with a Developmental Disability: The workshop highlights how historical stigma, infantilization, and lack of education contribute to harm, and offers tools to counter these patterns.
2. Consent, Boundaries, and Communication Can Be Taught Accessibly: Participants will gain practical strategies for teaching and modeling concepts such as consent, comfortable and uncomfortable touch, personal space, and public versus private behaviors.
3. Safe and Positive Dating Support is Possible: The workshop provides guidance on how to help individuals with a developmental disability explore dating safely, including how to identify red and green flags, where to meet potential partners, how to stay safe during in-person dates, and how to encourage self- confidence and relationship skills.

Dr. Alan Martino (he/him) is an Associate Professor in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Calgary. His research focuses on disability, gender, and sexuality. Dr. Martino works extensively with community partners, disabled co-researchers, and families to co-create accessible, inclusive, and sex-positive educational resources. His work has been published widely, and he regularly facilitates workshops that center dignity, autonomy, and pleasure for disabled people.