Among Friends

Among Friends offers Social-Sexual Support Services, specializing in healthy sexual development and healthy relationships.

Services include individual and couples coaching, behavior support, and educational trainings. LEARN HOW TO:
*Build Healthy Relationships
*Release Resentments and Trauma
*Communicate Constructively
*Develop Strong Boundaries
*Nurture a Positive Body Image
*Reprogram Limiting Beliefs

Shanya’s goodnaturedness and down to earth approach, helps to put all at ease so a plan of action can be established and realistic goals can be reached.

09/02/2026

Ready to grow your skills and deepen your impact? The Among Friends Certification Program offers innovative and interactive training, advocacy tools, mentorship, and community for professionals and caregivers supporting people with complex needs. Learn. Connect. Advocate. 💛 Next training available this Fall! Register now!

Visit among-friends.org/tier-1 to join the movement.

08/25/2026

Everyone deserves support that honors dignity, autonomy, and healthy relationships. Our Sexual Self-Determination Certification Program helps professionals and caregivers build the skills to support social-sexual health in proactive, person-centered, and trauma-informed ways. Because informed support changes lives. 💛 Visit among-friends.org/tier-1 to register for our next Tier 1 in November.

08/17/2026

Supporting sexuality and relationships for people with ID/DD takes more than good intentions, it takes education, tools, and confidence. The Among Friends Sexual Self-Determination Certification Program equips professionals, parents and caregivers with practical, person-centered strategies to support healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and self-determination. Register now for our last Tier 1 training of 2026! among-friends.org/tier-1
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08/11/2026

Stories have the power to build understanding.

Movies, television, and other forms of media allow us to experience the world through someone else's perspective. Yet people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are still too often portrayed as side characters—or their stories are told through the lens of someone without lived experience.

That's why authentic representation matters. When people with ID/DD have the opportunity to tell their own stories, audiences gain a deeper understanding of disability, identity, relationships, and everyday life.

We've put together a small list of recently released films that feature authentic disability representation and/or center the experiences of people with ID/DD. We'd love to keep the conversation going!

What movies, shows, or documentaries featuring genuine ID/DD representation have you enjoyed recently? Share your recommendations in the comments! 🎬💟

08/07/2026

If you haven't heard it from us before, we'll say it again:
Sexuality is a human right.

Every person—regardless of disability, support needs, or body—deserves the opportunity to explore their sexuality in ways that are safe, consensual, affirming, and accessible.

Adaptive products, inclusive design, and the advocates pushing for change are helping break down barriers that have existed for far too long. They remind us that accessibility doesn't stop at ramps and doorways—it also includes relationships, intimacy, pleasure, and the freedom to make choices about our own bodies.

There is still work to do, but every conversation, every innovation, and every advocate moves us closer to a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience this fundamental part of being human.

Keep speaking up. Keep advocating. The changes are coming. 💟

08/05/2026

Communication is the foundation of healthy relationships.
For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, communication happens through AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), sign language, communication boards, picture cards, and other tools; not just speech.

Every person deserves the opportunity to express their wants, needs, boundaries, feelings, and consent in the way that works best for them. When we support all forms of communication, we support healthy relationships, self-advocacy, autonomy, and sexual health.

Every voice deserves to be heard, no matter how it's expressed. 💟

07/31/2026

Education is a key part of self-advocacy. At Among Friends, we support individuals as they explore and express their identities, relationships, gender, and sexuality in ways that are meaningful to them.

Our approach balances an understanding of cognitive and neuro diversity with person-centered support, recognizing that every individual's journey is unique.
Because feeling accepted, respected, and a true sense of belonging can make all the difference. 💛

07/29/2026

It was at this moment where I felt slight regret that I actively taught my kids body autonomy and proper body part names. Anyone else?

07/27/2026

Thirty-six years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law, expanding civil rights protections and improving access for millions of people with disabilities across the United States.

Since then, the ADA has continued to evolve through updated guidance and standards that have strengthened accessibility in public spaces, increased expectations for digital accessibility, and reinforced the right to equal access in everyday life.

For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), these protections have helped shape conversations around accessible communication, inclusive education, community participation, the transition to adulthood, health care access, employment, and self-advocacy. While barriers still exist, the ADA has laid the foundation for meaningful progress.

At Among Friends, we know there's always more work to do. But having laws that protect the rights, dignity, and inclusion of the people we serve is something worth celebrating!

07/21/2026

Fragile X syndrome is the most common known inherited cause of intellectual disability. While the effects of the genetic mutation vary from person to person, one thing remains the same:
Human rights include sexual rights.
Every person deserves the opportunity to express themselves, build healthy relationships, develop lifelong skills, and experience meaningful human connection. At Among Friends, we advocate for, and help protect, these rights for everyone. 💛

Address

Portland, OR

Telephone

503-332-8783

Website

http://among-friends.org/

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