Healthy Relationships

Join DSNetwork, Pathway to Work, and Mad Hatter Wellness for a full day workshop retreat to learn about Healthy Relationships & more. 

When? Sat, February 1 10am to 4pm In-Person at Pathway to Work & DSNetwork Family Enrichment Center in Tempe near McClintock & Guadalupe. There will be a series of online classes to follow the in depth all day workshop (see details below). 

Who? This all day in person retreat is for adults 18 and up with Down syndrome or an I/DD. Please note there will be a Parent/Caregiver virtual meetup will occur on Feb 10th (see details below).

Why? People with disabilities desire meaningful friendships and relationships just like everyone else. However, many lack access to the education and resources needed to build safe and healthy connections. Workshops like ours are crucial because individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face significantly higher risks of exploitation without the right support and knowledge.

What? In this full day in-person retreat, participants will learn about healthy relationships, safe and appropriate boundaries, consent, romantic relationships, and personal safety (including body rights – being in charge of your own body, how to say no, how to get away, how to tell someone). We will also cover content within all of the topics on social media and online safety. Throughout the day, we will explore different ways to move through feelings and emotions such as mindfulness, art, and movement activities. We will also participate in community building activities as a way to build safety and trust within the group.

Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration required.

How much? NO COST. We would love for support to cover fees. Suggested donation, $5-$35.

Retreat Registration 

About the Facilitator

Katie Thune, MA Ed is an educator, author, and advocate for people with disabilities. She was a Special Education and Health teacher in Minnesota for 12 years and has extensive experience in curriculum writing and training on relationships and sexuality education for people with disabilities and their support systems. Katie is the president and founder of Mad Hatter Wellness whose mission is to create comprehensive sexual health education programming that educates, trains and empowers people with intellectual disabilities and their support systems. For more information visit: madhatterwellness.com

About Pathway to Work

DSNetwork is thrilled to collaborate with our community partner Pathway to Work on this important initiative. Pathway to Work is an Arizona nonprofit organization that prepares adults with disabilities for sustainable, integrated work opportunities through the provision of individualized support, training, and resources. The Arizona Pathway to Work Program Model is designed to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities for community inclusion through structured, goal-based programming. Learn more: azpathwaytowork.org

Parent/Caregiver Education

One hour virtual follow up, 6:30-7:30pm, Monday, Feb 10

After the in-person Healthy Relationships and Safety Retreat, we’ll hold a parent meeting to recap everything we discussed and share ways to support your loved one.

Adult Virtual Class Series (ages 18+)

4 one-hour classes held online Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm

Feb 25, Mar 11, Mar 25 & Apr 8

This virtual series would be follow up for those that attended the retreat. Each class will include mindfulness activities, community building and instruction on the topics that we covered in the retreat.

Week 1: Healthy Relationships

Week 2: Boundaries & Consent

Week 3: Personal Safety (Body Rights, How to Say No, Get Away, Tell Someone)

Week 4: Romantic Relationships