Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we have two new resources! Our staff has created a YouTube playlist about boundaries on the Self-Advocate Network channel. It includes great videos from many different people. They all talk about setting and keeping strong boundaries. This is one of the most challenging parts of having healthy relationships.

Strong boundaries make sure people feel safe with others in their lives. Boundaries help us stay mentally and physically well. But they can be confusing. Here are some examples.

• You might have different boundaries based on how you know people. You might be OK hugging some of your friends, but not others. You might be OK hugging your teammates, but not your coach.
• Your boundaries can change based on how you are feeling, too. You might normally be OK with your aunt or uncle hugging you. But when you’re feeling sad or upset, you may not want them to hug you.

Check out the videos in our playlist to learn more about boundaries.

We also have a new toolkit on setting and keeping boundaries. It uses videos from our YouTube series, Seen and Heard: IDD Community. The toolkit has a visual vocabulary list. It includes discussion questions, role-plays, and more. There is one version just for self-advocates and families. There is another version for teachers and service providers. Download the Safe Boundaries Toolkit for free from our Resources page.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Self-Advocate Network!