People with I/DD want to have healthy relationships with others – including romantic relationships. Yet, this population faces a variety of barriers that keep them from experiencing social and emotional relationships. As a result, many are lonely and lack opportunities to meet people and make friends to satisfy their need for intimacy. Policy changes are needed to address these barriers to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop healthy relationships with others.

North Carolina Relationships Initiative (NCRI):
Engage self-advocates in educating state policymakers and making recommendations to reduce loneliness and promote healthy friendships and relationships among people with developmental disabilities.

• "A Credo for Meaningful Relationships," written by self-advocates (pdf)
• NCRI Social and Emotional Relationships Position Statement - Self Advocates
• NCRI Social and Emotional Relationships Position Statement - Providers