AI, Connection, and Companionship: Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a Changing Digital World

Workshop Description

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life—including the ways people communicate, learn, and find connection. For some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), AI can provide conversation, companionship, a place to practice social skills, and an opportunity to explore relationships in a low-pressure environment.

At the same time, AI companionship raises important questions. Can an AI really help with loneliness? What happens when someone begins to think of AI as a friend or romantic partner? How do we help people recognize misinformation, protect their privacy, avoid unhealthy dependence, and make sure AI doesn't become an echo chamber that reinforces their beliefs?

This interactive 90-minute online workshop will explore both the potential benefits and the potential risks of AI companionship for people with I/DD. Rather than taking an “AI is good” or “AI is bad” approach, we will look at what is actually happening, why AI may be especially appealing to someone experiencing loneliness, and how supporters can help people use AI safely and thoughtfully.

Participants will explore practical ways to use AI as a bridge to human connection rather than a replacement for it, including using AI to practice conversations, explore interests, prepare for social situations, and think through relationship challenges. We will also discuss privacy, misinformation, emotional dependence, romantic AI relationships, and ways to recognize when AI use may be becoming problematic.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe why AI companionship may be particularly appealing to people with I/DD who experience loneliness, social isolation, or difficulty developing relationships.

2. Identify potential benefits of AI for conversation, companionship, social practice, emotional expression, and preparing for real-life social interactions.

3. Recognize potential concerns related to AI use, including misinformation, privacy, unhelpful advice, emotional dependence, romantic attachment, and reinforcement of an “echo chamber.”

4. Develop ways to talk about AI use without shaming, restricting, or dismissing the person's desire for friendship, intimacy, and companionship.

5. Identify ways AI can be used as a bridge toward greater human connection, including practicing conversations, exploring interests, preparing for social situations, and developing relationship skills.

Workshop Date and Time

Wednesday, January 20, 2027

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Eastern Time (please note your time zone)

This is a 90-minute online event for professionals, administrators, self-advocates, parents, etc. We use Zoom to deliver the workshop. There will be an opportunity for questions and live engagement with the presenter

Access Instructions

After you register, you will get a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the workshop. You must have a stable internet connection to join, or you can call in via phone. Please check your spam folder if you do not get an email confirmation from us after you register.

Accommodation Requests

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants. If you require accommodations to fully participate in this training, please notify us at the time of registration by contacting us via email at helaine@elevatustraining.com or by calling 603-399-5777. Please note that accommodations requested within two weeks of the training start date cannot be guaranteed.