Integrated Resources Institute and WISE Partner to Advance LGBTQ+ Inclusion Through PRIDES Learning Series

Collaborative initiative expands access to inclusive education, resources, and conversations of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Integrated Resources Institute (IRI), a California nonprofit dedicated to advancing inclusion, independence, and meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is proud to announce PRIDES, a learning series developed in partnership with WISE to elevate conversations around the intersection of disability, identity, sexuality, relationships, and belonging.

Through this collaboration, IRI and WISE are working to expand access to inclusive, accessible education and resources that recognize and support the diverse identities and experiences of people with I/DD.

The PRIDES series is designed for people with I/DD, their families, caregivers, service providers, educators, and community members, creating opportunities for meaningful learning, dialogue, and connection.

Through a 19-part webinar and podcast series, PRIDES brings together lived experience, professional expertise, and practical resources to address topics that are often overlooked in traditional disability services and education.

Topics explored throughout the series include identity and self-expression, healthy relationships, sexuality, self-advocacy, safety, inclusion, and building communities where people of all identities and abilities feel respected, valued, and supported.

A Collaborative Approach to Inclusion

The partnership between IRI and WISE reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, awareness, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By collaborating on PRIDES, the organizations aim to broaden access to important conversations and educational resources while creating opportunities for greater understanding among individuals, families, professionals, and the communities that support them.

The initiative recognizes that meaningful inclusion extends beyond access to services. It also means respecting individual identities, supporting personal choice, and ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities to build relationships, express themselves, and participate fully in their communities.

Together, IRI and WISE are helping bring greater visibility to topics that have historically received limited attention within disability services.

Centering Lived Experience

At the heart of PRIDES is the belief that people with disabilities should be active participants in conversations and decisions that affect their lives.

The series creates space for individuals with lived experience, advocates, educators, professionals, and community leaders to share perspectives that strengthen understanding and help create more inclusive systems of support.

By centering on the voices and experiences of people with I/DD, PRIDES encourages conversations grounded in dignity, autonomy, respect, and self-determination.

The initiative also reinforces the importance of recognizing the full identities of people with disabilities, including their experiences related to gender, sexuality, relationships, and community belonging.

Continuing the Conversation in 2027

IRI and WISE look forward to continuing the PRIDES learning series throughout 2027, expanding opportunities for education, dialogue, and community engagement.

As part of this ongoing effort, IRI is inviting presenters, advocates, professionals, community partners, and individuals with lived experience to contribute to future PRIDES programming.

Those interested in participating or learning more about the series can visit IRI’s PRIDES webpage for additional information.

—

ABOUT INTEGRATED RESOURCES INSTITUTE (IRI)
Integrated Resources Institute (IRI) is a California-based nonprofit organization committed to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving greater independence, inclusion, and opportunity.

Through employment services, community programs, education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, IRI works to build communities where people of all abilities are recognized for their strengths, talents, and contributions.

For more information about IRI and the PRIDES series, visit the IRI website.

About WISE
Wise is a nationally recognized organization with over 30 years of experience supporting employment providers and systems to improve services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their team includes professionals with deep expertise in training design, accessibility, and equity-focused service delivery—many of whom are members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and bring valuable lived experience to this work. Together, we aim to create a sustainable, inclusive training initiative that amplifies the voices of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals with IDD and equips providers with the tools and strategies to offer equitable support.

To learn more about the work Wise has done in this space, visit Gowise.org

Mary Kosearas
Integrated Resources Institute

Media gallery