My Circle of People - A Guide to Teaching Safe People

In the U.S., children with disabilities are about three times more likely to be abused or neglected than typically developing children. That’s why I created My Circle of People — a 14-page, editable social-script & visual book that teaches: 1. Who’s in your circle — “Me,” Family, Friends & Relatives, People you see regularly, and People in the community. 2. What “Tricky People” means — framed in simple language, with visuals showing someone asking you to break safety rules or keep secrets. 3. How to ask for help safely — whether at home or school, using words, pictures, or an AAC device. And here’s why every piece matters: Teaching adolescents who their safe people are helps them recognize who to go to in tricky or confusing situations. Sharing personal information like their own name or phone number (with guidance) empowers them to advocate for themselves. Understanding tricky people helps reduce ambiguity — and gives adolescents actual words and actions to stay safe. Practicing how to ask for help ahead of time builds confidence — especially when using AAC or visuals. This isn’t just a guide — it’s a practice tool. You can laminate cards, role-play, or use it during morning routines, community outings, or therapy sessions. Teaching “My Circle of People” is about safety, empowerment, and independence. Without this knowledge, adolescents with disabilities may face increased risks and confusion about who to trust in everyday life. After purchasing, you will receive a link to the Canva workspace where you can edit the template to your specific student or client. You can then print, laminate, and create a booklet for whomever will be using it. This tool also includes instructions and ideas for teaching as well as sample teaching outlines and scripts. Not only will this help individuals learn who their safe people are, it also teaches what to do when they want to leave a situation or feel confused.