These webinars are part of a series that addresses self-advocate questions about relationships and sexuality. This series is a great learning opportunity for self-advocates, professionals, and paraprofessionals working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to better understand sexual health needs better. Read more about: Sex Talk for Self-Advocates Webinar Series
One way to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) lead sexually healthy lives is to provide sexuality education classes. Here at Elevatus, we believe the most effective way of doing this is by including self-advocates in the teaching team. Read more about: Consider This: Self Advocates as Sexuality Educators?
Being accepted for who you are and being in relationships has many benefits. Yet, people with developmental disabilities face barriers in achieving acceptance and building friendships and romantic sexual relationships that they desire because of restrictions, lack of control, and shameful, negative messages. The article, Restrictions, Power, Companionship, and Intimacy: A Metasynthesis of People with Intellectual Disability Speaking About Sex and Relationships, by Rhonda S. Black and Rebecca R. Kammes, explores the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Combining the results of 16 qualitative studies, 271 participants with intellectual disability were interviewed individually or in focus groups about their feelings and experiences regarding intimate relationships. From these studies, two competing themes emerged: control and desire. People with I/DD have desires, and family, caretakers, and organizations tend to want control of those desires either because they don’t believe these desires exist or they want to protect individuals. These competing themes are what put people with I/DD at risk. Read more about: Listening to Self-Advocates Voices
Members of Green Mountain Self-Advocates in Vermont held a discussion group about sexuality to share their thoughts and experiences. Here are their candid responses to a number of questions about the messages they received about sexuality over the years and why they think sexuality education is important.
This is a record of the conversation as it occurred. In some places, they respond to one another, as well as to the questions. Their real names have not been used at their request. Read more about: Self-Advocates Speak Up About Sex
This practical one-page guide helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) learn healthy ways to communicate during difficult or emotional moments. Read more about: Free Handout: Do’s and Don’ts for Communicating When You’re Upset
This clear and practical one-page guide outlines the key qualities that make an effective sexuality educator when working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Read more about: Free Handout: What Makes a Good Sex Educator?
This handout is an empowering, plain-language booklet created by and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to define what sexual self-advocacy means in their own words. Read more about: Free Handout: In My Voice – Sexual Self Advocacy
With simple explanations and real-life examples (including places in the home), this guide supports better decision-making around personal boundaries, safety, and social expectations. Read more about: Free Handout: Public vs. Private Handout
This helpful one-page guide walks people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through the important steps of moving from friendship to a romantic relationship or sweetheart. Read more about: Free Handout: Moving from Friend to Partner to Sweetheart
