People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the right to sexual health education. We know that knowledge is power and ignorance is NOT bliss — yet people with I/DD are often given the message that this information is not for them. We all have the right to learn and become informed, and when we are not, we may suffer.
This right goes beyond friendship, meeting partners, and understanding what a healthy relationship looks like. It includes access to information about sex, safe and healthy sexual relationships, and reproductive health.
“I have a right to learn about sex, safe and healthy sexual relationships, and reproductive health.”—Illinois Self-Advocate
Why Sexual Health Education Matters for People with I/DD
When people with I/DD lack access to accurate sexuality education, the consequences are real: increased vulnerability to abuse, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and missed opportunities for healthy, fulfilling relationships. Knowledge gives people the information and confidence to make informed choices and advocate for themselves.
Learning Objectives
For self-advocates: To gain knowledge about safe, healthy, and pleasurable sexual relationships.
For professionals and parents: To discuss and share resources on safe, healthy, and pleasurable sexual relationships.
Building Your Sexual Health Knowledge
Review the “What Do I Need to Learn?” checklist (PDF).
Do this on your own or with a support person. Check off what you already know and what you still want to learn. This gives you a clear starting point.
Create a plan for learning what you need.
Use the handout (PDF — contains graphic content) on how to have a safe and pleasurable sexual relationship. Helpful resources include:
Even after watching, reading, or listening, you may still have questions. Ask someone you really trust. For supporters: ask the self-advocate to “teach back” what they’ve learned — it’s one of the best ways to confirm understanding.
What Changes When People Have Sexual Health Information?
When people with I/DD have the information they need — or know where to get it — they can make informed choices about sex, relationships, and reproductive health. Education reduces the negative impacts of information gaps, including unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Your Turn: Reflection and Action
For self-advocates:
You have the right to learn about sex and sexual relationships. Find the format that works best for your learning style — a trusted conversation, a website, a video, or a podcast. We all learn differently, so find what works for you.
For parents and professionals:
Get comfortable talking about sex, sexual relationships, and sexual health. Some discomfort is normal, but the benefits far outweigh a moment of embarrassment. People with I/DD have missed out on too much sexuality education for too long — and they deserve to know about sexual health and safety.
For professionals specifically:
Your role is to share facts and help self-advocates explore their own values — not to share yours. Give people the information and skills they need to make decisions, and then support their choices.
Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Trainer for Elevatus Training. She has been a sexuality educator and trainer for over 30 years. As a national expert on sexuality and intellectual and developmental disabilities, she trains professionals and parents, as well as people with I/DD, to become sexual self-advocates and peer sexuality educators.
