Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality 101:
Live, One Day In-Service Training for Staff

For a description of this workshop, download the PDF here.

People with developmental disabilities are often left out of the conversation about sexuality, almost as if they are incapable of having thoughts, feelings, and needs. In reality, they, too, are sexual beings who need information and skills for making healthy decisions about sexuality. As someone who works with people with developmental disabilities, you may be the most likely person to discuss sexuality with them, or someone with a developmental disability may approach you with questions about sexuality. This workshop will help you become more comfortable talking about this sensitive topic by discussing what needs to be taught when and how to help people with developmental disabilities have safe and satisfying relationships.

Participants will:

  • Gain knowledge about sexuality and specific issues for people with developmental disabilities.
  • Explore our own values and attitudes regarding sexuality and people with developmental disabilities.
  • Explore ways to communicate one-on-one about sexuality with people with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians.

Agenda-Day One

  • 8:30-4:00
  • Introduction/warm-up
  • What is Sexuality?
  • Messages about Sexuality
  • Sexual Development and Disability
  • Values and Attitudes
  • Working one-on-one
  • Answering questions and Responding to Behaviors
  • Working with Parents/Guardians
  • Wrap-up and Evaluation

This in-service training is for:

Staff who are interested in learning about sexuality and supporting people with developmental disabilities to lead sexually healthy lives

Katherine McLaughlin teaching a group of people about sexuality education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For inquiries about scheduling an in-service training, please contact us via our Contact form here.

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