Meaningful sex education programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities

Author's summary

[Authors' abstract]

Individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) may not have had the experiences to develop social skills for long term relationships. While society has denied the sexuality of these individuals, the individuals have identified their desire for intimate relationships. The purpose of this study was a qualitative inquiry to identify what individuals with ID/DD expect from a sex education program. A small sample size of three participants identified three themes. Data emerged for the future focus of sex education programs to include: friendship, relationships, and safe sex behaviors. The study also revealed methods of education to be used for the program setting. While the generalizability of the study is limited, due to the small number of participants, data from this study can be used for future inquires aimed at the identification of meaningful sex education programs for individuals with ID/DD.

Resource Center comment

The document is an article extracted from a US research on the expectations on sexual education programs of people having intellectual impairments. Three persons with an intellectual impairment were interviewed. Their expectations focus on three main issues. One of the interviewee suggests, in the context of a sexual education program, to dedicate a video session on how a marital/sexual relationship is build, and the correct way to put on a condom. Another suggestion was to create mixed classes during the programs in order to benefit from different opinions given the gender. Finally, a suggestion was to include in the process of creation of the program the caregivers, in order to make the program tailored for the audience. The document could be useful for professionals working in the field of disabilities and for stakeholders in the field. 

[Commentaire en français]

Le document est un article issu d’une recherche américaine sur les attentes de personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle au niveau des programmes d’éducation sexuelle. Trois personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle furent interviewées. Leurs attentes tournent autour de trois éléments. Un des enquêtés suggère, dans l’optique d’un programme d’éducation sexuelle, de consacrer une séance vidéo qui aborderait les façons dont on construit une relation conjugale/sexuelle, ainsi que la façon de mettre correctement un préservatif. Une autre suggestion fut de créer des classes mixtes lors des programmes afin de bénéficier d’avis différents en fonction du genre. Enfin, une suggestion fut d’inclure dans le processus de création du programme les aidants afin que le programme soit adapté au public. Le document pourra être utile aux professionnels travaillant dans le domaine du handicap et aux acteurs de terrain.