Just about everyone concurs that being in a healthy and satisfying relationship is one of the most valued and important aspects of life, yet this is often times not discussed with people with developmental disabilities. It is generally recognized that the topic of sexuality makes most people uncomfortable, however individuals with disabilities need accurate information.
It is important to affirm that sexuality is natural and healthy for people with disabilities, and to provide support and accurate information so that individuals can make responsible interpersonal and sexual choices. People with disabilities need to be supported to better understand their sexuality and to incorporate this dimension of themselves into their lives as a whole.
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Relationships, Love, & Sexuality
Resources
Diverse City Press
This website has a wide selection of books, videos, and manuals that suggest new ways of dealing with the social aspects of daily, or intimate, interaction with people with developmental disabilities.
The Arc of the United States
The Arc is a national organization on mental retardation with state and local chapters throughout the United States. Several sexuality-related publications are available from The Arc including The Sexuality Policy and Procedure Manual
Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD)
The Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD) is a research center that focuses on issues related to health, aging, civil rights, abuse, and independent living.
DateAble
DateAble is a unique non-profit social organization for people with and without disabilities who seek new friends and relationships.
PACER Center
Phone: (612) 827-2966 (Voice/TTY)
This Minnesota-based parent-to-parent organization has published numerous items of interest to families of children with disabilities. One of the most recent, I'm a Beautiful Person: A Video for Parents and Youth with Disabilities, includes teens and young adults with disabilities discussing sexuality.
Personal Space Curriculum
The Arc of Maryland, in partnership with The Arc of Southern Maryland and The Arc of the United States, developed an 8-12 class gender violence prevention curriculum for women and adolescent girls with developmental disabilities. The goal of the curriculum/program is to decrease the risk of violent occurrences experienced by participants following the program. The curriculum can be downloaded from this site.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality Curriculum
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)
This organization has materials including journals, over 5000 titles, 100 newsletters, 500 curriculum examples, and an extensive file of miscellaneous brochures, papers, etc. All materials deal with sexuality issues and are categorized by age groups and/or specific topic areas such as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Some items are specifically geared towards people with cognitive disabilities.
Sexuality Education for Youth with Disability or Chronic Illness
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