The Need for Sexual Health Education for Youth With Moderate/Severe Disabilities: Voices of Families

• In Event: Reimagining Education: Centering Family Perspectives and Experiences

Abstract

Sexual health education is critical to address when investigating inequalities faced by youth with disabilities and is one of the most overlooked areas of life for youth with moderate/severe disabilities. This research uses qualitative methods to highlight the unique voices of families and caretakers of youth with moderate/severe disabilities. The results identify 3 key themes: (1) families receiving little to no communication from the school regarding sexual health interventions, (2) a reluctance from school members to provide sexual health interventions and, (3) medication as a solution for any sexuality concerns. Addressing how families and caretakers of youth with moderate/severe disabilities perceive and experience sexual health for their child can provide insight on how such education can be improved.

Authors

• Emily Baker, The George Washington University

• Elisabeth K. Rice, The George Washington University