Teaching Sex Education to Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: Understanding Instructional Practices

• In Event: Special and Inclusive Education Research SIG: Spotlight on Special and Inclusive Education 2

Abstract

Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have limited access to sex education programs; however, there is a small but growing body of educators who specialize in this instruction. Little is known about their instructional practices such as their training, the settings and quantity of instruction they provide, what instructional materials they use, and the challenges they face. To address these questions we conducted an explorative, qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with professionals who teach sex education to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We identified several models for providing sex education as well as conducted a critical analysis of the role of sex education in both disrupting and reifying existing biases about disability and sexuality.

Authors

• Sarah Louise Curtiss, University of Delaware

• Melissa Stoffers, University of Delaware