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Service options:
Professional training for teachers and other staff who work in the disability sector
Other service options
- For other FPQ service options please contact your nearest FPQ education office.
Disability and sexuality education services PDF
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DISABILITY
People with disabilities must:
- be acknowledged as sexual beings
- have access to information and resources to make informed choices about their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health
- be supported to make choices and decisions that offer the least restrictive alternative to their health and lifestyle
Responding to need:
Parents, carers and key professionals such as teachers and support workers are often best placed to provide sexuality education to people with disabilities.
Learning about sexuality is a life-long process, and as a parent, carer or professional, teaching sexuality is an ongoing conversation and not just a ‘one-off’ talk about ‘the facts’. Research1 suggests people with a disability benefit and learn more from sexuality information that is repeated and reinforced both in the home, school and in support services.
One of the best ways to provide sexuality education is to share small amounts of clear, correct and positive information. It is best for this information to come from the adults in the person’s life that they know and trust. As a parent, carer or professional, you may be the person in the best position to provide assistance and respond to the needs and questions that a child, young person or adult has.
Most parents, carers and professionals recognise the importance of children, young people and adults with a disability having accurate, age-appropriate sexuality education. The important thing to remember is that it is never too early or never too late to start talking about sexuality.
FPQ encourages and supports parents, carers and professionals to work together to promote healthy attitudes and communication of sexuality issues.
1. Ballan, M. (2001). Parents as sexuality educators for their children with developmental disabilities. Siecus report, 29(3), 14-19.
There are times when systems may not always meet the needs of a child, young person or adult. FPQ is interested to hear how you think we can improve our education services. We are also interested in hearing your suggestions on how we can advocate for change in relation to sexuality education and disability. Please contact us to discuss.