Sexuality Education for I/DD Providers
One of the ‘issues’ providing adequate sexuality education to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is that most of us struggle providing honest information about healthy relationships. For most of us (providers, family members and individuals themselves), learning about sexuality is perceived as something taboo.
This is far from true; however, the fear of talking about sexuality and healthy relationships creates vulnerability and potentially abusive or manipulative relationships. We know that individuals with disabilities experience sexual violence at twice the rate of those without disabilities (Rand & Harrell, 2009) and persons with DD have the “highest victimization rate among the disability types” (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009-2015). This is clearly not what people intend. It is just what results when we do not learn how to develop caring, healthy relationships.
Sexuality education covers a great deal more than the biology, anatomy and physiology of intimate relationships. This presentation will offer a broad definition of sexuality, an opportunity to discuss and explore the multiple ways we, as support providers, can acknowledge sexuality of the people we support, and assist them to build a positive, healthy approach to pursuing a full life, including intimate relationships.
This training will also include information that derives from the DDS Mission Statement and Guiding Principles, sections of CMR 115 regulations, and the DDS Human Rights Policy, and which supports work with and on behalf of the individuals we serve to enjoy all the rights and privileges of experiencing intimacy.
Purpose/Background
Addressing issues of sexuality for individuals served is often reported as an area of discomfort for staff. This training is designed to assist staff with having discussions about intimacy, handling questions related to sexuality, and better preparing staff all around to handle the subject matter.
Intended Audience
All levels of staff at I/DD providers, especially staff that interact regularly with persons served.
Learning Objectives
- Become familiar with resources available to assist staff in addressing sexuality among individuals served
- Develop a deeper understanding of issues related to sexuality among individuals served
- Develop successful strategies for handling sensitive conversations about sexuality
Speakers
Patricia A. Carney, M.Ed.
Pat Carney has more than thirty years’ experience in human services working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting out as a direct support professional, Ms. Carney is currently a Training Technician in the Office of Learning and Development in the Central/West region of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. As a trainer and advocate, her focus areas are sexuality education for individuals served, staff development in the areas of sexuality, and human rights of people with I/DD. For Ms. Carney, sexuality and human rights are inseparable parts of a larger discussion acknowledging the humanity and personhood of individuals with I/DD. Pat has published articles in national disability publication, and presented on sexuality and rights regionally, nationally and internationally. Pat has a M.Ed. in Health Education and is a matriculating Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts Boston, in the School of Global Inclusion and Social Development.
Richard Santucci
Mr. Santucci has worked in the field of disability services for almost 40 years. He has served as the Director of Human Rights for the Department of Developmental Services since October 2015. Prior to that, he worked for several provider agencies in various capacities, including 15 years as an Executive Director. He has degrees from the University of Connecticut and the University of Massachusetts.
ADMISSION:
$85 ADDP Member
$120 Non-Member
REGISTRATION STARTS AT 9:00 A.M.
Admission fee includes training entrance, materials, coffee and light refreshments