Podcast
josely27
IntimacyDatingMarriage1.pptxDisability & the Media
Sex Education & Disability
Key topics include:
Overview of Murphy & Young’s article
Sex Education in the U.S.
Video: Sex Ed for People with Disabilities
Overview of Article: Sexuality in Youth with Disabilities
Disabled youth participate in sexual relationships & often do not have the adequate knowledge and skills to promote sexual health, safety, and sexual satisfaction
Disabled youth may need specific information or specific teaching modes that are specific to their disability
Some disabled youth may have fewer opportunities for experimenting sexually or romantically
Body Structure & Function
Physical Changes & Puberty
Onset of puberty can vary by disability
Gynecological Issues
Pelvic exams can be uncomfortable
Positioning during pelvic exams may need to be accommodated
Individual Activities
Developmental Process
Role of parental and caregiver help versus taking increased responsibility and opportunities to experiment
Depending on the disability, some people may struggle with self-care and hygiene tasks
Menstruation
Sexual Activities
Sexual self-image influenced by societal attitudes
Sexual sensation and function can vary depending on disability
Erections and fertility
Social Perspectives
Myths & Social Barriers
Common misconceptions:
Child-like
Asexual
In need of protection
Sexual Victimization
More likely to be sexually abused than non-disabled children
Dependence on caregivers
Educational Rights
Disabled children have the right to the same sex education as their peers
Learning opportunities may be missed if caregivers wait for children to ask questions
May not understand the information taught if it is not taught in an accessible way
Overview of Sex Education in the U.S.
Sex education is not required in all public school curriculum in the U.S.
Debate: what type of sex education should be taught
Abstinence only
Comprehensive sex education
Watch the PBS video “Why do schools teach sex education?” (11 minutes, closed captions included)
Abstinence Only Sex Education
U.S. government has spent over $2.2 billion in federal funds since 1981
1981: first federal abstinence-only program enacted
Goals
Pregnancy prevention programs that promote “chastity” and “self-discipline”
1996: shift to also prohibiting sex outside of marriage at any age
Ineffective at achieving their goals
No effect on adolescent birthrates overall
Increased adolescent birthrates in conservative states
By 2004 government reports confirm programs have false, misleading and distorted information
By 2009 almost ½ of states have declined to participate in the abstinence-only program due to research showing they are ineffective
2010: funding is reinstated for abstinence-only programs
Part of negotiations for the Affordable Care Act
2015: attempt to rebrand the programs by renaming them “Sexual Risk Avoidance Education” programs
https://siecus.org/new-study-abstinence-only-programs/
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304896
https://siecus.org/resources/a-history-of-abstinence-only-federal-funding/
https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AOUM-Funding-History-Report-5.2019.pdf
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Comprehensive sex education
Teaches that sexuality is natural, normal, and healthy part of life
Abstinence is most effective at preventing unintended pregnancy and STIs
Incorporates student values (individual, family, and community)
Religion’s role in an individual’s decisions
Intended to be free of stigma and shame
Variety of sexuality related topics
Human development
Relationships
Interpersonal skills
Sexual expression
Sexual health
Society and culture
Accurate information about abortion, masturbation, and sexual orientation
Teaches unintended pregnancy has options
https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guidelines-CSE.pdf
https://siecus.org/resources/national-sexuality-education-standards/
https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/if-then-lgbtq-7.pdf
https://advocatesforyouth.org/resources/fact-sheets/sex-education-programs-definitions-and-point-by-point-comparison/
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Comprehensive Sex Education
Research has found:
Does not encourage teens to start having sexual intercourse
Does not increase the frequency that teens have intercourse
Does not increase the number of sexual partners
Does delay sexual initiation
Reduces the frequency of sex
Reduces the number of sexual partners
Increases condom or contraceptive use
Reduced unprotected sex
Significant declines in teen pregnancy, HIV, or other STIs
https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/storage/advfy/documents/fscse.pdf
https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/facts-american-teens-sources-information-about-sex
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What are schools actually doing?
Sexual health topics is more commonly required in high school than in middle or elementary schools
Formal instruction may not be skills-based (i.e. how to use a condom, etc)
There are gender differences in content that is formally taught to students
Declines in formal sex education for students in rural areas
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/shpps/pdf/shpps-508-final_101315.pdf
https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/facts-american-teens-sources-information-about-sex
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Barriers to Sex Education for Disabled People
Sexuality of individuals with a disability is viewed as deviant vs. natural
Lack of teaching education programs
Lack of teacher knowledge and confidence in teaching sexual health education resulting in concern, anxiety, and fear
Parental anxiety and fear
Need for school, teacher, and parent partnerships
Lack of valid and reliable sexual health education for individuals with disabilities
Lack of federal funding specifically designed for students with disabilities based on comprehensive sex education
Sex Education for Disabled People
Sex education is often inaccessible, can spread misinformation, and at times not even given to disabled students
One study found that for students with intellectual disabilities (ID):
Students labeled as having moderate to profound ID received significantly lower sex education
The majority of teachers reported that they did not perceive that students with moderate to profound ID would benefit from sex education
Review the Respect Ability resources on sexual education
Listen to Disability Visibility Project’s podcast episode 39 Sex Education
Video: Disability and Sexuality
Dating & Marriage
Key topics include:
Online Dating
Marriage Equality
Video: Online Dating with a Disability
Marriage
Disabled people are less likely to be married
Marriage equality still doesn’t exist for disabled people
Yes, they can choose to get married BUT this is not without potential consequences
Marriage can penalize disabled people
Being married or making too much money can result in being removed from programs such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. that many disabled people rely on
Marriage can increase a couple’s income and disqualify them for programs
Beauty Standards & Disability
Beliefs about what is “normal” and beliefs about what is “beautiful” and “attractive” affect disabled people
Can lead some people to not want to date disabled people
Can also lead some people to fetishize disabled people
How do you think society’s standards of what is considered beautiful, sexy, and normal affect disabled people’s experiences with dating and marriage?
#DisabledAndCute
