Abstract
This study presents educators’ attitudes and beliefs towards the sexuality of adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.
Open-ended, structured interviews were conducted with five Teachers in a School Program and five Instructors in an Adult Day
Services Program at an educational facility for individuals with medically complex developmental disabilities. Results indicate
that educators hold a positive view towards providing sexuality education and access to sexual expression for persons with
developmental disabilities. Educators viewed sexuality as a basic human right, yet expressed concerns regarding capacity to
consent to and facilitation of sexual activity. This study is an initial step to understanding barriers preventing the delivery
of sexuality education to this underserved population.
Open-ended, structured interviews were conducted with five Teachers in a School Program and five Instructors in an Adult Day
Services Program at an educational facility for individuals with medically complex developmental disabilities. Results indicate
that educators hold a positive view towards providing sexuality education and access to sexual expression for persons with
developmental disabilities. Educators viewed sexuality as a basic human right, yet expressed concerns regarding capacity to
consent to and facilitation of sexual activity. This study is an initial step to understanding barriers preventing the delivery
of sexuality education to this underserved population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s11195-011-9211-y
- Authors
- B. Fader Wilkenfeld, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Michelle S. Ballan, School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Journal Sexuality and Disability
- Online ISSN 1573-6717
- Print ISSN 0146-1044