Let’s talk about sex
Educating people with intellectual disability about sex is the subject of two tools developed
under the Practical Design Fund.
The aim is to support people with intellectual disability express safe, healthy, sexual
behaviour.
Developed by the Family Planning WA – People 1st Programme, the tools provide targeted
sex education.
One focuses on sexuality and safe respectful relationships; the other deals with inappropriate
behaviour.
The Sexuality Assessment Tool is an individual evaluation to assess understanding of
anatomy, puberty, personal hygiene, sex and the law, contraception and sexual health.
The assessment is followed with education sessions that are tailored to fill any knowledge
gaps found and meet individual needs.
The Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour Tool helps families and carers recognise and respond to
inappropriate sexual behaviours.
This guide includes information on sexual behaviour expected of different age groups as well
as identifying behaviour that falls outside the expected and legal frameworks.
PIP Manager Elaine Alderson says a previous project found there were few services
available for people with intellectual disability who exhibit inappropriate sexual behaviours.
‘Often lack of effective education leads to people with sexual behavioural issues not
receiving help until the police are involved,’ Mrs Alderson said.
She says that early identification and subsequent training can prevent escalation of these
issues into adulthood.
Over 20 workshop sessions with the inappropriate sexual behaviour tool throughout Western
Australia have attracted a lot of interest.
PIP believes the project fits well with the aims of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to
give people greater choice and control over their lives.
For more information on either of the educational tools visit the the People 1st Programme
website.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a new way of providing individualised support
for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. It provides
choice and control and a whole-of-life approach to the support needed for people to live more
independently and work towards achieving their goals.
The Australian Government recognises that a strong, prepared and innovative disability
sector is critical to the success of the NDIS. The Practical Design Fund was a $10 million
www.ndis.gov.au
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grass roots program that has provided practical solutions and innovative approaches to
assist people with disability, their families and carers, and the disability sector to prepare for
and participate in the NDIS.
www.ndis.gov.au
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