Sexuality and Disabilities EHE 487 Family Life Education Why did we chose this topic? Because as often as we may see this, is about as often as we discuss this topic with our youth.

Stats about Persons with disability in Canada : Approximately 12.4% of the population (4.1 million) people in Canada have disabilities 41% of people aged 65+ have a disability, 10% of people aged 15-64, Of the total population of Canadian children aged 0-14, 3% have a disability.

Approximately 12.4% of the population (4.1 million) people in Canada have disabilities

41% of people aged 65+ have a disability,

10% of people aged 15-64,

Of the total population of Canadian children aged 0-14, 3% have a disability.

Go for it – Brainstorm What comes to mind when you think of sexuality and disabilities?

Myths associated with sexuality and disability: 1. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses are not sexual 2. Sex must be spontaneous 3. People who live with disabilities and chronic illnesses can’t have “real” sex 4. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses are pathetic choices for partners 5. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses are not sexually adventurous 6. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses who have sex are perverts 7. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses don’t get sexually assaulted 8. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses don’t need sex education.

1. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses are not sexual

2. Sex must be spontaneous

3. People who live with disabilities and chronic illnesses can’t have “real” sex

4. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses are pathetic choices for partners

5. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses are not sexually adventurous

6. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses who have sex are perverts

7. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses don’t get sexually assaulted

8. People living with disabilities and chronic illnesses don’t need sex education.

Persons with disabilities and Self Image The same cannot be said about children with disabilities, for they first learn that they are disabled before learning to see themselves as sexual people. According to Kohlberg, children without disabilities learn "I am a girl" or "I am a boy," and then adopt role attributes. Imagine

Cheng and Udry (2002) suggest that between 36% and 52% of adolescents with physical disabilities in the United States have had sexual intercourse. Next time stop & think

Resources to use in the classroom www.sexualityandu.ca *1st choice for quick info to get you started! Miriam; Silverberg, Ciry; Odette, Fran (2007). The Ultimate Guide To Sex And Disability . Cleis Press Inc., San Francisco, California. EXCELLENT RESOURCE!!