Date of Award

2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Dr. Anne Kinsella

Abstract

This thesis documents a case study of the development of a community based sexual health education resource for persons with intellectual disabilities and those who live and work with them. Able to Live, Able to Love is a resource developed by the Relationship, Sexuality, and Safety Education Network o f Guelph- Wellington and Dufferin Counties. The program consists of thirteen units and addresses issues including: human anatomy, intimacy, feelings, sexual expression, consent, and safety. Able to Live, Able to

Love encourages positive communication and promotes persons with intellectual disabilities to celebrate healthy, respectful, and safe relationships. The case study inquired into the question: "What is the process by which stakeholders in the Relationship, Sexuality, and Safety Education Network o f Guelph-Welling ton and Dufferin Counties developed a sexual education program for persons living with intellectual disabilities?" The thesis documents the historical development of the sexual health education resource, and enablers, challenges, and motivations to the process, as conveyed by 8 key stakeholders. The findings of the thesis contribute to knowledge about the development process that may be of use for other community agencies wishing to develop similar projects. This study may also have important implications for persons with ID, those who live and work with them as well as educational institutions and curriculum developers.

This thesis documents a case study of the development of a community based sexual health education resource for persons with intellectual disabilities and those who live and work with them. Able to Live, Able to Love is a resource developed by the Relationship, Sexuality, and Safety Education Network o f Guelph- Wellington and Dufferin Counties. The program consists of thirteen units and addresses issues including: human anatomy, intimacy, feelings, sexual expression, consent, and safety. Able to Live, Able to

Love encourages positive communication and promotes persons with intellectual disabilities to celebrate healthy, respectful, and safe relationships. The case study inquired into the question: "What is the process by which stakeholders in the Relationship, Sexuality, and Safety Education Network o f Guelph-Welling ton and Dufferin Counties developed a sexual education program for persons living with intellectual disabilities?" The thesis documents the historical development of the sexual health education resource, and enablers, challenges, and motivations to the process, as conveyed by 8 key stakeholders. The findings of the thesis contribute to knowledge about the development process that may be of use for other community agencies wishing to develop similar projects. This study may also have important implications for persons with ID, those who live and work with them as well as educational institutions and curriculum developers.

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