Sexuality & Learning Disabilities (1-2* Days)
Talking sex on a superficial or humorous level can be very much easier
to do than discussing this very complex subject with maturity. The subject
can be particularly problematic when it comes to the field of Learning
Disabilities; some denying the adult needs of service users, some
trivializing them and others acting in a highly oppressive and controlling
manner.
In order to truly serve adults with Learning Disabilities, organisations need
to have thought through their responsibilities carefully and considered the
appropriate support required and how to do so in the most professional way
possible. This includes considering issues of vulnerability and Safeguarding.
This course, designed for support workers aims to equip them with the
background knowledge so as to best support service users in this area in a
way that maintains rights, dignity, autonomy and appropriate Safeguarding.
The course material will reflect current legislation and principles of good
practice.
The course certificate provides NVQ and CIS links.
Learning objectives:
By the end of the course learners should have understood:
What the term sexuality means (in the broadest sense)
Why the subject raises so many strong feelings when it is discussed in the
context of people with Learning Disabilities
How to focus on professional responsibility and not get oneself enmeshed in
conflict between service users needs
and staff personal morality
A range of definitions relating to sexuality and sexual expression
How sexuality is a human need
What sexuality gives the individual-e.g. Self esteem, intimacy etc
How the denial of sexuality may negatively impact on the individual e.g.
aggressive behaviour
How people with Learning Disabilities have traditionally been regarded and
how sexuality was dealt with in
Institutions (to include sexual abuse)
Infantalisation-How families and support workers can inhibit the
development of the individual; regarding the individual
as being non-sexual
What support, if any would be appropriate for staff to offer? How far to
go?
References to organisational policy that would guide the worker
The professionals and agencies that can assist in offering appropriate
support
What is meant by sexual abuse and the different ways this could happen
How to respond to a suspicion of sexual abuse/exploitation. The
organisations procedures
Working within the law-Capacity
* In the two day course the additional day will take workshop form and a
range of case studies and issues
will be explored. The learning objectives
are:
How far the worker should go in providing support/education & information
How to support Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender service users
How to support same-sex relationships
How to support two service users in a relationship
How to support a service user wishing to marry
How to respond to a service user who discloses she/he is having a
relationship with a local person
How to respond to a service user who is found be pregnant
How to provide sex/sexual health education to a service user
How to provide information about menstruation
How to approach the subject of Contraception and Termination
The complexity of childbirth, child rearing, adoption and fostering
The use of pornography, sex aids and sex workers
Issues raised by the group
Working methods:
Ice breaking exercises
Tutor presentations
Small and larger group work
Chalk and talk
OHP/PowerPoint presentations
Role Play
Word shower method
Handouts
Case studies
CP60/4.9
