Sexuality & Sexual Health
(in a Learning Disability context)

“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 organisation’s
procedures
• Working within the law-Capacity
• The role of the support worker with regards to sexual health/education
• The dangers is burring the boundaries
• Who/what agencies/professionals are able to help
• How staff can initially react to need and how to refer on
• How to provide ongoing support
• What staff can and cannot initiate
• Good practice in supporting service users in:
        -same sex relationships
        -contraception
        -pregnancy
        -termination
        -STD’s
        -HIV/AIDS prevention/safer sex
        -marriage; partnerships/civil partnerships
        -menstruation
        -cross dressing
        -personal intimate care
        -infections
• Common challenges to staff:
        -inappropriate touch
        -masturbation
        -pornography
        -sex aids/toys
        -sex workers etc.

Training 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

CP252/7.9