Presented by Charles Dukes, Ph.D.
This presentation will begin with a description of sexuality for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities grounded in a special education tradition. Specifically, sex education and the issues associated with educating individuals with disabilities about sex and related sexuality issues. Then, a number of related issues that essentially go beyond sex education will be discussed. These issues include: (a) employment, (b) quality of life, and (c) community living support. The presentation should help others understand that individuals without disabilities already live in a social environment supportive or at times non-supportive of social relationships that may be highlighted by sexuality issues. In an attempt to better understand where individuals with disabilities can benefit from these social events, individuals with disabilities need a support system. It is this support system that can serve as the basis for platonic as well as intimate or sexual relationships. The purpose of this presentation is to educate those interested in sexuality issues for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities about the link between the development of social relationships and the impact those relationships can have on their sexual lives.