LEARN ABOUT KK'S EXPERIENCE.

In 2020, Kailin was sexually assaulted after her attacker broke into her home. With the support of her family and friends, she was able to get the help she needed and her attacker was convicted in 2021. Today, Kailin is an advocate for other people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who want to pursue romantic relationships.

 

Kailin lives on her own, has a job at a local restaurant, and enjoys her independence. She has meaningful and healthy relationships and believes others with IDD should be able to do the same. Through her advocacy, KK’s goal is to help raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault that people with developmental disabilities experience to ensure that this doesn’t happen to anybody else.

LEARN ABOUT KK'S STORY.

In 2020, Kailin was sexually assaulted after her attacker broke into her home. With the support of her family and friends, she was able to get the help she needed and her attacker was convicted in 2021. Today, Kailin is an advocate for other people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who want to pursue romantic relationships.

 

Kailin lives on her own, has a job at a local restaurant, and enjoys her independence. She has meaningful and healthy relationships and believes others with IDD should be able to do the same. Through her advocacy, KK’s goal is to help raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault that people with developmental disabilities experience to ensure that this doesn’t happen to anybody else.

I WANT A RELATIONSHIP JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.

I WANT A RELATIONSHIP JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.

MYTH #1

MYTH

People with developmental disabilities aren’t interested in having sex

FACT

The truth is that people with developmental disabilities have sexual relationships just like other people. This myth of asexuality stems from the societal perception that people with disabilities are helpless or in need of constant caring. However, people with developmental disabilities marry and have children. They also have sexual fantasies, impulses, and bodily urges just like the majority of people without disabilities.

MYTH #2

MYTH

People with developmental disabilities don’t understand or identify with sexual orientations

FACT

All human beings are sexual, regardless of how we express our sexuality. Many people with developmental disabilities are just as interested in sex as people without disabilities. People with developmental disabilities can also identify with the LGBTQIA+ population as often as those without disabilities and many have the same level of sexual desire.

MYTH #3

MYTH

People with disabilities don’t understand consent, so it doesn’t need to be obtained

FACT

Consent is necessary for any sexual relationship. People with developmental disabilities have autonomy over their bodies and can give consent by: using their bodies instead of words, using a communication device, sign language, or facial expressions (like blinking) if they are non-verbal. In some circumstances, a judge may declare someone unable to give consent on their own behalf due to their disability status.

COOL RESOURCES

FOR EVERYONE

COOL RESOURCES

FOR EVERYONE

https://vimeo.com/145861531

10 MYTHS ABOUT SEX AND DISABILITY

Broadcaster and journalist Mik Scarlet tackles these myths and more in this ten-minute film about sex and disability

https://vimeo.com/145861782

MAKE A NEW EROGENOUS ZONE

How to have an orgasm without relying on your genitals

RESOURCES

BY CATEGORY

RESOURCES

BY CATEGORY

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PARENTS, TEACHERS, CAREGIVERS + ADVOCATES

CURRICULUM + GUIDES

  • PossAbilities: Complete Book Package – A curriculum designed to help students with disabilities understand and embrace their own sexuality by learning how to make and accept responsibility for making personal choices. Includes a Teacher’s Manual, Student’s Manual, & Powerpoint printout.

 

  • Flash Lesson Plans for Special Education – A teacher-friendly curriculum geared towards high school students with cognitive disabilities that provides student lessons on teaching relationships, public and private, communication, body changes, feelings, reproduction, STDs, birth control, and exploitation prevention.

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEOS

 

BOOKS

 

 

 

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PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

BOOKS

 

FUNDING STATEMENT: This publication was supported by the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Grant Number 1 NB01OT009412-01-00 from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Division nor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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PARENTS, TEACHERS, CAREGIVERS + ADVOCATES

CURRICULUM + GUIDES

  • PossAbilities: Complete Book Package – A curriculum designed to help students with disabilities understand and embrace their own sexuality by learning how to make and accept responsibility for making personal choices. Includes a Teacher’s Manual, Student’s Manual, & Powerpoint printout.

 

  • Flash Lesson Plans for Special Education – A teacher-friendly curriculum geared towards high school students with cognitive disabilities that provides student lessons on teaching relationships, public and private, communication, body changes, feelings, reproduction, STDs, birth control, and exploitation prevention.

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEOS

 

BOOKS

 

 

 

null

PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

BOOKS

 

FUNDING STATEMENT: This publication was supported by the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Grant Number 1 NB01OT009412-01-00 from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Division nor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE?

REACH OUT TO THE NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT TELEPHONE HOTLINE

GET HELP

NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE?

REACH OUT TO THE NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT TELEPHONE HOTLINE

GET HELP
Accessibility by WAH