Teaching Students & Adults with Developmental Disabilities About Healthy Sexuality
Training Details
Teaching Students & Adults with Developmental Disabilities About Healthy Sexuality
Held virtually March 29th, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Applications open March 7th thru March 25th, 2022
Don’t wait to apply, space is limited!
People with developmental disabilities are sexual beings just like anyone else, but often don’t have access to age-appropriate, medically accurate sexuality education. They are also at risk for unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, being abused, and experiencing loneliness at a much higher rate than the general population. In this virtual training, we will explore specific issues that people with developmental disabilities face and learn practical tools and skills for teaching this population about healthy sexuality.
This training opportunity is presented by Katherine McLaughlin of Elevatus Training with support from New Beginnings, Inc. and the Maine Department of Education. Elevatus Trainers understand the challenges of addressing complex topics like sexuality with people with developmental disabilities. As national leaders in the field of sexuality & intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, Elevatus offers evidence and trauma-informed curriculum, online training, in-services, and workshops to help educators and advocates skillfully and confidently navigate the topic of sexuality. Staff of youth-serving agencies and alternative schools are welcome to apply!
Training objectives include, but are not limited to:
- Explain the specific issues people with developmental disabilities face regarding sexuality, disability history, and culture;
- Explore what topics need to be covered, effective skills and tools for teaching this population, and ways to adapt lessons to meet various learning needs;
- Identify respectful and preferred language to use when educating people with developmental disabilities;
- Explain best practices for teaching sexuality to people with developmental disabilities;
- Explain ways to work with parents of young and grown children with developmental disabilities;
- Explore how the inclusion of all abilities in sexuality education can address disparities in new HIV infections as well as unplanned pregnancies;
- Creating a safe and welcoming space for all youth to feel included, seen, and respected.
Do you work with or otherwise mentor a young person who may be interested in learning the skills associated with participating in this training alongside you? Email ewabnitz@newbeginmaine.org for more info!
This training is virtual; participation requires access to a device compatible with Zoom software, a stable internet connection, and working speakers, webcam, and microphone. Participants should also be able to successfully navigate the “chat” feature (i.e. working mouse and keyboard).
Certificates of Attendance will be provided upon completion of the entire training, and CEU’s will be available for purchase.
***Please do not apply unless you can attend the entirety of this training without contacting ewabnitz@newbeginmaine.org first.***
Training Application
Applications are closed for this event.
PLEASE NOTE: Application priority will be given to youth workers and staff from youth/social service agencies, residential programs, and alternative schools who work with teens and young adults at high risk for negative health outcomes or homelessness/out of home placements. Adults/educators who do not currently work directly with these youth (e.g. primarily work with younger adolescents, children, lower-risk populations, or in program administration) may submit an application request but will likely be placed on the waiting list until after the application deadline, and contacted as space allows.