Service models for providing sex education to individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States
Date
2023-03-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
Abstract
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face barriers to accessing sex education, including a lack of professional ownership over providing sex education. Limited information exists regarding educator training background, funding structure, and who they serve. We interviewed 58 sex educators of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We integrated thematic analysis and composite narratives to identify service models and the benefits and challenges associated with them. We identified seven service delivery models: clinic-based board-certified behavior analysis; mental health therapists; small businesses; public health not-for-profits; disability programs; high school-based educators; and university-based educators; and three themes that addressed the strengths and challenges of these service models: Instructional Implications of the Short-term, Drop-in Approach; Getting on the Same Page; and Questioning Who Should Teach Sex Education. Understanding these typologies and their strengths and challenges provide insights into how we can build capacity for sex education services.
Description
This is the Accepted Manuscript version of Curtiss, Sarah L., and Melissa Stoffers. “Service Models for Providing Sex Education to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the United States.” Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, March 16, 2023, 174462952311646. https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295231164662. © The Author(s) 2023. The version of record is available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295231164662
Keywords
sex education, intellectual disability, qualitative, service delivery, sex educators
Citation
Curtiss, Sarah L., and Melissa Stoffers. “Service Models for Providing Sex Education to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the United States.” Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, March 16, 2023, 174462952311646. https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295231164662.