“I’ve always understood the two to be intertwined: sexuality and spirituality.
That never changed.”
~Prince
“Sexuality is one of the biggest parts of who we are.”
~Carla Gugino
The theme of this Buzz arises in recognition of upcoming Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Dating, romance, and sexuality are challenging, exciting, and on the plate for everyone, youthful and old, disabled or not. So let’s talk about it. Understand our normality. Prepare and protect. Accept what’s naturally part of us all.
This Buzz shares resources that shine a light on romance, sex, and dating for those with disabilities—and the rest of us, too!
Would you be our Valentine?
The CPIR Team
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From CPIR: Part of a Larger Resource Page
CPIR offers a multi-part resource called Sexuality Education for Students with Disabilities. From that webpage, updated in August 2022, we extract one section called Sexuality and Disability, which includes articles and videos such as:
Sexuality & Disability | 6 videos and articles to explore and share, as befits the person and the circumstances
Sex education for students with disabilities | A more scholarly article from Law & Order, from 2006
Dating and disabilities | Exploring love in many forms with first-hand accounts from the frontlines of dating, marriage, intimacy and friendship, all with people living—and loving—with disabilities.
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Others Have a LOT to Say
Love Because, Never Despite, Disability
“I want a world where disabled people learn how to have healthy relationships alongside their abled peers, where disabled people are seen as valuable friends, lovers, partners, spouses not in spite of their disability but because disability adds to the fullness and beauty of their being. I want a society that teaches disabled people, through media portrayals, through accessible building design, and so many other avenues, that their bodymind, their personhood is valuable and worthy of love just the way they are.” Direct quote. Need we say more?
In My Own Voice: Sexual Self-Advocacy
30 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities talk about what sexual self-advocacy means to them.
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Publication of this eNewsletter is made possible through Cooperative Agreement H328R180005 between OSEP and the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.