TIPS! to Build competency and comfort level when talk about Sexuality with People With I/DD

Be Bold:

It means you are showing a willingness to take risks with your ideas and action. You are confident and courageous to have open and non-judgmental answers of questions related to sexuality. You don’t have to know all the answers. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to know everything about sexuality. It is okay to say, “I don’t know, but will find out for you.”

SMILE

Your answer and action should be simple, motivating, instructional and easier for explanations and understanding. With politeness and a smile on your face stick to facts and your opinion. You could say, “some people think this and others think this, what do you think?”.

ASAP

As soon as possible to initiate timely conversation, even when it’s uncomfortable. Gradual practice make you perfect action.

NATURAL

While talking about sexuality, start a conversation naturally on the dining table, recreational time, listening to music playing, watching television, reading time etc.

UNIVERSAL

Use multiple media to talk and inform the persons in correct terms, real experience, through your talking, correct pictorial books or visual cards, videos, modelling, role-play and with a lot of fun and interest to sustain motivation.

VALUE

Communicating the message that is held to deserve it means to reinforce and reward positively and help judgmentally so that persons feel their importance, worth, or usefulness. This act will increase choice, self-esteem, effective communication, and good decision-making skills.

SHY

Stop Hiding Yourself! It’s OK to feel embarrassed. If you feel embarrassed say, “I feel a little embarrassed about your question. Your question is a really good question.” Make sure your embarrassment doesn’t give the impression they did something wrong by asking the question.

Are you thinking!

How do I start talking about Sexuality with Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)?
Do you need TRAINING! make the best decision now…
Answer these questions here!