Contents : Appendix : Recommendations

Recommendations : Addresses/Links : List of Terms Used


Recommended Books (With particular relevance to the Irish situation)

  • Craft, Ann (Ed.) (1994 reprinted 2001) Practice Issues in Sexuality and Learning Disabilities, London, Routledge, Price: Euro 32

    "Practice Issues in Sexuality and Learning Disabilities is designed as a practical guide for all those who work in services for people with learning disabilities. It will challenge service providers to re-evaluate the implicit and explicit standards which operate in relation to sexuality and sexual expression.

    Ann Craft, the editor, has an international reputation for her work on aspects of sexuality and learning disabilities, and for this book she has brought together contributions from authors in Britain, Canada and the USA. Drawing upon professional expertise from a broad range of backgrounds - social work, education, psychology, psychotherapy, medicine - the contributors tackle the practical issues and dilemmas which confront all those who work with people with learning disabilities. The contributions range from a description of the development of a statutory agency's policy document on sexuality to a carefully detailed case example of sensitive work done with pregnant women with severe learning disabilities; and from a chapter on HIV/ AIDS and safer sex counselling to a discussion of the legal position in Britain with regard to sexuality and learning disabilities. They also discuss the problems of definition and response to `difficult' sexual behaviour, and explore the issues raised by sexual abuse. Down-to-earth and up-to-date in its approach, the book provides practical ideas and suggestions which will be of immense value and interest to all whose work brings them into contact with people with learning disabilities - professionals, carers, parents and advocates."

  • Inglis, Tom (1998) Lessons in Irish Sexuality, Dublin, UCD Press, Price Euro 15

    " The myth that sex does not exist in Ireland has been shattered. Sex is no longer hidden behind closed doors. The Catholic Church's monopoly over sexual morality has been broken. Sex has become part of everyday social life. It is written and talked about and regularly displayed in film and television. A new programme of Relationships and Sexuality Education has been introduced into Irish schools. The aim is to help young people learn about themselves, their relationships and what it is to be sexual. The programme has become a controversial issue. Is it an unnecessary intrusion into the private life of the family, or is it too little too late? Lessons in Irish Sexuality provides a clear, easily read, analysis of the issues involved in teaching young people about sexuality. It describes the deep divisions that exist in the way Irish people see, understand and relate to sex. At the heart of the problem is an older generation trying to teach a younger generation about issues and problems which they, as adults, are only coming to terms with themselves. "

    Prof. Tom Inglis is a lecturer in sociology in University College Dublin. He was previously Research Officer for the Irish Episcopal Commission for Research and Development and, more recently, Director of AONTAS, the National Association of Adult Education. He is the author of Moral Monopoly: The Rise and Fall of the Catholic Church in Modern Ireland and has written extensively on various aspects of Irish culture.

  • Kempton, Winifred et.al (1993) Socialisation and Sexuality, A Comprehensive Training Guide for Professionals Helping People with Disabilities that Hinder Learning, Santa Barbara/USA, James Stanfield Co. Inc.

    (See also New Edition below)

    Preface

    "It was both a privilege and an honor to be invited to write the preface for this book. All of us whose work on sexuality brings us into contact with people with learning difficulties, their parents, and direct care staff owe Winifred Kempton an enormous debt of gratitude. Her pioneering teaching, writing, and practical good sense have changed the way we think about the personal relationships and sexuality needs of individuals with learning difficulties. Winifred made us see the unintended (and intended) consequences of treating people as asexual, eternal children; of a lack of opportunities for positive, well-structured sex education; of leaving children, adolescents, and adults to learn about sexual feelings and behavior in the abnormal settings of residential facilities and institutions. In the early 1970's I worked in a mental handicap hospital which housed nearly 300 adults. With changes in the philosophy of care, there was an increasing number of discharges to community living situations. Initially it had not occurred to anyone that the preparation programs offered to people before they left the hospital should include something on socio-sexual skills. However, a number of ex-residents got into difficulties precisely in this sensitive area - hospital living had been poor preparation `or learning about appropriate and inappropriate sexual behavior. This raised dilemmas for staff - whose job was it to do such teaching, and what should be taught? Everyone had different opinions and attitudes. When in 1975 in the London library of International Planned Parenthood, I stumbled across Winifred's first edition of this Guide, it was immediately apparent that here was someone who had been there already. With admirable clarity the book set out for me a number of my own half-articulated thoughts on the sexuality of people with learning difficulties, in addition to many relevant issues that had not crossed my mind. It was very comforting to find that someone (albeit on a different side of the Atlantic!) had already faced all the problems we were confronting and had practical advice and strategies to offer. In no small part, our efforts in setting up a sex education and counseling program within the mental handicap hospital were guided and illuminated by Winifred's work. That she and I eventually met and became firm friends was an additional pleasure. This Training Guide offers a wealth of material to both new and experienced trainers who wish to address issues relating to the socio-sexual needs of people with learning difficulties. But let no one convince you that the wiser course is to ignore this fundamental part of human nature. Work on sexuality is concerned with so much more than physiology; it is about a sense of self, about value and respect, about self-advocacy, about age appropriate rights and responsibilities, about adulthood. In short, the work that we do with people with learning difficulties under the heading of "sexuality" encompasses the whole and complete person. As a trainer and sex educator myself, I am very well aware that in one sense you can only learn by doing - that is to say, there comes a time when the preparation has to stop and the work has to commence. However, there is nothing in the rules that says you have to reinvent the wheel before you start, and here in this book we are provided with tried and tested wheels. Information about course and program design, content and assessment is given in a clear and easy-to-assimilate fashion. Users are encouraged in a sensitive and supportive way to tackle all those issues and questions which give rise to parental and staff anxiety, and which, if not openly and honestly addressed, can sabotage well intentioned programs. An important theme of the book is to encourage would-be and existing trainers and sex educators to build or link into local, state-wide, and national networks, so that information, teaching approaches, resources, and experience can be shared. In supporting each other, we also support the work that we do with people with learning difficulties, their parents, and service providers. It is my hope and expectation that this latest edition of Winifred Kempton's Training Guide will inspire and support a whole new generation of trainers and educators working in the field of sexuality and learning difficulties." Ann Craft
    University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, England

    "Winifred Kempton has combined careers as psychologist, therapist, social worker, and educator. She holds a master's degree from Bryn Mawr College, and has been certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) and the Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (ASSECT). Mrs. Kempton served in the fields of mental health and mental retardation until joining the staff of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania in the early 70's, where she gained expertise in the social-sexual aspects of training and educating professionals, persons with disabilities, and their parents. Subsequently she presented training programs and lectured throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East. Currently she is a part- time trainer and consultant in private practice in Haverford PA Among Winifred's many publications are: Sex Education for Persons with Disabilities that Hinder Learning: A Teacher's Guide. (fourth ed.), Counseling and Sex Education for Special Groups (2nd ed.) with Warren Johnson, and Love Sex, and Birth Control for the Mentally Retarded Person with Medora Bass and Sol Gordon. (5th ed.); also three slides series, including Life Horizons with James Stanfield, and four films."

    New Edition:

    Kempton, Winifred (1998) Socialisation and Sexuality, A Comprehensive Training Guide for Professionals Helping People with Disabilities that Hinder Learning, Program Development Associates, Syracruse, NY, USA, Price $59.95

    "This encyclopedia (Completely revised in 1998) of information on socialization and sexuality is an invaluable resource for special educators, teachers, psychologists, social workers, and parents - all people who want to increase the social satisfaction and sexual safety of individuals with disabilities that hinder learning: 352 page spiral bound book with soft cover."

  • McGee, Hannah et al (2002) The SAVI Report, Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland, A National Study of Irish Experiences, Beliefs and Attitudes Concerning Sexual Violence, Dublin, The Liffey Press in association with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Price: Euro 25

  • Power, Patrick C. (1993) Sex and Marriage in Ancient Ireland, Dublin, Mercier Press Price: Euro 7.60

Recommended Articles (With particular relevance to the Irish situation)

  • Brown, Hilary (1994) 'An Ordinary Sexual Life?' A Review of the Normalisation Principle as it Applies to the Sexual Options of People with Learning Disabilities, Disability & Society, Vol 9, No, 2

    "This paper explains why the normalisation principle has had so little effect on the sexual options open to people with learning disabilities. It analyses discourses about services and about sexuality and suggests that one implicit role of services is the regulation of sexuality and the creation of sexual boundaries. The paper questions whether there are homogenous sexual values, and challenges the assumption that sexuality is 'natural' arguing that this view is simplistic and hides the extent to which rules about sexual behaviour are applied on the basis of social inequalities. Thus, the paper explores assumptions and ideologies about sexuality, normality and integration and reinstates all three concepts to a problematical status. It questions the ways in which people with learning disabilities are really free to be 'sexual' and the penalties they face in breaking out of the roles which have been prescribed for them."

    NAPSAC (1997) Annotated Bibliography, Supplement two, The Sexual Abuse of Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities, Nottingham

  • Kelly, James in association with SAVI team members (2002) The Sexual Abuse of People with Learning Disabilities, in: McGee, Hannah et al (2002) The SAVI Report, Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland, A National Study of Irish Experiences, Beliefs and Attitudes Concerning Sexual Violence, Dublin, The Liffey Press in association with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

    " This overview considers the particular vulnerabilities of this group both in terms of being targets for sexual violence and subsequently in :terms of disclosure and verification of that abuse. International evidence is considered and combined with available information from Ireland. Considering the data in the international literature and anecdotal reports, there is no reason to believe the problem in Ireland to be less prevalent than elsewhere. Contact with key Irish informants has facilitated identification of practices being developed or promoted in the Irish setting. The present Irish situation with regard to guidelines for the protection of persons with learning disabilities and the current related law is outlined. Legal and programmatic challenges for the future are considered."

  • Walsh, Anthony (2000) IMPROVE and CARE, Responding to inappropriate Masturbation in People with Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Sexuality and Disability Vol. 18. No. 1

    "Inappropriate masturbation frequently presents as a challenging behaviour in people who have intellectual disabilities. Responding to this behaviour requires an approach that considers the individual's reasons for the behaviour, and meets their individual needs. This paper describes a framework for responding to inappropriate masturbation based on principles of respecting the person's rights, dignity and individuality. The framework uses the acronyms IMPROVE (investigate, Meet the need, Planned education, Redirection, Optimism, Versatility, Evaluation) and CARE (Consistency. Accuracy, Respect and Empowerment) to develop an approach to effectively address this behaviour."

    Selection of "Frontline" Articles

  • Caffrey, Shay (1991) The Ideal Victims, Frontline, Spring Edition


  • Finlay, Frieda (1992) Mother Ostrich, Frontline, Autumn Edition


  • Job, Gert (1996) Sex-Education for People with Learning Difficulties - a Crash Course or a Guided Journey from Childhood to Adulthood?, Frontline, Issue 27


  • McCarthy, Anne (2004) RESPECT - Relationships: Person-centred: Education: Consent: Training, Article about the RESPECT Symposium, Killarney, 5th - 6th November 2003, Frontline 57, Spring 2004


  • McConkey, Roy (2000) Sexuality and Relationships - The Need to Know, in: Frontline 41,


  • O'Grady, Kathy (2004) Training in Sexual Expression, Article about the RESPECT Symposium, Killarney, 5th - 6th November 2003, Frontline 57, Spring 2004


  • Swan, Rita (1995) Sexuality - Who we are, Frontline, Issue 24


Recommended Teaching Resources for Staff and Parents/Carers

Please note:

Professional organisations and professionals from around the world connected with sex education or involved in developing sex education resources highlight the necessity and importance of training before starting to run sex ed programmes or using sex ed resources. This has to do with the explicit nature of these teaching aids and the sensitivity of the topic.

Prices of items listed below were correct in September 2004 and might have changed since.

More details regarding suppliers can be found in APPENDIX (B.)

Recommended Teaching Resources for Staff Working with Young People with Learning Disabilities in the area of Sex Education
  • Craft, Ann and Members of the Nottinghamshire SLD Sex Education Project (1991) Living your Life, Teaching Pack, Wisbech, LDA (Out of print for some time but recently revised edition published by Brook Publications: Re-edited by: Bustard, Sarah (2003) Living your Life, Brook Publications, PO Box 1239, Coventry, CV8 3ZB, UK, Tel: 0044-24-7654 5557, Fax: 0044--24-7654 5558 (E-mail: brook@adc-uk.com) www.brook.org.uk Price: £50 +pp
  • Brook Publications:

    "A sexuality and relationships education resource aimed at students with special eduational needs and/or learning difficulties aged 13 and above. This 260 page, A4 spiral bound workbook with 68-page photocopiable worksheets helps teachers design, deliver and evaluate a programme of SRE*. Following extensive revision by student and staff user groups, the new edition has an increased focus on disability awareness with specific advice for teachers of students with autistic spectrum disorders."

    * in the Irish Republic "RSE"
  • Dixon, H. & Craft, A. (1992) Picture Yourself, Teaching Pack, Wisbech, LDA, Was out of print for some time and is now available on the internet: www.me-and-us.com (Price Approx. £50 + VAT + pp)

    Hilary Dixon: "PICTURE YOURSELF has been designed to help students explore different aspects of personal, social and sex education, It consists of 4 sets of 48 line drawings and photographs. PICTURE YOURSELF is a teaching resource specifically designed to be used with people with learning disabilities.4 sets of 48 drawings and photographs per set with teachers' notes. Supplied on CD - print what you need as you want it."
  • Johns, Rebecca et al, (1997/2001) Let's do it, Creative activities for sex education for young people with learning disabilities. Over 80 drama based activities developed by Image in Action, Bledlow Ridge, UK, Image in Action, Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycome, Bucks HP14 4 AJ, Tel/Fax 0044 1494 481632 £17 + pp

    "Let's Do It

    • A directory of practical activities, designed to be accessible to busy teachers in the classroom
    • Easy to use, with a page at a glance instructions for each activity and cross reference between sections
    • 8 sections provide a framework for covering a complete sex education programme

      • (Group Building, Feelings, Body Parts, Relationships, Gender, Life Cycle, Public and Private, Developing Skills)
    • Adaptations are suggested for different needs
    • Chapters describe basic methods used in the book, with guidance for setting up activities, sample session plans and term programmes
    • Includes creative materials for use in storytelling

    • Brings sex education to life."
  • Lea, Frances (1991) Release me, Video (25 min.), Bournemouth School of Media, Poole, Dorset, UK

    "Release me is a story about a relationship between Roy and Janet. They meet each other at a day centre, where they are involved in rehearsing for a concert. As the relationship develops, so does the opposition. This simple story of everyday life is extraordinary because of its cast. Acted by and written about adults with learning disabilities, this film shows the problems surrounding their intimate relationships and their struggle to make decisions for themselves." Leaflet about the film slightly modified

Recommended Teaching Resources to Assist Parents of Young People with Learning Disabilities

(The teaching resources listed below can also be used by staff working with young people with learning disabilities in the area of sex education.)

  • Kerr-Edwards, Lesley & Scott, Lorna (2003) Talking together. About Sex and Relationships, A Practical Resource for Schools and Parents Working with Young People with Learning Disabilities, London, fpa direct, Ph: 0044 1865 719418 fpa direct

    "The follow-up to Talking together ... about growing up, this book is aimed at schools, parents and carers working with young peole with learning disabilities. Suitable for work with people aged 13+.Price £14.99 + p & p"
  • Scott, Lorna & Kerr-Edwards, Lesley (1999) Talking together. About Growing Up, A Workbook for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities, London, fpa direct, Ph: 0044 1865 719418

    "An illustrated workbook for parents of children with learning difficulties. It contains exercises to help parents introduce topics such as puberty, body parts, public and private behaviour, keeping safe and feelings and relationships. £12.99."
  • Shepherd School, (1993) Protecting Your Child, Now They are Growing Up ... Series, , Nottingham, Shepherd School (£ 2 Sterling per booklet +pp)

    A5 booklets for parents (mostly drawings addressing menstruation and masturbation issues)
  • Social Biology Resource Centre (1990) Janet's Got Her Period, Teaching pack (Video, Photo-story book & handbook for parents and carers ), Carlton, Australia, available from Boulton-Hawker Films Ltd, Ipswich, UK, Ph: 0044 1473 822235

    The seventeen minute video comes in two versions:

    a. the story in total
    b. the story repeated and divided into three sections
    · information
    · demonstration and
    · reinforcement.

    Photo-Story Book: "In this story, Louise is learning about periods with her mother and her sister Janet. The emphasis is on self-care skills and personal responsibility. There is no attempt to explain the relationship between menstruation and reproduction, as this information is already widely available. The focus of the information about periods is on the occurrence of bleeding and how to use menstrual pads. This is commonly the first step for girls learning about their menstruation. The presentation of the information is simple, visually specific and deliberately repeats each message."

    The handbook provides practical guidelines for developing an effective and individualized menstrual management program. By using the ideas presented you will be able to assist the young woman to achieve maximum independence in her menstrual self care.
  • Books Beyond Words - Series
    Royal College of Psychiatrists, Book Sales, 17, Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PG,UK, Tel: 0044-20 7235 2351 (ext 146), Fax: 0044-20 7245 1231, booksales@rcpsych.ac.uk www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications/gaskell
    (£10 + pp per book)

    "Books Beyond Words, a series of picture books for use by people with learning disabilities, are produced to make communicating easier and to enable discussion about difficult topics. Supporting text is provided at the back of each book, giving an interpretation of what is happening in the pictures, but the pictures really speak for themselves. Guidelines and back-up information are also provided for carers, supporters and professionals."

    • Hollins, S. & Downer, J. (2ooo) Keeping healthy down below, London, St. Georges Hospital, Royal College of Psychiatrists and Gaskell Press
    • Hollins, S & Perez, W. (2000) Looking after my Breasts, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School, Royal College of Psychiatrists and Gaskell Press
    • Hollins, S & Sinason, V. (1992) Jenny Speaks Out, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, S. & Roth, T. (1995) Making Friends, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, S. & Sinason, V. (1993) Bob Tells All, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, S. & Sinason, V. (2001) Susan's Growing Up, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, S. & Terry, R. (1994) Hug Me, Touch Me, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, S & Wilson, J. (2004) Looking after my Balls, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School, Royal College of Psychiatrists and Gaskell Press
    • Hollins, S. et al (1999) Falling in Love, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, Sheila et al (1996) You're On Trial, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, Sheila et al (1996) Going To The Doctor, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists
    • Hollins, Sheila et al (1998) I Can Get Through It, Part of the "Books Beyond Words Series", London, St. George's Hospital Medical School and Royal College of Psychiatrists

































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