The Irish Sex Education Network (ISEN) was founded in September 2002 and is an independent, non denominational, nation wide, multidisciplinary group. Currently our members come from voluntary and statutory disability services, persons with disabilities and their families.

AIMS OF THE ISEN

The Irish Sex Education Network aims to promote high professional standards and best practice in the area of sex education for people with disabilities with a special emphasis on people with intellectual disabilities.

Sex education in this context encompasses personal development, self esteem, relationships, rights, responsibilities, risks and protection issues for young people and adults, their careers and staff.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ISEN

• To provide a practical forum to members and non-members in respect of training, information sharing and best practice in the area of sex education for people with an intellectual disability.

• To promote the highest professional standards in the area of sex education and relationship training.

• To act as a voice for change in respect of the rights for people with a disability to experience appropriate sexual expression.

• Inform and organise training for its members through regular meetings, training seminars and a web site.

• Support its members by creating a forum where they can ask questions, exchange experiences and learn from each other as well as from guest speakers.

• Establish a database of member's areas of expertise.
  

• Promote contacts with other similar networks and professional organisations nationally and internationally.

• Advocate the development of policies and guidance documents for this area within services and nationally.

• Lobby politicians and professionals for support and the financial resources needed for research, training and development projects.

• Promote and undertake research in the area of sex education for people with disabilities.
  

TRAINING SEMINARS

Training seminars/network meetings take place 5-6 times per year. Once a year there will be an AGM which amongst other things elects the Committee. Training seminars are commonly structured in a presentation and a networking session.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Members have access to the presentations and network sessions are free of charge (lunch and refreshments are not included). Members have full access to the ISEN website.

Non members have access to the presentation sessions only, unless otherwise agreed. Non members have part access to the ISEN website (Member Details restricted to members only). Non members, will be charged a fee for attending the presentations.

ISEN COMMITTEE 2008

The ISEN Committee is elected at the AGM for a one year period unless extraordinary circumstances arise. The Committee meets at least every two months, usually between the network meetings. The Committee is in charge of administering and developing the network and is accountable to the network members.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2008

HOW TO JOIN THE ISEN

Select the link on the right title bar 'BECOME A MEMBER'