This program provides individuals with disabilities the necessary tools to improve informed decision making and act as self-advocates around relationships and sexuality. Using a behavioral skill-building approach, this program aims to increase individuals’ ability to form healthy relationships and make informed decisions around the many issues associated with sexual expression.
The Sexuality Education for Adults with Developmental Disabilities curriculum (developed by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and Green Mountain Self Advocates) promotes positive messages such as: sexual feelings are healthy and normal, it’s OK to have questions and be curious, it’s your right to have a relationship, sexuality is a positive messages such as: sexual feelings are healthy and normal, it’s OK to have questions and be curious, it’s your right to have a relationship, sexuality is a positive and pleasurable part of your life, and it’s your right to have children.
Participants will enroll in an up to 20 week course or 10 week course, dependent on pre-test scores and individual needs, including cognitive functioning and age.
Participants must complete the course in sequential order and attend the one time weekly sessions offered between 4-6pm. The course will be offered on a rotating basis at the 6 HCC offices throughout Western New York and repeated multiple times annually as often as possible to allow for as many participants as possible.
Eligibility Criteria:
• OPWDD and Family Support Service eligible
• Reside with a family member
• Reside in one of the 7 counties listed below
• Be 18 years of age or older (16 and 17 year olds will be considered for a separate class if enough referrals are received for a full class)
Service Coordinators will complete a referral form for review by HCC staff. An agreement form must be signed to participate in the course to demonstrate understanding and commitment to the program.
Individuals are required to provide their own transportation.
FSS eligible individuals will be enrolled in this program on a first come, first serve basis. HCC will ensure that prior to enrollment, a person’s Behavior Support Plan (BSP), when applicable, and Individual Support Plan (ISP) are reviewed to determine if this is an appropriate program for the individual to participate in and which session is most appropriate.
HCC will do its best to accommodate the unique needs of people to ensure full participation in this program. Some level of vocal ability is important because the program will be taught using a behavioral skills training (BST) method. Receptive and expressive language is important in order for BST to be successful.
For more information call 585-654-1709.
