Empowering Through Knowledge: The Critical Role of Sexual Education for Youth with Disabilities to Promote Autonomy, Safety, and Overall Well-Being
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Authors
Mossman, Michelle
Issue Date
2025-07-01
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
sexual education , disability justice , developmental disability , youth , autonomy , safety , inclusion , rights-based education , neurodiversity , consent
Alternative Title
Abstract
Sexual education is often treated as optional, especially for youth with disabilities. Access to accurate, inclusive information about sex, relationships, consent, and identity isn't an optional extra; it's a right. This capstone explores how comprehensive, affirming sexual health education can promote autonomy, safety, and well-being for youth with disabilities. Through a disability justice lens, it looks at the systemic factors that have shaped how and whether these conversations happen. It reviews the gaps in the current curriculum, the hesitation of caregivers and educators, and the emotional and relational consequences of leaving disabled youth out of the conversation. Just as importantly, it centers what disabled youth are asking for: content that is real, nuanced, and reflective of their lives, moving beyond fear-based messaging and surface-level information. Drawing on recent research and practice insights, the final chapter offers seven recommendations that prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and collaboration. These include individualized programming, support for adults in teaching roles, and a shift toward education that recognizes disabled youth as sexual beings with rights, boundaries, and desires. This work is about reimagining what's possible, not offering a one-size-fits-all solution, but a starting point for those who want to do better. When we leave disabled youth out of sexual education, we leave them more vulnerable. When we offer them the tools, language, and space to understand themselves and others, we help build something that reflects who they are, not who we assume them to be.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess