Charting the Cs: Cooperation, Communication and Collaboration. Statewide Professional Development to Support the Workforce and Low Incidence Disability Areas. Charting the Cs Conference 2024 Sexuality for All Abilities: Curriculum Training Katie Thune, MA Ed. Anna Hayek madhatterwellness.com Training Overview Centering and Check In Challenges in Society/Equitable Sex Education Sexuality for All Abilities Curriculum Overview Tips for Learners with High Needs Answering Difficult Questions Trauma Informed and Inclusive Interactions Q & A Close Agreements This is a non-judgmental and safe space. Participate at your own comfort level. All questions, comments, and ideas are welcome. Take care of yourself. CENTERING Who We Are And What We Do Mad Hatter Wellness, founded by Katie Thune, provides learning opportunities to empower people of all abilities with knowledge and skills to make safe and healthy choices. We focus on educating about healthy relationships, with ourselves and others, as well as safety, consent, and lots more. All of this is a part of comprehensive sexual education. Four main programs: Sexuality for All Abilities, Open Conversations, Empowered Together and The Power of Me Things to Think About All humans are sexual beings. Conversations about sexual health can bring up a range of emotions. Sexual education is a lifelong process. We all have different comfort levels with this topic. This is okay! None of us are perfect. Language We Use Person first language AND Identity first language Developmental age vs Chronological age People needing more supports or less supports instead of high-functioning/low-functioning What Are We Talking About When We Use The Term Sexuality? Our Hope for This Training You will leave this training feeling a little more comfortable talking about this topic. You will leave with 1-2 tools or strategies to use with yourself, your students, people you support, or the people in your life. Focus Question What was your experience with sex ed growing up? Think about at school, with family and friends, etc. How Has Sexual Education Failed People with Disabilities? Lack of education Stranger Danger principle Sex ed as abuse prevention Reactive education Hidden curriculum Informal curriculum Our Hope for Sexuality Education Comprehensive Non-reactive Non-judgmental Non-shaming Inclusive (age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, etc.) Accessible to ALL Comprehensive Sex Ed to Us Sexuality is not just about sex. It’s also about life and relationships - relationships with others, ourselves, and our bodies. Comprehensive sex education (CSE) is a sex education instruction method based on curriculum that aims to empower students with knowledge, attitudes, skills and values to make appropriate, healthy, and safe choices in their sexual lives. CSE includes learning about and practicing self-determination and self-advocacy. Sexual Rights for People with Disabilities People with disabilities have a right to: sexual education. sexual expression. be respected. be protected. be supported in all relationships. engage in consensual sexual relationships. acquire sexual knowledge. make their own decisions. be believed and seen. Why do you think it’s important to teach about healthy relationships and sexuality? Helpful Strategies for Equity – Sexual Health and Students With Disabilities Teach accurate terms for private body parts. Talk about body rights: “My body belongs to me.” Use teachable moments and rules when applicable. Encourage assertiveness and appropriate noncompliance. Use repetition (pre-teach, re-teach, review). Role-play healthy boundaries. Teach and practice consent! Speak less, wait more, use visuals. Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination Self-advocacy is the extent to which a person has the ability to speak up for one’s self. Self-determination requires an individual to make decisions about their own life. This includes skills such as: choice-making, decision-making, problem solving, goal setting, self-monitoring, leadership, resiliency and so much more. SEXUALITY FOR ALL ABILITIES CURRICULUM OVERVIEW Sexuality for All Abilities Lessons and Materials Lessons and Activities (includes flash drive with worksheets, social stories, modified lessons and other materials) Access to Safety Videos Breathing Sphere Boundaries Flip Books Red/Green Cards Contents in SFAA Healthy Relationships Safe and Healthy Boundaries Private and Public Romantic Relationships Puberty/Changes in Our Body Human Reproduction Pregnancy Outcomes of Sexual Activity Gender Sexual Orientation Consent and Body Rights Get Away and Tell Someone Social Media Literacy and Online Safety Additional Materials Glossary Optional Assessment Tips for Answering Difficult Questions Tips for Teaching Strategies for a Positive Classroom Flash Drive (Modified Lessons, Social Stories, Sample Letter to Parents, Additional Resources, PDF with Video Links, etc) Included in Each Lesson Five parts of each lesson: Center Check In and Connect Learn Review Close Also included in each lesson: Adaptations/Modifications Areas of Possible Confusion Additional Resources Frequently Asked Questions Modified Lessons for Learners with High or Complex Needs 30-minute lessons Series of short lessons for each topic Scripted language Line drawings and photographs for comprehension Communication boards or cards for communication Modify further (if necessary) to meet your student needs HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS LESSON People in My Life Sort the different people in your life in all 5 categories. Note: in the Romantic Partner category it is important that BOTH people have knowledge and want that relationship. Relationship and Touch Circles Write the names of the people in your life in the relationship circle. Note: If a person is in my hug circle, it does not mean I have to give them a hug every time I see them. Relationship and Touch Circle Healthy and Unhealthy Behaviors in A Relationship Healthy Behaviors Unhealthy Behaviors Behaviors at School Healthy Behaviors High five Handshake Wave Hello Compliments Unhealthy Behaviors Hugs Touch private body parts Show private body parts Hitting, kicking, spitting, etc. Gossip Example of how to talk about healthy behaviors at school, work or home. The Heart of Relationships The Heart of Relationships Video SAFE AND HEALTHY BOUNDARIES LESSON Boundary Define it: A boundary is a line that others cannot cross without your permission. Flip Books About Boundaries Red/Green Cards Green Card Healthy Okay Appropriate Safe Expected Comfortable Go DO NOT USE: good Red Card Unhealthy Not okay Inappropriate Unsafe Unexpected Uncomfortable Stop DO NOT USE: bad Boundaries Flip Books Example Activity PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LESSON Private and Public A private place is a place that belongs to you, when you are alone, and when others cannot see you. A private behavior or action is something that you do when you are by yourself, and it should occur in an appropriate private place. A public place is a place where there is more than 1 person, places where you are likely to see other people. A public behavior or action is something that you can do when you are with or around other people. Private Vs. Public Ex. Private Places/Behaviors Public Places/Behaviors Private Vs. Public Ex., continued Safety Rule – Private Behaviors Are for Private Places Masturbation Social Story Masturbation Use YES/NO Communication Cards to answer questions about masturbation. Examples: PERSONAL SAFETY LESSONS Body Rights Define it. Body Rights: the rights you have to be in charge of your own body. Safety rule: My Body Belongs to Me Consent Define it: Consent is when a person agrees to a certain activity or behavior. Get Away And Tell Someone Safety Network It is NEVER too late to tell someone if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. If you tell someone and they don’t believe you, tell someone else. Try to come up with a list of 3-5 people who are friends, family, or professionals. Tips for Social Media Literacy and Online Safety Teach the lesson on Social Media Literacy & Online Safety. Discuss social media scenarios in ALL lessons. The Internet is a PUBLIC place. Use the Safety Video. How do you communicate online? ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS LESSON Romantic Relationships Define and discuss: Crushes. Sexual feelings. Dating. Talk about rejection and how to move through those feelings. One-sided and Two-sided crushes Safety Rule – Say No Crushes PUBERTY/ CHANGES AS WE AGE Puberty Changes in Me BODY (physical) FEELINGS (emotional) RELATIONSHIPS (social) Puberty Sorting Cards Changes As We Age Taking care of our body as we age GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION LESSONS Gender Define it: Gender is how a person feels on the inside about being male, female or a different gender. Some people identify as she, he or they. Some people have other ways of identifying. Sexual Orientation Sexual Orientation refers to who you are attracted to. It can change over time. Sexual Orientation Communication Card Interview With Savy Focus Question 1 How can you support your LGBTQIA+ participants? What are some ways you can help LGBTQIA+ participants feel safe, supported and healthy? HUMAN REPRODUCTION, PREGNANCY, AND OUTCOMES OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY LESSONS Tips when Teaching These Lessons Invite guest teachers in to support or co-teach (school nurse, public health nurse, free clinic, etc). Use the SFAA glossary. It’s okay to answer a question with “I’m not sure, but I will find the answer for you.” If you are new to teaching about this, it may take time to get comfortable with these topics. Human Reproduction Private Body Parts Handouts Human Reproduction Kahoot Pregnancy and Reproduction Video by Amaze Play doh activity ☺ Private Body Parts Handouts/Videos Birth Control Methods PREGNANCY OPTIONS Outcomes Associated with Sexual Activity Discuss physical, emotional, mental and social outcomes. Include Sexually Transmitted Infections. Discuss consent, safety, pregnancy, etc. Consider talking about types of sexual activity. HIV Activity TIPS FOR LEARNERS WITH HIGH NEEDS Key Strategies for Learners with High Needs Speak less, wait more, and use visuals. Use kinesthetic learning or tactile learning activities. Assume ability. Make a connection to self. Use shared language with all staff, families, etc. Communicate with parents/caregivers often. Hierarchy of Visual Supports Visual Supports 1 Images for Comprehension: helps define the concepts being taught. are used when teaching lessons. include line drawings, photos, etc. video supports Images for Communication: give people a voice for consent, safe boundaries, etc. need to be taught. can be uploaded into communication device. include communication boards or cards. are taught during lesson, used after lesson. need to be practiced. Line Drawings/Photographs Video Supports Communication Boards Communication Cards Consent Practice ANSWERING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS Responding to Questions Affirm the learner. “That’s a great question!” or “I get that question all the time!” Identify the motivation and type of question. Correct any misinformation and answer the factual parts of the question. Explore a range of values. “Some people believe ____, while other people believe _____.” Refrain from stating your own values. (Always think about what/why/how much you share about yourself.) Underlying Motivations and Types Of Questions Information and/or clarification (getting the facts) Am I normal? “Shock-Value” or “Can I get you?” questions Permission seeking Values based Personal questions Sample Questions From Students with Developmental Disabilities How old do you have to be to have sex? Can I have sex with animals? Is it normal to masturbate? Can I kiss people who work with me (PCAs, Paras, etc)? Lots of different questions about how to get pregnant or how do I know if I am pregnant (there is a lot of confusion about this topic). Students will often try to ask you personal questions about your own life; such as how did you get pregnant? TRAUMA-INFORMED INTERACTIONS Tips for Approaching Interactions with a Trauma-informed Lens Most people have trauma. Acknowledge global trauma. Give choices. Don’t force or get into power struggles. Expect the unexpected. Use calming strategies. Make meaningful connections. Be patient. Tips for Inclusivity Don’t make assumptions. Ask people what kind of language and labels they prefer. Consider that someone may be approaching a situation from a different mindset than you – culture, religion, language, and more Speak up if you notice someone or a perspective being excluded. Consider multiple learning styles and abilities. MORE SUPPORT Minimizing the Risk of Sexual Violence Self-Paced Course Code: curriculum Self-Paced Courses Courses that can be used in the classroom, employment settings or at home with families Flexible pricing Topics: Healthy Relationships, Boundaries, Safety Puberty Gender & Sexual Orientation Reproductive & Sexual Health Open Conversations designed for families and schools to teach kids about bodies, boundaries, consent, safety and healthy relationships appropriate for preschool-third grade coloring pages, activities, social stories Family Discussion Guide and Workbook How We Can Support You! MHW Newsletter – tips, tools, resources Quarterly Educator calls (FREE) Quarterly Caregiver calls (FREE) Educational Tools in our shop Sexuality for All Abilities Book Consulting Additional Training Reflections What is one idea or strategy you learned today that you want to implement? What concerns do you have about supporting people with disabilities, and their parents, support staff, etc.? What are you excited about or looking forward to? QUESTIONS???? Contact Us! ☺ Katie Thune Educator, Speaker, Author katie@sfaabilities.com www.madhatterwellness.com 612-524-8364 Kim Rossow Parent/Caregiver Education Specialist kim@sfaabilities.com “Like” Mad Hatter Wellness on Facebook Follow us on Instagram @madhatterwellness Follow us on Twitter @madhatterwell