‘devised, scripted and performed by students with a learning disability’ Introduced by Carol Robinson

Key Issues Whatever our learning abilities, we are all sexual beings, with the same need for good quality sex and relationships education Research indicates that learning disabled young people are less likely to receive sex education in school or at home The experiences of learning disabled people are often excluded or misrepresented in the media and in sex and relationships education resources People with a learning disability often have greater health needs but access primary care services the same or less than the general population Education needs to address these inequalities as learning disabled people have the same rights to education and information, to dignity and respect as their non disabled peers

The Rationale The responsibility of working in sex and relationships education with people with a learning disability has the potential to be difficult and embarrassing There is a deficit of resources and little training available for professionals, parents or carers in this area of work, courses are usually short and they do not produce experts It is envisaged that by developing sex and relationships education programmes will help to increase the confidence and skills in those who are willing to attempt this sensitive work in order to respond to the needs of learning disabled people

The Challenges Failure to meet the needs of people with a learning disability often leads to increased segregation from the community in which they should be integrating Segregation often imposed due to the potential risk of displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour or vulnerability Educationalists and carers of learning disabled are unable to implement sex and relationships educational programmes without support of specialised services for fear of legal action due to the difficulties with consent issues Many people with a learning disability have a limited knowledge of their health needs and vulnerability to situations that may put their health or personal safety at risk Many people with a learning disability live with and make decisions based on misinformation about crucial aspects of keeping safe in personal and sexual relationships

Sex and Relationships Education “learning about sex, sexuality, emotions, relationships, sexual health and ourselves” (Sex Education Forum 2003) From the literature it is apparent that three main elements determine sexual behaviour: Knowledge Skills Values and attitudes Sex and Relations Education should therefore involve: Acquiring accurate information Making judgements/choices Appropriate behaviour

Findings Workshop model has been found to be the most helpful in addressing many of the important issues related to relationships Opportunities to role play life scenarios and enable practice and learning of responses and behaviours that will reduce risks and increase health Learning to take place in a safe environment, supported by specialist educationalists, speech and language therapists, signers, sexual health practitioners, parents, andcarers

‘Think On’ Thanet College Theatre Group ACTORS Alex Watt, Kimberley Jhally, Ruth Richardson, Paul Todd, Ian Smith, David Pritchard and Clive Deacon MUSIC John Hand and Nick Newport STAGE MANAGER Maxine Mazza

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the following for all their hard work and dedication: Nic, Danni, Glenese and Rosemary (Thanet College) Laura Jones (Sexual Health Outreach Nurse) Special thanks to the ‘Think On’ Thanet College Theatre Group and finally Thank you for watching

RIGHT TIME RIGHT PLACE RIGHT PERSON

Alex meets Ruth

I really, really like him he’s hot! Ruth Thinks!

I really want to have sex with her! Alex Thinks!

I don’t want to have sex with him but will he still like me if I say NO! Ruth Thinks!

I will put him off as long as I can! Ruth Thinks!

Oh! I’ll do it anyway I won’t get pregnant the first time Ruth thinks!

One month later

Oh No! I have missed my period, my breast are sore and I can’t stop being sick, I think I am pregnant Ruth Thinks!

SAFER SEX GAME SHOW

Condom Demonstration

Check that the packet is in not damaged and is in date Wash hands. Always use a condom before any sexual contact Tear packet carefully

Remove from packet Squeeze the closed end or teat end of the condom to expel any air Roll the condom down the full length of the erect penis

If you are thinking of having sex ‘THINK ON’ Make sure it’s the right time, right place right person Be Safe Always Wear a Condom