Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education (JIPE) is pleased to announce the publication of “Sexual Education For Individuals With Special Needs: Understanding And Overcoming Current Obstacles” by Anastasiia Melnikova, BBSc.
Abstract:
Sexual education has often been a highly debatable, underrated, and undervalued topic. Efforts to address this neglect have yielded significant progress. It is now integrated into numerous countries' educational systems curricula and has been actively promoted. However, progress in this realm has primarily favoured the neurotypical population, leaving the topic of sexuality and individuals with disabilities greatly undervalued and underrepresented. Additionally, existing policy frameworks frequently overlook the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, resulting in uneven delivery and quality of sexual education and programs.
Despite ongoing efforts, numerous obstacles persist, impeding equal access and distribution of sexual education and resources for individuals with special needs. These challenges raise important questions: Do these challenges differ depending on an individual's cultural background, gender identity or age? What sex education programs are currently available for the neurodiverse population? How can the existing barriers be effectively addressed?
This study aims to answer the following research question: “What are the barriers preventing equal access to sexual education or resources for individuals with special needs? How can these barriers be overcome?” Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study will involve direct observation of sexual education training for students with special needs, complemented by an online self-paced questionnaire featuring qualitative questions.
In this research study, the term "people with special needs" encompasses individuals with different abilities across a range of conditions and severity levels, including those experiencing movement impairments and other challenges that necessitate special assistance. However, the challenges, barriers, and solutions discussed in the current study predominantly pertain to those with the most severe developmental, cognitive, and physical conditions.
Read the full article on JIPE.ca.
About JIPE
Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education (JIPE) is an online, open-access journal that mobilizes knowledge and insights generated by the global polytechnic community. JIPE is electronically published by Humber Press at Humber College’s Office of Research & Innovation. JIPE is accepting submissions on a rolling basis. To learn more about JIPE, please visit jipe.ca or email humberpress@humber.ca.
