Articles & Books Deaf-Blind Specific:
Some of the following are available through DSI Services, the SESA Library,
and/or through DB-Link.
Belote, Maurice (1997). Taking the fear out of sex education. Individuals
in a changing society: 1997 National Conference on Deafblindness workshop
proceedings, 1, 50-65. Boston: Hilton/Perkins Program.
This paper from California’s Deaf-Blind Services provides an overview
of the issues and describes components of the process for developing a program.
The focus is on individuals without significant developmental delays.
Cadigan, Ellen, and Geuss, Roslye Roberts (1981). Sex education: A
curriculum for the deaf-blind. Watertown, MA: Perkins School for the Blind.
This is the only deaf-blind-specific sexuality education curriculum, and
it is very good. Units include self-identity, anatomy of the reproductive
systems, human reproduction, growth form birth to puberty, adolescence,
and medical aspects such as personal health care and hygiene.
Miles, Barbara (1999). Talking the language of hand to the hands.
(Fact Sheet) DB-LINK, Monmouth, OR: The National Information Clearinghouse
on Children who Are Deaf-Blind. Available in downloadable text via DB-Link
web site at http://www.tr.wou.edu/dblink/hands2.htm
Although this paper is not about sexuality education, it is worth reading
to gain an understanding of the different role that touch plays in the life
of a child with deaf-blindness.
Miller, Tom (1997). Social/sex education for children and youth who are
deafblind. The individual in a changing society: 1997 National Conference
on Deafblindness workshop proceedings, 2, 558-592. Boston: Hilton/Perkins
Program.
This article is only one of many good ones from Tom Miller. It was selected
because it is easily obtained from DB-LINK, is thorough in discussing the
issues, suggests core curriculum for sexuality education, and touches on
policy issues.
Miller, Tom (1999). Social/sex education for children and youth who
are deafblind. In John M. McInnes (Ed.), A guide to planning and support
for individuals who are deafblind, pp.201-226. Toronto: University of Toronto
Press.
This chapter of the McInnes book is another good resource from Tom Miller.
It includes an overview of the problem of providing sexuality education,
aspects to consider in providing social and sexuality education, what and
when to teach, techniques for instruction, policy development, and so forth.
Schwier, Karin Melberg, and Hingsburger, Dave (2000). Sexuality: Your
sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Paul H.
Brooks Publishing, Co.
This is a must read for parents of children with developmental disabilities.
It will help you to understand the importance of sexuality education and
help you to feel more comfortable with the topic. Much of the information
comes from parents and people with developmental or intellectual disabilities
making it particularly enjoyable to read.
Websites:
Family Village
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/index.htmlx
This is a great source for disability related information. It offers links
to information on sexuality and disability. When you get to the index by
going to the address listed above, click on the “Library” icon,
then “General Information” link, and look for the “Sexuality
and Disabilities” link. You may also want to check out the “Abuse
and Disability” link as well.
Health Scout
http://www.healthscout.com
This web site on health issues has several links to information on human
sexuality, wellness information and medical encyclopedias. It changes frequently
but is worth exploring.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
http://www.rarediseases.org
This website has good information about syndromes and conditions, and is
a good resource for medical information and support groups for specific
conditions. It also describes many sexual health concerns related to a specific
syndrome or condition.
Resource List: Sexuality and Disability
http://www.realtime.net/autinrapecrisis/HTML/psac-lst.htm
This is one of the links from the Family Village Web site that offers an
extensive listing of materials and resources.
Source: Moss, K. and Blaha, R. (2001). Introduction to
Sexuality Education for Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind and Significantly
Develpmentally Delayed. DB-Link, Monmouth, OR. DB-Link is supported by funding
from the U.S. Department of Eudcation, Office of Special Education Programs.
