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Seeing the invisible: Sexuality-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior of children and youth with disabilities in China

SHANGHAI INSITITUTE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD RESEARCH (SIPPR)
UNESCO
HUMANITY & INCLUSION (HI)
2019

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Young people with disabilities have the same right to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) as their peers without disabilities, but their needs and rights are often overlooked. This study examines the SRH status of young people with disabilities in China. In particular, the study explored the sexuality-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of young people with disabilities as well as their access to sexuality-related information, education and services. The findings of the study are intended to provide evidence to support decision-making by government agencies, educators, development workers and other relevant stakeholders regarding developing and implementing disability-inclusive SRH and sexuality education policies and programmes for young people in China.

The study, using quantitative and qualitative methods, was conducted in 2015 among unmarried young persons aged 12 to 24 living with visual, hearing, physical and intellectual disabilities, in both urban and rural areas. The analysis was based on data collected through 707 completed valid questionnaires, 20 group interviews and 35 individual interviews with young people with disabilities, and individual interviews with 60 parents and teachers, along with one case study.

Everybody Matters: Good practices for inclusion of people with disabilities in sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes

Van SLOBBE, Caroline
November 2017

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This publication provides introductory chapters from two activists who work to create better opportunities for people with disabilities in Nigeria and India. Subsequently, the challenges that organisations worldwide have encountered whilst improving the access to and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities are presented. Ways in which they managed to find solutions and the results achieved are reviewed. Some cases show the importance of a more personal approach whilst others emphasise the advantage of changing systems and policies. Different regions, types of disabilities and various SRHR-topics are reflected in these stories. All cases provide lessons learnt that contribute to a set of recommendations for improved responses. The closing chapter highlights the challenges, solutions, and ambitions that are presented and lead up to a concise overview of recommendations.  

Good practice examples include:

A shift in SRH programming (Nepal)

Breaking Barriers with performance art (Kenya)

Her Body, Her Rights (Ethiopia)

People with disabilities leading the way (Israel Family Planning Association)

Best Wishes for safe motherhood (Nepal)

It’s my body! (Bangladesh)

Calling a spade a spade (Netherlands)

Four joining forces (Colombia)

Change agents with a disability (Zimbabwe)

Tito’s privacy and rights (Argentina)

Sign language for service providers (Kenya)

PleasureABLE : sexual device manual for persons with disabilities

NAPHTALI, Kate
MACHATTIE, Edith
2009

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"This manual was created as a practical resource for persons with disabilities and health care clinicians who work with these clients. It includes research, clinical expertise, and product information to aid with dialogue surrounding sexual and reproductive issues and disabilities. The information presented here is not prescriptive, and the specific products not recommended per se, but are meant to provide examples and illustrations of some of the potential options that can be introduced into the sexual practices of the individual or be used as an adjunct in the discussions of sexuality and disability by the health care clinician. The devices included are a sampling of what is available (in Canada) in 2009"

Sexual health for people with intellectual disability

EASTGATE, Gillian
2008

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This article explores how people with intellectual disability often experience difficulties meeting their sexual needs and desires due to poor education and social isolation. However, the article highlights that people with intellectual disability are capable of safe, constructive sexual expression and healthy relationships with appropriate education and good social support. It emphasises that providing this support is an essential part of supporting people with intellectual disability
Salud Publica Mex, 50 suppl 2

Understanding and challenging HIV stigma : toolkit for action Module J : young people and stigma

CLAY, Sue
CHIIYA, Chipo
CHONTA, Mutale
June 2007

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This is the seventh booklet in this revised toolkit to raise awareness and promote practical action to challenge HIV stigma and discrimination. The module focuses on young people and stigma. Stigma towards young people is similar to that faced by adults, but it is often exacerbated because of vulnerability and judgements about age, morality, education and experience. The impact of stigma on young people has many consequences, including exclusion, isolation, dropping out of school, delaying starting ARV treatment, and suicide or thinking about suicide. The toolkit was written by and for HIV trainers in Africa and changes and additions were made with the help of a regional trainers network workshop in Zambia in August 2005

Resources on youth reproductive health and HIV/AIDS

Interagency Youth Working Group [IYWG]
2007

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A global resource providing materials designed for working with young people (aged 10 - 24) in developing countries. The website includes; training materials, research tools, guidance on key programme areas and best practice, a database of recent resources and websites for youth. IYWG is a network of 10 NGOs, donors and cooperating agencies. The website is supported by the US Agency for International Development and the content is overseen by Family Health International

Research issues in sexual and reproductive health for low- and middle-income countries

DE FRANCISCO, Andres
DIXON-MUELLER, Ruth
D'ARCANGUES, Catherine
2007

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This paper outlines a conceptual framework and a number of thematic and cross-cutting research issues in sexual and reproductive health as a first step in a consultative process towards the identification of gaps and priorities for research in this field. The themes of social equity, poverty and gender addressed in this paper are of particular relevance to the field of sexual and reproductive health. So, too, are the challenges of collaborating with in-country partners to identify context-specific research priorities that address the many and varied dimensions of sexual and reproductive health and its determinants and correlates in order to build the evidence base and put policy and programmatic evidence into practice in low-resource settings

Tell me more : children's rights and sexuality in the context of HIV/AIDS in Africa

THOMSEN, Sarah C
2007

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This report explores the strategies that children have developed for dealing with sexuality and relationships in the face of HIV and AIDS; and provides stakeholders with a coherent rights and youth-oriented knowledge base for the development of a sexual and reproductive health agenda for advocacy. It gives an overview of sexual rights with a focus on children’s rights, including their access to sexual and reproductive health information, as endorsed by relevant international conventions and policies. It also looks at the concept of sexuality and the sexual development of children. The report includes a summary of children’s reflections on issues of sexuality and their coping mechanisms for preventing the transmission of HIV and AIDS. Based on these findings, the report makes recommendations for effective responses that would support children’s existing coping mechanisms and enhance their ability to protect themselves

Susan's sex support site

February 2005

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This website offers a number of online resources about disability and sexuality. Topics include gay and lesbian sexuality, aging and sexuality, sexuality and disabled adolescents, and more. The site also contains references to other resources and an online forum

Canadian youth, sexual health and HIV/AIDS study

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF EDUCATION, CANADA (CMEC)
2003

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This survey was undertaken to increase the understanding of the factors that contribute to the sexual health of Canadian youth. It was done by exploring the socio-cultural, socio-environmental and interpersonal determinants of adolescent sexual behaviour. A section of the survey (pp 111-114) looks specifically at disability and sexual activity

Training manual : an introduction to promoting sexual health for men who have sex with men and gay men

NAZ FOUNDATION (INDIA) TRUST
2001

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Manual providing training modules on issues related to the sexuality and sexual health of men who have sex with men and gay men. It is intended for NGOs and CBOs in South Asia. The objective of the training is to give participants a clear understanding of a wide range of issues including those related to sexual health. It can also be used to train other NGOs and CBOs to develop services for MSM and gay men to incorporate their issues into existing services

Promotion of sexual health : recommendations for action

PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION (PAHO)
2000

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Establishes definitions of terms such as 'sex' and 'sexuality', and discusses basic concepts, concerns and problems related to promoting sexual health. Presents and discusses five basic goals, or broad recommendations for action, to advance the sexual health of people in the Americas.

Working with young people on sexual health and HIV/AIDS : resource pack

APPROPRIATE HEALTH RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES ACTION GROUP (AHRTAG)
1996

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This booklet contains brief descriptions of sexual health, sexuality and HIV for young people with and without disabilities. It highlights issues connected with communicating with young people on sexuality and HIV and sexual health. A list of training manuals, books and documents relating to sex and HIV is also included

The mating game

AMATH, Eowyn
1996

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This article is a brief discussion of the problems that disabled people in the UK have in meeting and forming relationships with potential partners

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