Safe Sex by Donna Ochterski

According to the ARC position statement on sexuality, "Every person has the right to exercise choices regarding sexual expressoin and social relationships. The presence of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities, regardless of severity, does not, in itself, justfiy loss of rights related to sexuality."

It is necessary to provide these pesons with the necessary information regarding safe sex practices, safe touch, and diseases (STDs" so they can make good choices and understand their rights -- when and where it is okay for someone to touch their body and when it is not. They need to know what is acceptable behavior, what to do, and who to tell if someone should exploit or abuse them.

Questions they might ask include:

What is safe sex?
How do I get STDs?
Are STDs serious?
If I have sex with someone, will she/I get pregnant?
Is it okay for someone to touch my breasts? Why?
Is it okay for me to touch someone's breasts? Why?
Should I hug and/or kiss strangers? Why?
If someone asks me to take my clothes off, what do I do?

Safe Sex training is available for individuals with developmental disabilities. These and more questions will be discussed at the training. Please come to this training with questions we can discuss.

Donna will also be available during Hats Off to Health on June 18 to talk with individuals and answer their questions.

Hats Off to Health