Sexuality and Disability

A Prairie-based Conference around Supporting the Sexual Health and Wellness of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Networks

October 2022 marked the first annual Sexuality & Disability conference, an event centred around supporting the sexual health and wellness of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their support networks.

Creative Options Regina, Inclusion Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon Sexual Health hosted the conference, a first of its kind in the province. The three organizations have a long-standing partnership as they work collaboratively on the sexual health and wellness curriculum, ‘ Tell It Like It Is .’

Tell It Like It Is consists of nine modules that cover a wide range of topics and concepts on relationships, dating, gender identity, sexual identity, personal hygiene, safer sex practices, consent, and much more. The curriculum considers the diversity of each participant, and offers simple and interactive learning activities. Tell It Like It Is embraces a sex-positive approach in which participants can explore and learn about sexuality and gender without judgment or shame. The program strives to ensure learners are receiving accurate sexuality education and the information that is required to support them in making informed decisions. Find the entire curriculum and additional resources on www.nevertmi.ca .

People with disabilities are often excluded from opportunities to learn about sexuality, and may not have had the chance to gain knowledge on sexual health. This lack of opportunity is partly due to the many myths, assumptions, and stigmas that exist, such as the notion that people with disabilities are asexual, don’t have sexual desires, or are not able to consent to sexual activity. Others believe that people with disabilities are ‘perpetual children’ and need to be protected, or that they will become more sexually aggressive and promiscuous if given information about sex. Creative Options Regina, Inclusion Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon Sexual Health are working to dismantle these assumptions and myths, and bringing the Sexuality & Disability conference to life is an integral part of this work.

The Sexuality & Disability conference took place on October 9th at the beautiful University of Regina College Avenue Campus, and was made possible through generous sponsorship from the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute and from SIECCAN (The Sex Information & Education Council of Canada). Over 100 people attended the event, including caregivers, support workers, educators, researchers, students, social workers, parents, people with disabilities, and directors within community-based organizations. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Alan S. Martino, an Assistant Professor in the Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies program at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Martino shared his research on sexuality and disability, sexual fields, and supporting caregivers. The conference also included Benjamin Bruce from the Centre for Sexuality, a Calgary-based organization, to discuss their community-driven sexuality and disability project. Kristyn White from Creative Options Regina and Kirby Brigden from Inclusion Saskatchewan also presented on the Tell It Like It Is sexual health and wellness curriculum. The day’s highlight was the advocate panel presentation featuring selfadvocates Brad, Serena, Heather, and Jasen, hosted by Natalya Mason. The panelists graciously shared their lived experiences involving sexuality education, dating, relationships, and topics they wished they had learned about growing up. When asked if people with disabilities are interested in sex and relationships, one of the panelists responded with a mighty “hell ya!”. The panel received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience, and each panelist received compensation for their time.

Besides showcasing speakers and advocates, the conference also highlighted organizations in the community doing incredible work. Munch Catering served lunch at the event, a local catering company that offers training and employment to people with intellectual disabilities. Snacks and coffee were provided, courtesy of CORE Coffee, another local business specializing in vegan and gluten-free snacks. During the lunch and networking breaks, attendees could stop by any of the resource booths to learn more about the services that Creative Options Regina, Inclusion Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Sexual Health, Service Hospitality, and the Saskatchewan Presentation Institute offer.

The 2022 Sexuality & Disability conference encouraged attendees to work together to provide education and support, not just for people who have disabilities themselves, but to the people who support them. The event created a safe, inspiring, and hopeful space for attendees to ask questions, share stories, and learn from another. Collaboration and community are essential when upholding the rights that people with disabilities are entitled to. This includes sexual health, safety, partnering, parenting, and sexual education. The 2023 Sexuality & Disability conference planning is underway, scheduled for October 18th and 19th in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Tickets for the event will be available in August. Anyone wanting to know more about the Tell It Like It Is curriculum, the Sexuality & Disability conference, or information on supporting the sexuality of people with disabilities, are encouraged to reach out to Kristyn White, the Literacy Facilitator at Creative Options Regina, at kristyn@ inclusionregina.ca .