Conclude the session by sharing the key summary points below:
People with disabilities have the same sexual and romantic feelings as anyone else, including a range of sexual orientations. They have the same sexual needs and desires as other people, and they can have different sexual orientations (heterosexual, bisexual, gay, asexual, etc.) and gender identities (transgender, cisgender, gender nonconforming, etc.). Young people with disabilities want the same thing everyone else wants in a relationship—respect, consent, communication and fun, which is why all people, regardless of their abilities need to learn about expressing romantic interest in a partner, healthy relationships, dealing with rejection and sexual health. However, people with disabilities are more likely to face certain challenges, like overprotective parents, friends misunderstanding their disability, and trouble expressing feelings and consent verbally. Further, young people with intellectual disabilities in many contexts cannot legally consent to sex, and may be the victim of sexual predation by persons (including peers) who take advantage of their disability.
If you are a young person with a disability, sexuality education can help provide information about how to communicate interest in a partner, healthy relationships, and so much more. Talk to a parent, guardian, health care provider or other trusted adult about how to get the sexuality education that you need. Spread this knowledge to others so that more people are aware about how all people are sexual beings!