People with disabilities have traditionally been denied access to sexuality education or the free expression of sexuality. Through a disability studies lens, this book considers the historical, legal, and ethical implications of sexuality education for people with disabilities. Editors Gibbon, Monaco, and Bateman and their contributors discuss the roles of family, culture, entertainment, education, and social media as they relate to sexuality education and explore contextual concepts such as intersectionality, the range of disabling conditions, and the connections between adolescent development and disability.The text concludes with recommendations to support people with disabilities in the transition to adulthood. The editors advocate for public policy improvements and a call to action for students, teachers, and families.

Thomas C. Gibbon is associate professor and chair of the Educational Leadership and Special Education Department at Shippensburg University. In addition to teaching, he coordinates a school-to-work partnership between local school districts and the university for high school students with disabilities.

Elizabeth A. Harkins Monaco is assistant professor of special education and disability studies at William Paterson University. With over fifteen years experience supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, she studies the critical importance of social justice pedagogy alongside educational excellence for all students.

David F. Bateman is professor of special education at Shippensburg University. He is a former classroom teacher and a former due process hearings officer.

1 Introduction

David F. Bateman

2 Disability Studies

Elizabeth A. Harkins Monaco

3Ethics

Chelsea VanHorn Stinnett, Rebecca Smith-Hill, and David F. Bateman

4 Intersectionality

Elizabeth A. Harkins Monaco

5Students with High- and Low-Incidence and Physical Disabilities

Anne O. Papalia and Willa Papalia-Beatty

6Physical and Cognitive Effects of Puberty on People with Disabilities

Jacquelyn Chovanes

7 The Team

Jacquelyn Chovanes

8 Individualized Education Program and Sexuality Education

Lisa Goran, David F. Bateman, Heather Hess, and Amy Finn

9 Comprehensive Sexuality and Relationship Education Curriculum and Teaching Strategies

Victoria Slocum, Ruth M. Eyres, and Pamela S. Wolfe

10Transitional Considerations

Anne O. Papalia and Willa Papalia-Beatty

11 Sexuality Education Policy

Lisa Goran and David F. Bateman

12 Family Interactions and Culture

Christine Scholma and Sara Baillie Gorman

13Entertainment and Social Media

MaryAnn Shaw and Elizabeth A. Harkins Monaco

14 Summary and Call to Action

Thomas C. Gibbon

Appendix: CEC Standards and Key Elements

Glossary

References

Index

About the Editors and Contributors