Sexuality Advocacy at YAI
For decades, YAI has been advocating for and supporting the sexual rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Full quality of life includes a person’s ability to exercise choice in the development of personal relationships and the expression of one’s sexuality. YAI has developed policy, trainings, and coursework that supports professionals, family caregivers, and people with I/DD to help people with I/DD fully realize their sexual rights.
In the past, issues of sexuality related to people with I/DD have been avoided, denied, or have become the upsetting truth that no one wants to talk about, while incidents of sexual abuse continue to rise. Sexuality is a basic, natural part of being human. It includes reproductive health, anatomy, sexual orientation, pleasure, body image, and so much more.
People with I/DD have the same needs that all people have. Denying them the opportunity to learn about and explore those needs with appropriate supports result in unhappiness, loneliness, and atypical behaviors. YAI’s sexuality resources can be used by providers, professionals, caregivers and, most importantly, people with I/DD.
At YAI, we offer socialization programs, and a variety of trainings for people with I/DD, family caregivers, and support staff. We have experts who work with schools, programs, healthcare centers, police departments, and other organizations to provide training on puberty, consent, abuse, and other sexuality-related topics. Learn more about training opportunities.
In partnership with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York and other I/DD agencies, YAI helped create a sexual health toolkit and online game through Project SHINE. These resources are great for people with IDD, autism and other neurodiverse population, parents/caregivers, clinicians and other professionals. They provide an interactive and accessible way for people to feel empowered to make informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health.
