The Role of Shared Living Providers in Supporting Healthy Sexuality ...

Shared living is one of the residential service models available to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who receive services from the Department of Developmental Services. Shared living services provide support to the individual in a natural, family environment.

An important focus of shared living is to foster relationships and promote community inclusion. Sexual expression can be a part of some relationships.

A provider?s role

Shared Living Providers (SLP) can support the person living in their home to develop a positive sexual identity. By providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment, the SLP has the opportunity to assist the individual with building a healthy self concept, positive self esteem and confidence to discover who they are as an individual.
Another area that a SLP can influence is the person?s experience of intimacy and building healthy relationships. It is very important for a SLP to work with the individual to build a home environment that is safe and comfortable. It takes time and acceptance of the individual for who they are to build a trusting relationship and create an intimate environment where the person feels at home.

Some things to remember

? A person with I/DD is a sexual being and has the same need for relationships as everyone else.

? It takes time for a person to adjust to a new living situation and being around new people. Trust has to be built between everyone. Making consistent time for 1:1 attention is a great way to make a person feel accepted.

? SLPs have to know their own limits; sexuality is complicated. The topics being raised may challenge your comfort level or may be topics you don?t know well enough to confidently discuss. As a SLP, if you need help, ask your case manager at the agency.
? Take the person?s questions seriously. They are struggling to understand their feelings and learning how to express them.

Together we can make a difference in how a person with I/DD understands their sexuality. In turn, they can learn how to enjoy their relationships in safe, healthy and fun ways.

Chad Linstruth

About the author

Chad is a sexuality educator for people with I/DD and clinical coordinator at Mentor Massachusetts. He has over a decade of experience working with children and adults.

We encourage you to comment on this blog, and are excited to hear your viewpoints and suggestions for resources. Please be constructive and respectful, knowing that we reserve the right to edit or remove comments.

Source: http://www.disabilityinfo.org/blog/?p=1686

republican presidential candidates republican presidential candidates bliss miss universe 2011 miss universe 2011 augmentin terrell owens