Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2242 - Poster 1 | ||||
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Session: 58.7: Poster 1 (Poster) on Tuesday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Julia Louw - Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa |
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| Additional Authors: Dr Kouassi Martin, Mr Brou Sylvain, | ||||
| Aim: Parents are regarded as the principal source of information regarding sensitive topics that include sexuality but professionals such as teachers, social workers, child care providers, counselors and occupational therapists are seen as valuable collaborators in delivering essential information to learners. A qualitative exploration of how teachers and child care providers describe their teaching experiences when teaching sexuality, HIV and AIDS programs was conducted at Special Needs Schools in South Africa. | ||||
| Method / Issue: A total sample of 78 participants (68 teachers and 10 child care providers) completed 5 open-ended response questions which was part of a survey questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions (KABP) of teaching practices related to teaching sexuality education. | ||||
| Results / Comments: With the majority of the sample being female (84.6%, n = 66), all but one had an educational qualification of at least three years or more. The majority of participants report that they feel comfortable to teach topics related to sexuality, HIV and AIDS to learners with disabilities. In spite of learners’ disabilities in specific their cognitive functioning and abilities, participants noted the importance and the right of learners with disabilities to receive this information on sexuality education as every other learner in school. Participants mentioned that learner’s reactions to this information either provoke some curiosity resulting in asking many questions or they get embarrassed and shy away. Though hesitant to talk at first, some learners are very knowledgeable and well informed on the topic of sexuality, HIV and AIDS. However, participants acknowledge various challenges in teaching this topic but expressed the urgency for updated and relevant training to be implemented regularly. Participants proposed that the content of the lessons should be kept very simple and practical, and to involve learners and to demonstrate the difficult concepts. | ||||
| Discussion: It is important to provide sufficient support in the form of sexuality and HIV and AIDS education from well trained teachers and care providers to help learners with disabilities to develop insight into their relationships with members of both sexes and to provide them with education that will enable them to understand their sexuality better. Addressing misconceptions and myths related to this topic will lead to meaningful participation and engagement of learners with disabilities and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. | ||||
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