Date of Graduation

Summer 8-11-2023

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Dr. Marissa Montano

Abstract

For people with disabilities in the United States, comprehensive sexual health education is not always available. There are a number of reasons for the lack of comprehensive sexual health education, including excessive censorship and curriculum that is not representative of people with disabilities. Sexual health education and disability are both topics that have several preconceived notions attached to them, yet there is a dearth in resources that could provide accurate information to those both with and without disabilities. These preconceived notions that have been associated with these identity labels lead to negative health outcomes for people with disabilities such as increased reports of abuse and higher rates of female sterilization. Without a revision of the way the U.S. currently addressed sexual health education, people with disabilities will continue to suffer these consequences at higher rates than their non-disabled counterparts. This paper will discuss how comprehensive sexual health education for people with disabilities is lacking and provide recommendations as to how this gap in education can be remedied. Teaching people through comprehensive sexual health education allows people to advocate for their personal health with an informed mindset, regardless of ability status.

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