Sexuality, Relationships and Intellectual Disability – Skills for HSCPs

Online Course

Please note:

This course is funded by the National HSCP Office. Only OTs in HSE funded roles (including S38/S39) are eligible to attend this particular course.

The course is being run in collaboration with Social Care Ireland. Social Care workers should register for the course via the Social Care Ireland website.

2 day online course - 12th & 13th March 

About the course:This programme is designed to facilitate health and social care professionals to develop practical skills to support service users with intellectual disabilities in matters related to their sexuality, sexual development and sexual expression.

This programme is divided into 4 modules which are delivered over 2 days. The programme will address the following: sexual development; attitudes and values in practice; supporting people in relation to sexuality in practice; professional, legal, and ethical issues.

Course aims:

·         Define the term sexuality

·         Outline the typical pattern of development of sexuality and sexual expression

·         Identify the barriers to typical development of sexuality for people with Intellectual disability

·         Recognise common myths about the sexuality of people with intellectual disability

·         Explain the issues of confidentiality and consent relating to sexuality

·         List the four levels of the PLISSIT model

·         Communicate about sexuality using appropriate sexual language

·         Discuss attitudes towards different forms of sexual expression

·         Explain how attitudes towards sexuality and intellectual disability can impact on the lives of people with intellectual disability

·         Evaluate the impact of one’s own attitudes towards sexuality and intellectual disability on the lives of individuals with intellectual disability

·         Describe the three levels of sexual behaviour: 1 Basic 2 Advanced 3 Intimate

·         Discuss how additional physical and sensory impairments can impact on the typical development and expression of sexuality for people with intellectual disability

·         Explain the importance of sexual education for people with intellectual disability in relation to information sharing and protection from abuse

·         Outline the legal position relating to sexuality and intellectual disability

·         Explain the four levels of intervention outlined in the PLISSIT model

About the Facilitator

Martha Mc Ginn is one of the Company Directors of the National Institute of Intellectual Disability Studies. Martha completed her Higher Diploma in Learning Disability studies at UCD and is a Registered Nurse for people with Intellectual Disabilities (RNID). She has a B.Sc.Hons Degree in Professional Social Work specialising in working with People with Intellectual Disabilities. Martha also studied under Valarie Sinason (a World-renowned psychoanalyst and psychotherapist in the field of Intellectual Disability study), completing a specialised course in Psychodynamic Therapy at the Tavistock Centre London.

Application and Payment information:

• Payment in full is taken at the time of application.
• Payment of the fee does not guarantee you a place at this event.
• Full payment must be received prior to the closing date in order to secure your place.
• If the event is oversubscribed you will be provided with a full refund.
• Successful applicants will be notified that they have a place at the event following the closing date.
• Places are limited and members are advised to apply early to secure a place.
• Please note: notifications will be sent to the email address entered on this application form. Please make sure to enter correctly the email address you wish to use for communication about this event.
• Please read our CPD events cancellation/refund policy. See AOTI T&Cs