We’re all sexual beings. And that includes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite this fact, youth with disabilities often don’t have access to sexual health education.

Everyone has a part to play in providing sexual health education to youth with disabilities, including:

  • Peers
  • Parents and guardians
  • Support service providers and coordinators
  • Healthcare providers
  • Teachers
  • Organizations

Sexual Health Education Resources

Find tools for teaching sexual health to youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sexual health resources (OHSU)»

Sexual Health Guidelines

These guidelines look at different ways support people can provide sexual health education to young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

report cover
Growing connection, coordination and support.
Full Report

Guidelines for Supporting the Sexual Health of Young People Experiencing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (1.87 MB)

Individual Sections

Part 1: Executive Summary (75.13 KB)
Part 2: Introduction (516.4 KB)
Part 3: Community Needs Assessment (80.17 KB)
Part 4: Surveys and Sharing Sessions (97.55 KB)
Guidelines: Supporting Youth Experiencing I/DD (602.99 KB)
Guidelines: Support People (519.67 KB)
Part 5: Recommendations (74.73 KB)
Appendices (123.4 KB)

About the SHEIDD Project

The Sexual Health Equity for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (SHEIDD) project works to promote comprehensive sexual health education for youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

To learn more about their sexual health needs, we asked youth what help they needed. We also asked people involved in their lives what support they need to provide sexual health education.

We used this input to develop guidelines for providing sexual health education to youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Contact Us

Community & Adolescent Health
cahinfo@multco.us