Task

Update

Identification of sexuality and safeguarding issues and resource needs of people who use AAC in the Toronto area.

A survey was developed and mailed to 139 consumers and agencies in the Toronto area. The survey was also made available via e-mail.  27 surveys were returned.

Key areas of need identified in the surveys are:

·        Need for graphic vocabularies relating to sexual matters, safeguarding and court procedures for displays, Dynavox devices and Speaking Dynamically Pro software.  Need for information on safeguarding for people who use AAC.

·        Need for sex education across topics including sex and disability, birth control, STDs, masturbation, etc…

·        Need for support circles.

Development of vocabulary relating to sexual matters and safeguarding.

The following has been completed:

·        Identification of vocabulary in the categories of:

o       Body parts

o       Sexual Health

o       Birth control

o       Feelings (words that are not in frequently used vocabulary lists)

o       People (words that are not in frequently used vocabulary lists)

o       Descriptives

o       Relationships

o       Sexual activities

o       Sexual Assault

o       Legal

o       Response phrases for disclosures

o       Slang words

Speak Up has been working closely with Mayer Johnson’s graphic artist who has developed new pictures for PCS.

Speak Up has used these graphics to develop communication displays in:

·        Boardmaker software (displays)

·        Speaking Dynamically Pro (software used on AAC devices)

·        Dynavox using PCS (device)

Displays and vocabularies are currently being field tested by 12 people who use AAC.

Following feedback and revisions, information about the availability of these displays will be posted on this website.

Identification of sexual education and safeguarding materials for people who use AAC.

Speak Up is currently field testing a number of resources with adults who use AAC.

Resources have been compiled on the following topics:

·        Sex and Disability

·        Relationships / Friendships

·        Sex and attendant services

·        Reproduction

·        Birth Control

·        STDs and AIDs

·        Safe Sex

·        Safeguarding

A resource list will be shared on this website in the near future.

Adaptation of sexual education and safeguarding materials for people who use AAC.

With the permission of authors and publishers, Speak Up has made selected resources available in different formats:

·        Text

·        CD ROM with enlarged print

·        CD ROM with enlarged print and digitized speech

·        Text and audiotape

Resource formats are currently being field tested and evaluated by 12 people who use AAC.

Sex Education for adults who use AAC.

12 adults who use AAC are participating in group and individual information sessions on a range of issues relating to sex education.

The focus of these sessions is to provide information, a forum for discussion, and an opportunity to learn and use new vocabulary relating to sexual matters.

Workshop for Community-based Abuse Counselors

A workshop for abuse counselors in the Toronto area was held on May 16, 2002. This workshop provided counselors with an awareness of the issues facing people who use AAC and invited agencies to work with Speak Up in extending their counseling services to people who use AAC.

Safeguarding

Forums to address the safeguarding needs of people who use AAC are planned for Fall, 2002.

Communications

A brochure describing the Speak Up project has been developed and is available upon request.