Sexual and reproductive health for people with a disability

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is a not-for-profit,
non-government, membership-based organisation which brings over 40 years
expertise and experience in sexual health, sexuality and relationships
education.

SHFPACT is a leader in integrated sexual and reproductive health workforce
development, health promotion and clinical service delivery to reduce
barriers and improve sexual and reproductive health outcome for the Canberra
community.

SHFPACT is funded by the ACT DET to provide sexuality and relationship
education to children and young people who are in the school system or 18
years of age and under. Although SHFPACT is not funded to work directly with
adults with disabilities, we provide professional development opportunities
to professionals, carers and parents to assist in promoting the sexual and
reproductive health and rights of people with disabilities, information to
support making informed choices, and teaching comprehensive sexuality and
relationships education.

Comprehensive sexuality and relationships education is important for
everyone. Every person is a sexual being regardless of race, nationality,
religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability. We know that there are
still many myths about sexuality and people with a disability in the
community, which limits access to accurate information, opportunities to
learn and express oneself, and access to necessary health services.

As the year comes to an end, you may be thinking about some of the training
you might like to access in 2014. If you think your team, organisation or
you as an individual could benefit from and would like to learn more about
sexuality, relationships and disability contact us on 02 6247 3077 and talk
to one of our team to tailor a learning opportunity to meet your needs. You
can also email us on
training@shfpact.org.au<mailto:training@shfpact.org.au>.

SHFPACT affirms that all people regardless of disability, have fundamental
rights to privacy; to love and be loved; to develop friendships and
emotional relationships; to learn about sex, sexual exploitation, sexual
abuse, safe sex and other issues regarding sexuality; to exercise their
rights and responsibilities in regard to privacy and sexual expression and
the rights of others; to marry and make informed decisions concerning having
children; and to develop expressions of sexuality reflective of age, social
development, cultural values and social responsibility. Individuals with a
disability are people with sexual feelings, needs and identities.