405 ILCS 5/4-211 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to approve course material in sex education. The factors IDHS must consider in approving the sex education material are set forth is 405 ILCS 5/211 (a)-(i). The Department may not withhold approval of materials that otherwise meet the criteria specified in this Section on the basis that they include or refer to a religious or faith based perspective. The Committee established a process to review and approve the sex education material to assess whether it met the standards outlined in the statute. The IDHS approved the sex education materials listed below. The sex education materials may change to include other materials submitted, evaluated and approved by the Committee. Disclaimer-IDHS has approved a list of all the sex education materials listed on this website. IDHS does not favor one particular set of sex education materials over another nor does their order of appearance in the list constitute any particular favor by IDHS.
Sex Education for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Curriculum Review
Assessment of curriculum strength and whether it meets requirements of Illinois Legislative Committee. Curriculum reviewed by the Illinois Department of Human Services Curriculum Taskforce. For questions about this review, contact: DHS.BQM@illinois.gov
Cost: $0
For more information, please visit https://ncil.org/sex-ed-for-individuals-with-i-dd/ or call (202) 207-0334
Universal Design & Accessibility |
Material Adaptable for: |
Sexual Rights Component |
Trainer Resources |
Meets Illinois Legislative Curriculum Requirement |
Plain Language Y |
Age Y |
States Sexual Rights Y |
Explains Trainer Skills N |
Positive Sexual Identity Y |
Visual Aids Y |
Gender Y |
How to Advocate Y |
Useful Handouts Y |
Prevention of Pregnancy Y |
Video Y |
Culture Y |
Healthy Relationships Y |
Has Lesson Plans N |
STI/STD/HIV/AIDS Y |
Audio N |
Language Y |
First Person Language Y |
Online Safety N |
Condoms Y |
Sign Language N |
Religion Y |
Social Media/Internet N |
|
Abstinence Y |
Braille N |
Sexual Orientation Y |
|
|
Emotional Consequence Y |
|
|
|
|
Psychological Consequence Y |
|
|
|
|
Unwanted Sexual Behavior Y |
|
|
|
|
Danger/Predator Signs N |
Comments:
There are 10 separate videos included and each one is captioned.
|
Comments:
This curriculum is designed for adult audiences (18+). The content is presented in straight forward ways and adaptable to various cultural/religious values.
|
Comments:
Though there is not an explicit sexual rights list, they are presented in Lesson 6 (consent). In Lesson 2 (sex, gender & genitals) and Lesson 3 (puberty). Information on sex, genitals, puberty and gender is presented as positive and normal. In Lesson 5 (relationships), information is given on how to negotiate various dating situations i.e., flirting, asking for a date, and navigating a breakup.
|
Comments:
There is not a separate trainer guide, although there is an introduction video to help explain why sex ed is important and how the videos can be used to support the adult with i/dd in learning the lessons. The video series can be self-directed by the self-advocate independently or with a support person, if the self-advocate wishes.
|
Comments:
Lessons 2 and 3 address positive sexual identity. Positive sexuality is a thread that is present throughout the entire curriculum.
There is no explicit info on danger signs for predators, however, in the sections on relationships and consent (Lessons 5 and 6). They do discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships and tips on how to end relationships and encourage finding support if they feel unsafe. Overall, dating, sex and relationships are in a positive light, but doesn't paint a scary picture. Safe and good with precautions. Lesson 7 discusses pregnancy prevention. Lesson 8 discusses STIs and prevention. Lesson 9 discusses condoms and proper use.
|
Overview/Guidance:
The National Council on Independent Living's project helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) learn about the body, sex and sexual identity, gender, healthy relationships, consent, pregnancy and protecting themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
This project has a series of 10 videos. They can be watched in any order, are captioned and include diverse self-advocate presenters. The information is presented in a straightforward, factual way. Individuals can incorporate their personal, cultural or religious values to the information.
This curriculum is:
- Developmentally Appropriate: For students who have beginning reading skills or above. Having the materials presented in video format can appeal to individuals with differing learning styles and/or those who struggle with reading.
- Evidence-based: Not evidence-based, but evidence-informed as the videos support factual information in a respectful and culturally informed manner.