Curriculum: WE CAN STOP ABUSE

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

IMPORTANT NOTE:  WE CAN Stop Abuse is no longer in production and no longer available for purchase. Because there are Illinois providers who have and are currently utilizing this resource, the Taskforce included it in this review process.

Universal Design & Accessibility Material Adaptable for: Sexual Rights Component Trainer Resources Meets Illinois Legislative Curriculum Requirement
Plain Language    Y Age    Y States Sexual Rights N Explains Trainer Skills  Y Positive Sexual Identity  N
Visual Aids  Y Gender  Y How to Advocate N Useful Handouts  Y Prevention of Pregnancy N
Video  Y Culture  Y Healthy Relationships Y Has Lesson Plans  Y STI/STD/HIV/AIDS N
Audio  Y Language Y First Person Language Y Online Safety  Y Condoms  N
Sign Language  N Religion  Y Social Media/Internet Y Abstinence  N
Braille  N Sexual Orientation  Y Emotional Consequence  N
Psychological Consequence N
Unwanted Sexual Behavior  Y
Danger/Predator Signs N

Comments:

Simple, easy to understand wording.

Visual aides.

Activities meet a variety of learning styles.

Comments:

Language is gender neutral.

Materials can be easily adapted.

Comments:

Person-centered language used throughout.

A lesson on internet safety is included in the Alumni Session section.

Comments:

Curriculum also included a Peer Training Manual to support people with developmental disabilities in teaching their peers about sexual abuse prevention.

Lessons include easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

Al lesson on internet safety is included.

Comments:

Session 6 - Introduction to Body Safety covers different types of touches.

Session 7 Body Safety and Assertiveness teaches how to say "No," "Don't," or signal "Stop" to uncomfortable touching.

Session 8 - Safety, Empowerment, and Recognition helps individuals know how to identify "safe" people, be able to say "No" and "Don't" to uncomfortable touch in different relationships.

Unwanted sexual behavior is discussed as sexual harassment in the Alumni Session section.

Overview/Guidance:

WE CAN Stop Abuse Curriculum was developed in 2004 with the support of self-advocates and staff from several disability service agencies and sexual assault centers. The curriculum is a basic guide to teaching skills of resisting and reporting sexual abuse at an introductory level. One of its strengths is the use of gender neutral, simple, easy-to-understand wording. The use of visual aids and activities that meet a variety of learning styles is helpful in supporting people with a wide variety of learning support needs.

This curriculum is:

  • Developmentally Appropriate: For those with beginning reading skills or above (lessons and handouts can be adapted, if instructor is willing/able).
  • Not Evidence-based

NOTE:  This curriculum is currently out of print.