AIDS Education for Individuals With Developmental, Learning or Mental Disabilities (From AIDS Challenge: Prevention Education for Young People, P 405-417, 1988, Marcia Quackenbush, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-117621)

• NCJ Number: 117636
• Author(s): L Stiggal
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Network Publications
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Students and young people with learning disabilities and developmental disabilities need the same information about AIDS and its prevention that everyone else does, but they also require specialized methods of teaching and materials.

Abstract

All young people need to know that AIDS is dangerous, that it can happen to them, and a person can have AIDS and not know it, and that AIDS is preventable. Educators must present factual information explicitly but must avoid generating fear, paranoia, or homophobia. They should not rely on reading skills for imparting information, but must use audiovisual materials, models, and pictures also. Learning should take place over a longer period of time for these students, and teachers should use repetition and simple language. The lessons should include ways to check learning and get feedback from students. Educators should also be aware of the possibility that some students are experiencing sexual abuse and should use care in preparing policies regarding antibody testing. They should also educate parents and care providers. Discussion of specific resource materials and list of 11 references.