Jan 23

Healthy Relationships and Healthy Sexuality for People with Developmental Disabilities

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

1:45 PM - 4:30 PM

A breakout session of the Arc of Illinois 16th annual QIDP Leadership Conference presented by Susan Kahan of the DHD Developmental Disability Family Clinic

About the session:
Everyone desires to love and be loved. The myths and misconceptions about people with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) often lead to rules and restrictions that make healthy relationships difficult to obtain. This session will explore the facts and myths around relationships and sexuality for people with I/DD. We will discuss the importance of laying the foundation for healthy relations early on through social skills and sexuality education. Resources and strategies for teaching healthy sexuality will be presented. In addition, we will discuss the role of healthy sexuality education as a primary prevention tool for sexual abuse and other strategies to promote sexual abuse prevention.

Time: 1:45 – 3:00 p.m. & 3:15 – 4:30 p.m
*Note the 1:45 breakout session presentations will be repeated at 3:15 p.m.

Presenter:
Susan Kahan, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Susan provides individual and group therapy for children through adults on a broad range of mental health, developmental and behavioral concerns, with a special focus on trauma and sexual abuse. In addition, Susan provides consultation and training for trauma centers, disability agencies, professionals, schools and families on disability-related topics including sexuality and healthy relationships, sexual abuse prevention, and trauma intervention. She has served as a disability consultant to the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center and has provided training for their clinicians and advocates, as well as investigators from Chicago Police Department, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Susan presents nationally on issues related to healthy sexuality and relationships, as well as sexual abuse and disability, including prevention, intervention, and trauma-informed environments.

For more information about the session and conference visit the Arc of Illinois 16th annual QIDP Leadership Conference webpage 

Contact

Susan Kahan
312-413-2652