The Down Syndrome Research Foundation launched a new sexuality workshop in 2009 for young adults with intellectual disabilities. S.H.A.R.E., which stands for Sexuality, Health, Awareness, Relationships and Emotions, is a participant-directed program that stimulates an interactive and open dialogue about relationships and sexuality.

The program ensures that the participants have enough information to keep relationship experiences safe and enjoyable. Consequently, students will be learning social skills and will be provided with information on human sexuality.  However, the program will ultimately be driven by what students tell us they want to learn.

The workshop series runs 2 hours per week for 12 weeks, with a group of 10 students with varying intellectual disabilities. DSRF researchers use a series of pre and post assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the program by measuring the students understanding of gender identity, sexual knowledge and social relationships.

It is our intent to further evaluate and asses the program so that it can be made available to other groups across the province.

For further information contact the program presenters, Eleanor Stewart or Les Cole, by email or by contacting the Down Syndrome Research Foundation at 604-444-3773.