The Health Ministry’s HIV Co-ordinating Unit has recognised there is inadequate programmes on HIV/Aids to target disabled people.
Disabled people must also be included in appropriate sex and reproductive healthcare and education initiatives, urged deputy permanent secretary in the Social Development Ministry, Dennis Williams.
He was speaking at the launch of a puberty, sex and sexuality informational DVD compiled by the Digicel Foundation in partnership with the Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation.
The non-profit organisation provides therapy to children with disabilities.
The foundation has invested $119,000 into the programme which was introduced in 2015 via a series of lectures but it was taken a step further yesterday through the launch of a video.
Williams said in 2015 and 2016 the ministry conducted sensitisation programmes on HIV to the disabled and similar initiatives were expected to be rolled out this year.
“Young persons with disabilities must enjoy the same rights, opportunities and access the same information as their peers.
“At the ministry we are keenly aware that persons with disabilities need to be included in appropriate sex and reproductive healthcare and education initiatives ,” Williams said.
Desha Clifford, director of the Digicel Foundation, said while it was often considered taboo worldwide, sex education was extremely important to anyone’s development, especially those with special needs.
Toni Betaudier, educational psychologist working with the organisation, said sexual abuse was prevalent in T&T’s society and children with disabilities were particularly vulnerable.
She said there were many myths surrounding sexuality and disability adding:
“We do know that in spite of having a disability children will grow up, their bodies will mature and they will develop feelings that are strange and new.
“ Just as we prepare them for other aspects of life, it is our duty to prepare them for their sexual development.”
Betaudier said while talking about sex was uncomfortable it was even more so for children with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities have unique needs that have to be accounted for when having conversations about physical and emotional development,” she said.
The high incidences of teenage pregnancies, Betaudier said, and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the prevalence of sexual abuse in communities highlighted the need for increased education for children.
