Sex education for deaf students

Abstract

Sex education tailored for deaf students needs becomes critically important in order to prevent future problems. Twenty four questions were selected from a recent study made by Zagury (2002), in order to support deaf sex education projects, providing information related to the subject to help teachers and parents in this way. The aim is to introduce the necessity of researches about the problem and divide the results. As an introduction to the present work, it is important to provide a brief historic perspective of deaf and hard hearing life. In spite of the fact that many deaf students because of language delays may be emotionally and socially immature while physically mature, they are found of communication and need sex education support as well as most hearing children. The lack of orientation to deaf in the conduct of sex may impact negatively on their relationships, as they are curious, have the same doubts, necessities and much more difficult in finding answers. Although some major changes are still required in order to include deaf in society, is expected that sex education may be a key for reducing the risk of family bankrupt, increase confidence, encourage relationships, and reduce unhappiness as well, contributing to the quality of their lives.