Deafness [microform] : Implications for Sexuality / Max Fitz-Gerald and Della Fitz-Gerald

There is a need for increased sex education for deaf children and adults as well as more accepting attitudes by the deaf themselves and general society. Myths which have hampered acceptance of the deaf include the belief that deaf persons can easily read lips. Surveys of deaf adults have indicated sexual segregation in residential schools and little opportunity to obtain sexual knowledge or experience. A recent survey of residential facilities indicates that 66% of the institutions have "formal" sex education programs, though much of the instruction appeared to be meager or crisis oriented in nature. A needs assessment indicates a need for development of appropriate sex education curricula and instructional materials for the deaf; the need for instructors trained in the special problems of the deaf as well as sex education; parent education; interpreters to aid communication between medical personnel and the deaf; research into the areas of gender identity, sign language, and marriage and divorce among the deaf; and provision of appropriate counseling/therapy services for the deaf. Deaf persons need to reject the idea that they are not potentially sexual or lovable and use militancy in changing societal attitudes toward them. (DB)