Sex Education for Students with Visual Impairments

Michigan, like most states, makes provision for sexuality education in its school code provision. The State Board of Education sets guidelines for instruction in many phases of health and sexuality education. Administrative policy paves the way for program implementation at the local district levels. Districts are required to have their own formal plan for instruction of sex education.

For specific language of all the sections of School Code and State Aid that pertain to HIV and Sex Education, visit the Michigan Department of Education Web site or download a chart summarizing the law.

MDE-LIO is in the process of coordinating with people at the state level who provide training on sexuality and special education issues to:

• ensure that students with visual impairments have the proper accommodations when learning this subject
• assist in the training of educators who serve students with visual impairments

MDE-LIO has been available to provide technical assistance to teachers, parents, and general educators that work with students with visual impairments. Assistance may be in the following manner:

• Loan of gender models (List of Human Reproductive Models and Contraceptives-Word Doc) available from MDE-LIO
• Consultation about appropriate resource materials
• Loan of resource materials

Marty Doring at Bay Arenac ISD has a series of trainings that she offers related to sexuality and special education issues. These trainings are for any educator around the state interested in learning more about sexuality education and special education. The trainings are very informative, enlightening, and thought provoking. Download a flyer outlining upcoming trainings for the 2006-2007 school year.