MODDC reimagines sexuality education for people with developmental disabilities with a $150,000 funding opportunity

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) has approved $150,000 to fund a three-year sexuality education project for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). MODDC is currently seeking a partner to implement a comprehensive sexuality education training for self-advocates and advocates. The deadline for project applications is 5 p.m. CST, Wednesday, June 8.

“The Council has listened to feedback from Missouri families and engaged in national conversations around this important topic,” says Leigh Anne Haun, MODDC project coordinator. “Addressing the disparities in education and advocacy around sexuality for individuals with I/DD is vital to creating systems change in all aspects of a person’s life.”

Learn more at Q&A Webinar on Wednesday, May 4

The MODDC will host a question and answer webinar about the project and application requirements at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Questions should be submitted in writing to moddc@moddcouncil.org, in care of Leigh Anne Haun, by 12 p.m. CST, Monday May 2, 2022; however, the session will allow for additional questions.

Comprehensive sexuality education for self-advocates and advocates

This three-year project will provide comprehensive sexuality education to self-advocates and advocates. The grantee for this project will engage with a nationally recognized curriculum to provide trainings and train self-advocates and advocates as trainers on this topic. The curriculum will be selected by the grantee and approved by MODDC.

The Council considers “comprehensive” to mean that this education should be inclusive of, but not limited to, the physical and biological aspects of human sexuality. A comprehensive sexuality education curriculum will educate about body autonomy, sexual self-advocacy and healthy relationships. The comprehensive curriculum should explore the intersectionality of sexuality and employment, healthy relationships, advocacy, unnecessary legal actions and other aspects of a self-advocate’s life.

To learn more about the funding opportunity and project requirements, visit: https://moddcouncil.org/grants-nofas/

This project will meet the following 2022-2026 MOODC State Plan objective:

Healthy, Educated and Connected People Thrive: Missourians with developmental disabilities live in safe communities that enhance quality of life across the lifespan. This includes, but is not limited to, barrier-free access to transportation, technology, healthcare, education, employment, housing, social services, cultural activities, and recreation.

About MODDC

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is a federally-funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the Governor. Its mandate under P.L. 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all aspects of community life. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.moddcouncil.org.