In 2023 AS setup the Professional Advisory Prevention Team (PAPT). The department offers advisory services particularly those related to behaviour of concern, and relationships and sexuality, training sessions on relationships and sexuality, Individual sessions with persons with persons with disability re sex and relationships, and info session on the same areas. In fact, this department took the lead in the project implementation. Through its own steam and with the aid of this project this team benefited from the TTT accredited course created and the corresponding toolkit, and as a result now offers improved services to PWD. The improved capacity resulting from the project is not only related to this department. Various other Agency departments and persons form education also benefited from this training, hence increasing the target audience outside the Agency staff. Throughout the lifespan of the project PAPT staff, initiated training to third parties on the area sex and disability. Their accreditation through this course ensured their readiness and authority to deliver such training.
Sexual education has long been a vital aspect of the Agency’s daily work, yet it has often faced significant barriers due to societal taboos and misconceptions. People with disabilities (PWD) are frequently perceived as asexual, resulting in their sexual needs being overlooked. This lack of education and open discussion has led to negative outcomes, including behaviours of concern and, in some cases, individuals becoming sexual perpetrators without even knowing it. Recognizing these challenges, the Agency identified an urgent need to shift attitudes and practices through the creation of accredited training and the provision of tools. The establishment of the PAPT department was a key step in addressing these needs, focusing on both education and re-education to improve the quality of life for PWD and those around them. By applying for this project, we aimed to normalise sexual education for PWD, promote open communication within the Agency and stakeholders participating the in the project, and provide tools and training to help us reach our aim.