Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh organized guest lecture on 'Understanding Sexuality and Gender for Persons with Disabilities' by International Guest Speaker Dr. Neera Malhotra, University Studies, Portland State University.
The objective of this lecture was to offer reflective tools to comprehend sexuality and Persons with Disability using experiential learning methods. The workshop had three sections. The first section offered a brief overview of the qualitative research- Desirable Conversations, which yielded a person centered model. In the second section, using reflective exercises students created an individual tool guide to continue explore sexuality within inclusive setting. The session concluded by discussing the tool guide and exploring how that can be implemented in the Rehabilitation Science services.
Prof. (Dr.) Jayanti Pujari, Dean and Director, Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences welcomed Dr. Neera Malhotra and extended her views on how understanding sexuality and gender issues of Persons with Disabilities is a sensitive topic and need of the hour. Dr. Pujari said, “It is vital that gender equality should be recognized as a discrete issue and the gender dimensions of the disability Inclusive development should be addressed. We as Rehabilitation Professionals need to address the specific health concerns along the dimensions of disability, mental health, sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Dr. Neera Malhotra in her sessions, emphasised on the best practices in creating Inclusion for Persons with Disability with reference to Sexuality and Gender. Hands on creative and innovative activities were put forward to the students describing the personal and demographic perspectives of Gender and Disability. Dr. Malhotra focused her attention towards ‘Everyone, whether they have a disability or not, has the right to enjoy life free from fear and ill-health. Sexual wellbeing is a key element in this. However, there is a cultural silence around sexuality in general and sexuality of people with disabilities in particular. This makes it difficult for parents and care-providers of people with disabilities to address sexuality concerns of their children and wards.’
The learning outcome of the guest lecture developed an understanding of Human Rights Based Approach in context of Disability and also made the students analyze issues related to Sexuality and Gender of Persons with Disability. Students of Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences and Amity School of Physical Education & Sports Sciences presented stimulating posters and group discussions , raising their concerns and advocating INCLUSION, EMPOWERMENT and ENHANCED GENDER EQUALITY towards Persons with Disabilities.