Sexuality and Sexual Health in Individuals with Learning Disabilities Training Course

Sexuality and sexual health are fundamental aspects of human life and wellbeing. People with learning disabilities have the same rights to relationships, intimacy, and sexual expression as anyone else, yet they often face barriers, misconceptions, and a lack of appropriate support.

This free course provides health and social care professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to support sexuality and sexual health in a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant way. It focuses on person-centred approaches, accessible information, safeguarding, and balancing rights with safety.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Supporting sexuality and sexual health can feel complex, particularly when legal, ethical, and safeguarding responsibilities are involved. This course helps you navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence.

Here’s why this free course is essential:

• Promote wellbeing and rights: Understand why sexuality and sexual health are vital to overall wellbeing and human rights.
• Challenge misconceptions: Address common myths and societal attitudes that limit opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
• Provide accessible education: Learn how to deliver clear, inclusive information about relationships, sex, and sexual health.
• Support safely and ethically: Balance privacy, independence, consent, and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Work within the law: Gain confidence in applying key UK legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act and Sexual Offences Act.
• Practical focus: Use real-life scenarios, videos, and strategies that reflect everyday care practice.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain sexuality and sexual health in the context of individuals with learning disabilities.
• Understand why sexuality and sexual health are essential to emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.
• Identify common misconceptions, attitudinal barriers, and societal challenges.
• Provide accessible, easy-to-understand information about sex, relationships, and sexual health.
• Apply person-centred approaches to support relationships and self-expression.
• Promote privacy, dignity, and safety while respecting individual rights.
• Assess capacity to consent and understand your legal and ethical responsibilities.
• Support families and colleagues through education and appropriate resources.
• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns, including boundary violations and abuse.
• Encourage ongoing learning and informed decision-making.

The course includes videos, knowledge checks, summaries, and practical examples to support learning and reflection.

Sexuality and Sexual Health in Individuals with Learning Disabilities Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding the Importance of Sexuality and Sexual Health
Learners will explore what sexuality and sexual health mean in the context of individuals with learning disabilities. This module explains why sexuality and sexual health are essential aspects of overall wellbeing, identity, and quality of life. Learners will also examine common misconceptions, myths, and barriers that individuals with learning disabilities may face when expressing their sexuality or accessing sexual health support.

Module 2: Providing Accessible Information and Education
This module focuses on how to provide clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand information about sex, relationships, and sexual health. Learners will explore different resources, tools, and approaches that support inclusive education. The module also covers the role of sex education, including emotional, social, and biological aspects, and why education should be ongoing, tailored, and respectful.

Module 3: Person-Centred Approaches to Sexuality and Relationships
Learners will examine the importance of person-centred planning when supporting sexuality and sexual health. This module explores how to listen to individuals’ views, wishes, and feelings, and how to support them in forming and maintaining relationships. Learners will also consider how to create positive, respectful, and supportive environments where individuals feel safe to explore their sexuality. A knowledge check supports learning.

Module 4: Addressing Attitudinal and Societal Barriers
This module explores the attitudinal and societal barriers that individuals with learning disabilities may face in relation to sexual relationships. Learners will examine common negative attitudes and stereotypes and develop strategies to challenge discrimination and promote inclusivity. The module also covers supporting non-heterosexual relationships and addressing homophobia in care settings.

Module 5: Supporting Privacy and Safety
Learners will explore the importance of privacy in supporting sexual health and personal relationships. This module explains how to create safe environments that respect privacy while maintaining appropriate safeguarding. Learners will examine how to balance safety with individuals’ rights to independence, dignity, and personal choice.

Module 6: Legal and Ethical Considerations
This module focuses on legal and ethical responsibilities when supporting sexuality and sexual health. Learners will explore capacity to consent in sexual relationships, how capacity assessments are conducted, and the responsibilities of carers and support staff. Key legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act and Sexual Offences Act, is examined to support safe, lawful, and ethical practice. A knowledge check is included.

Module 7: Training and Support for Staff and Families
Learners will explore the importance of staff training in confidently and appropriately supporting sexuality and sexual health. This module also considers the role of families and how they can be involved in a supportive and respectful way. Learners will review examples of resources available to improve understanding and promote consistent, informed support.

Module 8: Supporting Specific Groups
This module focuses on the specific needs of different groups, including women with learning disabilities and their contraception and reproductive health needs. Learners will also explore how to support LGBT individuals with learning disabilities and address additional challenges faced by specific groups in accessing inclusive sexual health support.

Module 9: Teaching Boundaries and Preventing Abuse
Learners will examine how to teach personal boundaries, consent, and acceptable behaviours in an accessible and supportive way. This module explores strategies to prevent abuse, recognise risk, and protect vulnerable individuals. Learners will also consider how to respond appropriately and safely when boundaries are crossed.

Module 10: Access to Information and Ongoing Support
In the final module, learners will explore where individuals with learning disabilities can access further information, advice, and support relating to sexuality and sexual health. The module highlights the importance of ongoing education, consistent support, and empowerment to enable informed decision-making and promote long-term wellbeing.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Health and social care workers supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
• Support workers, carers, and personal assistants.
• Team leaders and managers responsible for staff training and safeguarding.
• Students and learners preparing for roles in learning disability services.

No prior specialist training in sexual health is required. The course is suitable for both new and experienced professionals.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
The course covers sexuality, sexual health, relationships, consent, safeguarding, legal responsibilities, and inclusive practice for individuals with learning disabilities.

Is the course practical?
Yes. It includes real-life scenarios, accessible resources, and clear guidance you can apply immediately in practice.

How long will it take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course relevant to UK practice?
Yes. The course is fully aligned with UK health and social care frameworks and legislation.

Is the course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.

Sexuality and sexual health are not optional extras—they are essential parts of dignity, identity, and quality of life. With the right knowledge and approach, you can support individuals with learning disabilities to make informed choices, feel respected, and live fulfilled lives.

Join this course today and build your confidence in supporting sexuality and sexual health in learning disability services.