Reproductive Health Education on Children with Visual Impairment
The issue of sexuality has been taboo to the ultra-conservative societies.
Citizens of these ultra-conservative societies tend keep a shut mouth or
shrugged off the idea talking about sex issues. It is only widely known to be an
open discussion in the Western world where minds are liberated.
But, it is important to note that sexuality is a fundamental cornerstone of
life. It is an inevitable issue to tackle and it cannot be separated from other
aspects of life. It encompasses to the physical, emotional, intellectual and social
dimensions of human existence. It influences our way of thinking, the thoughts
and feelings, actions and interactions toward other people.
Only when a person has faced his sexual issues could claim his
wholeness as a being. It is very essential to have healthy sexuality because it
influences how an individual could reach his potentials in it full extent. Also, it is
critical for happiness and contentment.
Education on sexuality or more appropriately called reproductive health
education is considered to be taught in school. Aside from the major subjects, it
is also a necessary topic that students should learn. However, not all students
have the privilege to fully grasp the concepts of reproductive health education.
The Akropong School for the Blind that was established 65 years ago
houses, feeds and educates visually impaired people. It made a remarkable
progress in teaching education despite inadequacies in funds and facilities. The
School has produced great personalities occupying responsible positions both
inside and outside of the country. And, it is one of the visually impaired
institutions that teach reproductive health education to its students.
Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) collaborated with the
leaders of the special schools, including the Akropong School for the Blind, in
trying to equip their students with sufficient knowledge regarding reproductive
health education. It is undeniable that the students would face challenges and
issues regarding their sexuality in the near future of their life. PPAG claims that
sexual education has a social relevance affecting people’s lives and it is a proven
method for promoting good health using time-tested educational methods.
Tackling issues about the sexuality of a person is an essential part of one’s own
development process.
The visually impaired students use Braille materials in discussing and
discovering the topics among reproductive health. Braille system is the method of
reading and writing used by the blind people. Though obviously visually impaired
students can’t see the sophisticated illustrations on the issues reproductive
health, these Braille materials pictures the scenario as much as possible for the
visually impaired. The topics include body changes like puberty and
menstruation, virginity, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS prevention, and
sexual abuse. Also, the education materials have interesting information and
educative stories.
However, concerns on misinterpretation of the students on reproductive
health education are being raised. There has been an expressed concern that
sexual education might be equated to sexual promiscuity thereby jeopardizing
them instead of saving them from any threat of sexual irresponsibility. Sexual
processes are sensitive issues and should not be treated with nonchalance.
There are reports that blind people tend to be sexually abused because they are
ignorant on what is allowed or not on sexual terms of a responsible person, and
effective reproductive health education would access the on such information.
Misinterpretation could lead them to be promiscuous and have casual partners.
But, PPAG and the Akropong School for the blind have assured the public that
the information being disseminated are thoroughly assessed and studied that it
would fit the understanding and needs of visually impaired people.
Everyone should be involved in discussing sensitive information on
sexuality with no exclusions of groups of people. HIV/AIDS is a critical sexual
issue, and people should be aware of it. Visually impaired people shouldn’t be
denied on information just because they are disabled. They should be more
involved in these kinds of issues because are disadvantaged on visuals and
solely rely on their extent of understanding the situation.
People shouldn’t be afraid that tackling sexual education would only lead
to worse. Thus, people should have a liberated mind on sensitive topics. It is just
a matter of perception and understanding on how to be sexually responsible
citizen of your country.
References:
The Development and State of the Art of Adult Learning and Education, March 2008
Lule, Jeff, ‘Straight’ Talk for the Blind, April 6, 2010
Nakkazi, Esther, HIV and reproductive health in Braille, April 19, 2010
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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