Sexual Health Equity for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (SHEIDD)

Organization

Multnomah County Health Department

Project Team

Kim Toevs, MPH, Project Director

April Kayser, Project Lead

Beth Appert, MPH, Technical Assistance/Health Educator

Project Summary

The Sexual Health Equity for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (SHEIDD) team promotes comprehensive sexuality education and support for young people ages 14-21 who experience intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) by collaborating with the community to build the skills of parents/guardians, caregivers, support workers, teachers, health care providers and others to provide sexual health education and support to the young people in their lives. SHEIDD aims to support the rights, goals and needs of young people by cultivating contexts across the ecosocial system in which youth experiencing I/DD can develop skills to make informed decisions, stay safe, pursue mutually fulfilling relationships and prevent unintended pregnancy.