Sexuality & Access Project 2.0 (SAP2.0)
In 2011, Cory Silverberg and Fran Odette published their Sexuality and Access Project (supported by Springtide Resources and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation). They surveyed over 400 people (attendant service users and attendant service providers) on the attendant service relationship, sexuality, and access. As stated in the survey summary, they began the project with the four following truths in mind: Sexual rights are human rights, sexual health is a core component of general health, people with disabilities who use attendant services have a right to access information and resources about their sexual health and support in expressing their sexuality, and lastly, attendants have sexual rights, which include the right to a workplace that is not sexualized.
One of the key conclusions they came to was “Everyone wants to talk, but no one knows how to start the conversation”. To view the 2011 Project Survey Summary, click HERE.
Who Are We?
In 2021, Wallace and Melanie from t6talk (Brantford, ON) realized the above key conclusion has remained unchanged and wondered how they could be part of the solution. Through conversations with Independent Living Centres in Ontario and BC (Waterloo, Kingston, Ottawa, and Victoria), along with the Sexual Health Team in BC (Blusson Spinal Cord Centre/GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre) and others, the conclusion was reached that further consultation was needed.
Later in 2021, t6talk partnered with SHORE Centre in Kitchener ON, the University of Guelph, and U of G’s Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) and began Phase 1 of the Sexuality & Access Project 2023 (SAP2023).
Phase 1 - Complete!
Phase 1 was centered around consultation with people who access attendant care services and those who provide these services. This was achieved by updating the original two surveys used by Fran and Cory (with their consent). The surveys went live across Canada in January of 2023 in both English and French, and remained open until the end of that year. In addition to this, qualitative interviews were conducted in the fall of 2023 and into early 2024. The team analyzed and compiled this information and it was presented at a virtual town hall.
Phase 2
The Sexuality and Access Townhall on June 25th, 2024, marks the official end of Phase 1 and the start of Phase 2. Phase 2 will be focused on developing a training program to address the needs identified in Phase 1. Currently, the team is focused on training for attendant service users, attendant service providers, as well as a train the trainer program. There is also the potential for a training program directed at clinicians so that they might be better informed when supporting people with disabilities. To encourage divergent thinking, an Advisory Committee will be formed to review the team’s work and to provide input. The team will be seeking people with lived experience, across disability and across Canada for this Advisory Committee.
Interested in Supporting SAP2.0?
Share: If the nature of the Sexuality and Access Project 2.0 aligns with you as an individual, or your organization’s mandate, you could help by sharing this with others. To receive updates on the project, the communication materials, advisory committee, and to be added to the distribution list, please email t6talk@gmail.com.
Donate: If you are interested and able, we welcome donations to support the Sexuality and Access Project 2.0. Thanks to those who have contributed! We could not have completed Phase 1 without you, but we are not at the finish line yet. Your donation will go towards compensating people with lived experience who assist with the project, paying for translation services and covering administrative costs. Please note, t6talk does not receive any of these funds. The Sexual Health Options Resources and Education (SHORE) Centre is collecting donations on behalf of the Sexuality and Access Project 2.0. Please visit the following link to donate and select SAP2.0 from the "FUND" dropdown menu. A charitable tax receipt will be issued. CLICK HERE.
Research Ethics Board (REB)
This project has been reviewed by the Research Ethics Board (REB) for compliance with federal guidelines for research involving human participants. If you have any questions regarding your rights and welfare as a research participant in this study, please contact: Katelyn Wadleigh, Manager of Research Ethics; University of Guelph; reb@uoguelph.ca; (519) 824-4120 (ext. 56606). REB# 22-03-019
The Team
Thank You Moira Forster!
A great BIG thank you to Moira! She is not longer an active team member, but we are keeping her in the loop as we move into Phase 2 and we would like to acknowledge her invaluable contributions to Phase 1 by keeping her bio posted. We wish her every success in her future endeavours.