By Helen G | 30 November 2009, 20:57

CREA, the feminist human rights organization based in the global South and led by women from the global South, is to run a 9 weeks (5 hours a week) online course for practitioners and activists in human rights, public health and development organizations and movements between February 1 and April 1, 2010.

The aim is to develop awareness of issues of disability and sexuality and a political perspective on disabled people’s sexual rights. Participants develop their ability to work in inclusive and holistic ways that further health and rights.

Why take this course?

• Disabled people are often excluded or discriminated against in relation to their sexuality by health, development and rights organizations because they are not considered sexual or they are thought to be vulnerable or uncontrolled sexually.
• Disability rights activists and service providers often disregard sexuality issues and rights in favor of issues considered more pressing and appropriate like employment and physical access.
• Sexuality is an important part of life, identity, society and culture for all people, including people with disabilities. It can be a source of pleasure and pain, empowerment and oppression. It cannot be ignored.

Key Questions and Content

• What is disability? What is sexuality?


• What do human rights have to do with disability and sexuality?


• Why are disabled people discriminated against in relation to sexuality?


• Why is sexuality important to everyone, including disabled people? Why is sexuality important for health, development and rights organizations to consider?


• How does the experience and politics of disability in the global South impact theory and practice on disability rights? How are people organizing and campaigning around these issues?


• How can we advance the rights, health and well-being of people with disabilities?

Accessibility

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for this training, which has been designed and tested to be accessible to people with various disabilities and those with slower computers and internet connection speeds. We will work with participants to adapt the course as necessary to meet needs and enable full participation.

Format and Workload

The course will be conducted entirely online in English with presentations, reading, discussion, research, activities and a final project. Special technology is not required, except a computer that can read Microsoft Word and Power Point documents and with Adobe Reader. Also required is internet access to download/upload documents and comments for 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a week throughout the course. The Institute will not be done in real time; participants can complete the assignments at their convenience within the time parameters.

For an application and brochure with complete course information, click here.

Applications are due December 18, 2009.

For more information, contact Caroline Earle (cearle@creaworld.org; +1-212-599-1071).

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(Curtseys to Scott at HRW and Justus on the TGEU listserv for the heads up)

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Cross-posted at Bird of Paradox