TETONS (Teaching, Empowering & Training on Navigating Sexuality and Healthy Relationships Course)

TETONS is a comprehensive class mapping a road to relationships, sexuality and self-determination for individuals with disabilities. Utah Parent Center, in partnership with Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, have curated this unique material to meet the needs of self-advocates 13 years of age and up.

The course material and class environment is designed with total accessibility in mind. Our program is a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space. We welcome learners of all abilities, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious affiliations. Everyone deserves access to comprehensive, medically accurate sexual health information.

Navigating Healthy Relationships with Positive Outcomes (Ages 13+, 8 Week Course)
Sexual Health & Wellness (Ages 16+, 4 Week Course)
  • Communication & Decision making
  • Types of Relationships & Public vs Private
  • Internet & Social Media Safety
  • Many Roads to Relationships
  • Boundaries & Consent
  • Being in a Relationship
  • Gender identity & Expression
  • Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships
  • My Body and Why it Changes
  • Smart Choices about Intimacy
  • Recognizing Abuse and Self-Protection Techniques
  • Safe and Sexual Intimacy
  • Explore Family Planning
  • Managing Doctor Visits

To find out when our next TETONS classes are visit our event calendar!

Event Calendar

A look inside the class

This class encourages group participation and discussion.
Along with multi-media examples of topics discussed.

Disability and Sexuality

Why does this course matter?

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology find adolescents with physical and cognitive disabilities often are considered to be asexual and, thus, have been excluded from sexuality education. However, they have concerns regarding sexuality similar to those of their peers without disabilities. Their knowledge of anatomy and development, sexuality, contraception, and STIs (including HIV), should be on par with their peers. Studies have demonstrated that comprehensive sexuality education programs reduce the rates of sexual activity, sexual risk behaviors (eg, number of partners and unprotected intercourse), sexually transmitted infections, and adolescent pregnancy.
Sexuality and I/DD Statistics
By Katherine Mclaughlin, M.E.D.

-7 times more likely to be sexually abused
-26% of adolescent females reported having been infected with an STI vs 10% of females with average abilities
-40% of impaired teenage girls had become pregnant vs 18% of teen girls without a mental disability
-85% of adults with I/DD reported romantic relationships as part of their lives since high school
-60% of those relationships reported interpersonal violence:
-Including Emotional 50%, Physical 35%, Sexual 15%
-40% did not seek assistance