Parental and Staff Attitudes Toward Instruction in Human Sexuality for Sensorially Impaired Students at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

The purpose of this study was to determine parental and staff attitudes toward the subject of human sexuality instruction for sensorially impaired students at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. A questionnaire was developed and disseminated to 603 parents/guardians and to 265 staff. The percentage of returns was 32.34% for parents/guardians and 41.13% for staff. Respondents provided questionnaire data in areas including instruction, grouping of students by sex, and person(s) responsible for instruction. Respondents' attitudes toward these areas were examined also in terms of race, sex, and income. The responses showed strong agreement between parents and staff about the need for instruction in human sexuality. Contrary to the notion that parents of children with sensory impairments are resistant to the subject of human sexuality instruction for their children, this survey confirmed the idea that parents and staff are not only supportive but are eager for instruction to begin in this area.