Catalogue Number
NMLH.2024.34.2
Object Name
booklet
Title
âFriendships and Relationships in Easy Words and Picturesâ
People
CHANGE (Disabled Peoples' Organisation)
Description
A booklet with a blue and white cover. On it is an illustration of group of people with various gender presentations and body types representated. Two have their arms around each other. The other three are having a conversation, and one is offering a drink can to another. Above them is the booklet title 'Friendships and relationships' and below the illustration 'in easy words and pictures'.
This booklet was created to provide information about both platonic and romantic relationships to people with learning disabilities in an 'easy read' format. It includes information about how romantic relationships can progress from dating to sexual activity, and/or marriage, and what to do if a relationship makes you feel bad. The booklet was created by CHANGE 'a national organisation led by disabled people that campaigns for equal rights for people with learning disabilities'. Providing accessible information about sex, sexuality and relationships for people with learning disabilities is important, as due to ableist discrimination about their abilities to live adult lives, many people with learning disabilities are not offered personal relationship and sex education in schools, or by parents. This leaves disabled people more vulnerable to abuse, coersive control and sexual violence. Statistically, people with learning disabilities are one of the most impacted groups represented as
victims of sexual violence. Empowering, accessible educational materials like this booklet help to prevent victimisation in the future.
Easy read information is typically created for people with learning disabilities, and disabled people with other information processing differences. To class as easy read, text should be in short sentences, images should sit alongside the text to provide contextual information, and complex terms should be simplified or explained.
Multimedia
