RodaSex scheme success

THE PROGRAMME to teach disabled people about sexual education has finished yet another successful year, helping a hundred people learn all about this aspect of life.

The Valencia region’s branch of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disability (COCEMFE CV) has released data on the 18th edition of their popular RodaSex programme.

The realms of an affective relationship and sex can be full of myths and taboos for disabled people.

In 2019, RodaSex has ensured that 101 people (57 women and 44 men) learn about sexuality and disability, sexual and reproductive rights, sexual dysfunctions, STDs, erotic toys, social abilities and sexual assistance.

COCEMFE CV president Juan Mondéjar talked about the importance of conducting this type of programmes: “We, people with disabilities, are sexual people, with needs and abilities that can be developed, but also with barriers that can affect the image one has of one’s self, leading to erroneous thoughts that hinder this development. Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health, and sexual education is a right that we promote and guarantee through RodaSex.”

Promoting personal assistance

COCEMFE CV also completed its pilot project to shed light on the importance of personal assistants for dependent minors.

The goal of the project was to train personal assistants, assess their work with minors and improve the awareness among families of disabled people on this figure.

Personal assistants are different from carers in that the former work on the inclusion of people with physical disabilities, helping them lead an active life and achieve as much independence as possible.

During COCEMFE’s project, they trained 27 people, aided four minors with disabilities and created a pool of personal assistants that relatives of disabled people will be able to recruit from when necessary.