Introducing Teens to National LGBTQIA+ Month

June is National LGBTQIA Month and a perfect time to provide teens with awareness on this important subject. Introducing special needs teens to LGBTQIA+ issues can help them become more sensitive citizens and maybe help them sort out their own feelings on sexuality.

Transition Rules Require Accurate Sexual Information

But, LGBTQIA+ information is not just a luxury to be taught during National Awareness Month—it is mandated by federal law for teens with special needs. In fact, Indicator 3.1.3 of the Youth Development and Youth Leadership section of the transition mandates states:

“Youth are [to be] provided accurate information and given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss sexual attitudes.”

Free Lesson on Sexual Awareness

The attached lesson from “Safe Dating” in the Daily Living Skills series provides students with information on sexual orientation. It lets students know the most common sexual definitions and provides information on the percentage of people who identify under each label.

By providing this information in a clear, factual manner to kids, it is easy to provide students with the facts they need without any loaded language or judgment. Teachers can then open up the conversation to classroom discussions and exploration as is appropriate to your group.

Additional Transition Requirements Fulfilled

But, “Safe Dating” offers more for teachers. Information on communication, decision making and refusal skills are also explored in this book to meet additional mandates of the federal transition requirements.

If you like what you see, go to our Teachers Pay Teachers Website, or check us out our shop on our very own T2L & DLS Website! Books are written on a 3rd/4th grade level and include grading sheets, answer keys and parent information letters to comply with federal standards for transition skills. The Teacher’s Manual (sold separately) provides information on program set-up and maintenance along with pre/post-assessments, written ITP (Individual Transition Plan) goals for each book, and parent/student interest inventories.