Evaluation of an affection, love and sex education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Introduction

The Programme d’éducation à la vie affective, amoureuse et sexuelle (ÉVAAS), an affection, love and sex education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities (Desaulniers, Boucher, Boutet, & Voyer, 2001), is widely used in Quebec and is applied in several locations in Belgium, France and Switzerland.

Objectives

An implementation evaluation was recently completed as the first stage of a program evaluation.

Aims

The aim of the project was to establish the value of this program.

Methods

For the purpose, 73 ÉVAAS sessions at five different sites were observed and questionnaires and interviews with 10 group leaders and their supervisors were analyzed.

Results

It was found above all that the program was normally implemented in accordance with its spirit and objectives. However, it was also noted that follow-up to interventions carried out during ÉVAAS sessions was much less structured and sustained, particularly as regards those intended for friends and family.

Conclusions

The research team formulated seven recommendations regarding the program's implementation framework and adjustments required to ensure the achievement of its objectives. The recommendations concern the authors of the program, the educators who use it, their supervisors, as well as service managers.