Sept 14, 2026: How to Hear Me: Sex Ed & Therapy with Deaf and Non-Verbal Clients (Streaming-Live)

1 AASECT*/ ISEE CEs

6:00-7:00 PM Eastern time 

Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, 1 in every 10 people will have disabling hearing loss? If you have not yet learned how to have accessible practices while teaching or counseling, it is time.

This class is an introduction to barriers and solutions when working with deaf, hard-of-hearing and non-verbal clients and students. You will learn some practical concerns that people in these communities deal with daily as well as strategies you can use with clients or when teaching.

Taught by instructor Evan Sweeney, a non-verbal educator, will help you to more deeply understand communication as a mutual exchange, societal misconceptions, and practical strategies for how to avoid infantilization and other issues in sexual health spaces. He will also familiarize you with the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and letter boards in session.

Goal:

To equip therapists and sex educators with practical strategies and clinical etiquette to provide inclusive, accessible, and respectful sexual health support for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and non-verbal/AAC clients.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to

- Identify the unique barriers deaf and non-verbal clients face in clinical sex therapy and sex education settings, including infantilization and communication exclusion.

- Implement clinical communication best practices, such as working effectively with ASL interpreters, utilizing letter boards, and supporting clients who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

- Apply practical tools and client-centered etiquette (such as direct eye contact, patient waiting, and direct client engagement) to foster autonomy, consent, and sex-positive exploration for clients with communication disabilities.

Bio

Evan Sweeney (he/they) is a Sex and Disability Educator and the founder of Cripping Up Sex and Cripping Up Reviews. A queer disability activist with cerebral palsy, Evan has over two decades of experience centering pleasure and autonomy within thedisability community.

Evans work focuses on the intersection of disability, queerness, and sexual
health—ranging from specialized accessibility auditing for the sex toy industry to leading workshops on assisted masturbation and navigating intimacy with personal care aides.

He is the author of the foundational book Queers on Wheels and was recently named the 2026 Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellow at Brandeis University Lurie Institute for Disability Policy. Through his advocacy and education, Evan continues to push for a world where disabled people have the resources and support to lead sexually liberated lives.

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AASECT
*This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 1 CE credits, and is considered asynchronous learning. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Institute for Sexuality Education & Enlightenment, Provider #11-113-C. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information please contact ce@aasect.org

Core Knowledge Area H: Health Factors

Sex Education Skills Training D: Approaches to Sex Education with Specific Populations

Sex Counseling Skills Training B: Sexuality Counseling Approaches with Specific Populations

Sex Therapy Skills Training Area D: Approaches to Medical Interventions