Former social worker aims to revolutionise sex education for people with learning disabilities

While sex and relationships education (RSE) became compulsory for children with disabilities across the UK in 2020, many people with learning disabilities still lack access to tailored, accessible resources.

Standard materials like videos and illustrations often don’t meet the needs of those with moderate to severe learning disabilities, leaving critical gaps in their understanding of consent, bodily autonomy, and healthy relationships.

To address this gap, Sarah McBrearty – a final-year 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons) student at the University of Brighton and former social worker with over two decades of experience – has developed a tactile, easy-to-use toolkit specifically for people with learning disabilities.

By combining sensory learning with interactive resources, the toolkit breaks down complex topics into accessible and dignity-centred education, while supporting vital conversations about trust, consent, boundaries, intimacy, bodily autonomy, and safety.

At its core is a simple traffic light system – green for go, amber for caution, and red for stop – that helps users understand and clearly communicate that consent is fluid and ongoing. Using a gender-neutral body mat, participants place coloured lights to show consent, demonstrating how feelings and boundaries can change quickly.

3D anatomical models and tactile tools offer hands-on reference points for users who learn best through touch. The toolkit also features texture stamps that simulate the sensations of sexually transmitted infections and illustrated cue cards that cover topics like healthy and unsafe relationships, controlling behaviours, contraception, abuse, and warning signs such as financial exploitation.

“Everyone deserves to understand their bodies, relationships, and rights in a way that feels safe and accessible,” Sarah said.

“This toolkit aims to empower people with learning disabilities to confidently express consent, set boundaries, and share their feelings – breaking down barriers that all too often exclude them from vital conversations.

“By making sex education tactile and inclusive, I hope to create space for respect and autonomy, helping everyone build healthier relationships.”

Importantly, the toolkit challenges negative societal attitudes toward people with learning disabilities by affirming their right to healthy relationships and sexual expression. It promotes autonomy, dignity, and respect in place of misunderstanding and exclusion.

Sarah’s journey from social work to design began after moving to Brighton in 2013, where she discovered a passion for art. Her personal experiences – living with undiagnosed ADHD and speech challenges as a child – alongside her professional insight, fuel her commitment to advocating for the rights of people with learning disabilities.

Her hope is that the toolkit can be adopted in schools, colleges, day centres, and by learning disability teams. By creating a flexible, interactive resource, she aims to open up safe and honest conversations – helping people with learning disabilities to better understand themselves and their relationships with others.