A student at the University of Brighton has designed a hands-on sex education toolkit specifically for people with learning disabilities, aiming to make vital topics like consent, autonomy, and relationships easier to understand.

Created by Sarah McBrearty, a former social worker with more than 20 years of experience, the toolkit uses practical, tactile elements to open up conversations around intimacy, boundaries, and personal safety. It features a gender-neutral body mat with a colour-coded light system to help users express consent, along with 3D anatomical models and textured tools to aid those who learn best through touch. Cue cards and sensory aids also help illustrate topics such as contraception, abuse, and healthy vs. harmful behaviours.

Inspired by her own experiences growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and speech difficulties, Sarah wanted to challenge the lack of accessible resources available to people with moderate to severe learning disabilities. She believes that many traditional teaching tools fail to meet their needs, leaving gaps in understanding that can impact wellbeing and safety.

Sarah hopes her toolkit will be adopted in educational and care settings, from schools to day centres. It will be on display at the University of Brighton Summer Shows and showcased at New Designers 2025 in London this July.