The Original S.T.A.R.S. Guidebook for Older Teens and Adults: A Social Skills Training Guide for Teaching Assertiveness, Relationship Skills and Sexua

Everyone should reach for the STARS

The goal of The Original S.T.A.R.S. Guidebook is to promote positive sexuality and prevent sexual abuse. This revised second edition of this valuable resource presents new information about sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural diversity, cyber security, and includes even more helpful materials.

It provides assessment tools that can be used to identify strengths and needs of each individual. Each activity can be catered to address specific needs.

The STARS model is specially designed for teaching adolescents and adults with a broad range of disabilities, emphasizing four important areas:

• Understanding Relationships
• Social Interaction
• Sexual Awareness
• Assertiveness

Susan M Heighway, MS, RN, is an emerita clinical professor with the University Center for Excellence in Disabilities, Waisman Center and School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Since 1985, Ms. Heighway and Ms. Webster have both worked in sexual abuse prevention and sexuality education for people with developmental disabilities. They have provided consultation to community agencies, presented at conferences, and conducted workshops on the local state and national levels on the areas of sexuality and sexual abuse.

Susan Kidd Webster, MSSW, is an emerita faculty with the School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Since 1985, Ms. Heighway and Ms. Webster have both worked in sexual abuse prevention and sexuality education for people with developmental disabilities. They have provided consultation to community agencies, presented at conferences, and conducted workshops on the local state and national levels on the areas of sexuality and sexual abuse.