SEXUALITY EDUCATION FOR YOUTH WITHDISABILITIES : A CRITICAL REVIEWTHROUGH THE LENS OF NEP 2020

CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education) is a process that provides youth with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to understand cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. This allows youth to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, relationships, consent and bodies' autonomy (UNESCO 2024, Joseph et. al 2022). Sadly, youth with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to barriers like social stigma, lack of accessibility and greater risk for abuse, which results in their exclusion from mainstream sex education (Paulauskaite et al., 2022, Sharma & Sivakami 2018). This study was a critical review of 28 qualitative studies and policy documents that provide guidance for young people on sexuality & education (2008–2025) in India. The objective was to synthesize existing research, to identify key barriers & facilitators, and to look how it aligns with the National Education Policy (2020). A systematic review of the major databases was completed, then each article was thematically analysed and triangulated with legislation, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) and National Curriculum Framework (2023). Gaps as well as new emerging inclusive programming ideas were reported.