Supporting positive relationships

Inclusive film organisation Bus Stop Films identified the need for a way to support young people with disability to build safe and respectful relationships and understand consent. The idea came from observing young people with disability navigate new relationships and friendships while participating in their filmmaking classes.

As a leading provider working in this space, Northcott had also identified a lack of accessible resources for people with disability. The two organisations joined forces to develop and make Valiant, a short film and educational guide that empowers young people with disability, while also addressing a gap in education.

The issue

Everyone has the right to intimacy and building healthy relationships, including people with disability. Yet access to education about sexual consent, relationships and dating is often limited – or worse, non-existent.

For young people with disability, the need to learn about relationships, sexuality and sexual health can be overlooked, ignored or even deemed unnecessary. In reality however, people with disability – and their parents, carers and support networks – often need extra support.

A learning tool

Through four heart-warming stories featuring characters who live with disability, Valiant explores the dynamics of relationships, tackling issues including breakups, sexual intimacy and first dates. Filmed by a crew comprising students with disability from Bus Stop Films, the characters in Valiant were played by people with disability.

Written by acclaimed screenwriter Emily Dash and directed by filmmaker Claudia Bailey, the content for Valiant was developed by 12 young adults with disability who participated in workshops at Bus Stop Films, supported by Northcott. The workshops explored relationship issues faced by people with disability and the challenges they face in understanding and navigating dating and sexual relationships.

To complement the messages in the film, Northcott’s Sexuality and Relationship Education team developed an educational guide to use for discussions and learning around dating and relationships after watching the film. The guide helps start conversations between people with disability, teachers, parents, carers and others in their support network. It also provides tips and advice to help people with disability and their families and carers build respect for each other, navigate relationships and better understand another person’s needs and wishes.

An actor’s viewpoint

Dina is one of the actors in Valiant, sharing the spotlight with her real-life husband, Ricky. In their scene, the couple explores the issue of sexual consent. Dina is proud to be a part of Valiant, saying, she believes the film will be useful for anyone who wants to be in a relationship and see what it’s like.

“I hope Valiant helps people with disability understand how relationships work and realise it’s not all about rushing into things. I’m pleased that [by being involved] I can help people learn about relationships and, in particular, consent,” she said.