TOPIC: SEXTECH & TOYS - THE FUTURE OF DISABILITIES
SPARK! ROUNDTABLE DIRECTLY FOLLOWING THE SEXCEPTIONAL LECTURE
TOPIC: SEXTECH & TOYS - THE FUTURE OF DISABILITIES
ROUNDTABLE PANEL MEMBERS INCLUDE:
Dr. Mitchell Tepper, Our Sexceptional Lecturer (Please see bio on Sexceptional Lecturer page)
Nick Winges-Yanez, M.S.W., Ph.D Candidate - After many years working in direct social services, Nick received her B.S.W. and M.S.W. from Portland State University and is currently completing her PhD. Her research uses the work of Foucault, proposing a genealogical framework to examine how sexuality has historically been used to define and oppress individuals labeled with intellectual disability. Nick previously completed a qualitative study interviewing queer-identified youth about their experiences with sex education in schools. Currently the Education Coordinator at Q Toys in Austin, Nick approaches sex education with a background in queer and feminist theory and a focus on improved sexuality discourse and access to pleasure.
Deanna Theis, IT Collection - Despite creating useful gadgets throughout her life, the Perfect Pleasure™ cushion is her first invention that has come to fruition. Deanna first came up with the idea for a hands-free masturbation alternative in 2012 when she temporarily lost mobility in one arm due to a pinched nerve. Having recently purchased the Magic Wand Original®, the concept began as a simple handle for a vibrator. Over the course of the next two years she refined her goal to simply, this: create products that provide the highest level of pleasure to any and all who use them. Creating a lifestyle line that could meet the needs of every body became not only a challenge, but a personal mission. From Deanna’s passion, The It Collection was born and the Perfect Pleasure cushion was created as the first of many real solutions for real people. http://theitcollection.com
Kalie Kube, Planned Parenthood -. Kalie is a hard of hearing UT graduate with a BS in Youth and Community Studies. In addition to having a hearing loss, Kalie has battled multiple chronic illnesses and chronic pain her entire life. She currently works as a Medical Assistant at Planned Parenthood where she enjoys educating patients on safe sex, healthy relationships, birth control, and prevention of STDs.
River, The Juicy Truth, Surrogate Partner - River became a surrogate partner because her purpose in life is to promote the evolution of our species through healthy, authentic, sexual expression and intimate relationships. A surrogate partner works in partnership with a talk professional, such as a therapist, to support the client. The surrogate partner is a substitute partner for clients who want to improve their sex and intimacy skills, but have no practice partner. Clients have an opportunity to experience intimacy and develop new skills and capacities with a trained professional. River also founded and co-hosts the Surrogate Partner Salon, a free monthly gathering in Austin of therapists who work with surrogate partners or seek to work with surrogate partners, and two professionally certified surrogate partners. The Salon is an opportunity for those of us within the field to hone our skills. Find out more about the surrogate partner process, the Surrogate Partner Salon, and River at her site: www.thejuicytruth.net
**More Panel Members will be announced soon!
