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ERIC Number: EJ1234152
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Dec
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: N/A
Supporting Positive Sexual Health for Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Stories about the Right to Love
Sitter, Kathleen C.; Burke, Amy C.; Ladhani, Sheliza; Mallay, Nicole
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v47 n4 p255-263 Dec 2019
Background: Although sexual rights are human rights, persons with developmental disabilities are often excluded from developing positive sexual health due to societal attitudes, stigma, a lack of education and limited opportunities. Methods: As a part of a 12-month participatory action research study in a western Canadian province, nine adults with developmental disabilities and three allies created videos that explored the dimensions of sexual health as experienced by people with developmental disabilities. Participants were involved in all stages of the filming process. The filming topics identified by the participants emerged as the core research themes. Results: Persons with developmental disabilities often have limited opportunities to develop and nurture intimate relationships. Participants also identified that: (a) a lack of support from caregivers, (b) a lack of education about sexual health, (c) ableist spaces and (d) the absence of agency policies that acknowledge and protect sexual rights create further obstacles. Conclusions: Inclusive practices where the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities are respected and celebrated are critical in promoting positive sexual health. For many agencies, this requires reframing policies and programmes that include acknowledging and protecting the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities. While providing accessible pedagogical opportunities about sexual health was identified as important, ensuring curriculum delivery for support workers, as well as educating families and caregivers about the importance of sexual health and inclusion, is paramount, where the views and opinions of persons with developmental disabilities are at the forefront of the process.
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A