Seksualność osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną w opinii nauczycieli i terapeutów

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate teachers’ and therapists’ attitudes towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities. Teachers working with people with intellectual disabilities in special schools and residential special needs schools act within the institutional framework – according to a specific model of support based on official regulations as well as their personal standards and values. Their knowledge and beliefs determine to a large extent whether the environment of people with disabilities will have a supportive or repressive and restraining influence on the development and expression of sexuality in people with disabilities. The results of the study indicate that teachers and therapists show acceptance and understanding towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities. They respect their rights in this area. The attitudes towards the sexuality of people with mild intellectual disabilities are more positive than towards the sexuality of people with severe intellectual disabilities. Moreover, older teachers and therapists are more likely to perceive people with intellectual disabilities in more asexual terms and treat them as people without sexual needs or rights.