Abstract
The sexual expression of persons with intellectual disability is a neglected area, more particularly in residential facilities. This article is based on research to explore the perceptions of sexuality of persons with disability in residential facilities in Gauteng, South Africa. Results pointed to stereotyping, infantilisation and the sexuality of persons with disability not being prioritised at institutions, as evidenced in oppressive practices and policies pertaining to lack of privacy, denial of intimate relationships, lack of sexuality policies and paucity of sexual health education programmes at the residential facilities.
Highlights
AND MOTIVATION The broad definition of disability as applicable to the study on which this article is based is “loss or elimination of opportunities to take part in the life of the community equitably with others that is encountered by persons having physical, sensory, psychological, developmental, learning, neurological or other impairments, which may be permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, thereby causing activity limitations and participation restriction with the mainstream society” (The Disability Rights Policy of the Gauteng Provincial Government, 2010:8).Shutterworth and Mona (2002) focus on disability as it relates to sexuality, the focus of this study
Persons with the disability may themselves not feel that they have a right to make their own decisions about sex because of their upbringing, or they may be manipulated into an abusive relationship by means of rewards or flattery (Polusny & Follette, 1995)
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to understand the sexuality of persons with disability living in residential care facilities
Summary
Shutterworth and Mona (2002) focus on disability as it relates to sexuality, the focus of this study. They discuss physical impairments and mobility issues that serve as constraints when it comes to meeting partners. They open the debate on whether persons with disability should have an intimate relationship with a non-disabled person, as well as discussing to what extent they are considered as ‘equal’ to any other member of society. Reasons for vulnerability include poor understanding of the nature of the disability and the limitations presented by it, difficulty negotiating equality in relationships and difficulty reporting abuse (O’Hara & Martin, 2001; Valenti-Hein, 2000). Shutterworth and Mona (2002) discuss the cultural persecution and widespread discrimination and exclusion of persons with disability, those with intellectual disability (who may or may not experience a sensory or physical disability), from access to sexual health education and intimacy
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