Sex with disabled people

Sex education is widely believed to be a key part of secondary education, and a vital part of establishing a healthy sexual identity. But while sex education generally is an area about which many people feel insecure and uncertain, those with disabilities are in an even more difficult situation. Not only are they often not given sex education appropriate to their needs, in many cases - especially outside mainstream education - they may not be taught about it at all because parents and teachers often shy away from explaining the facts effectively. The idea of sex education for disabled people was (or still is) simply not an issue, because no one believe they needed it.
Give us your comments?<br><br>Post edited by: Able Here Team, at: 2007/02/23 23:34

You are so right in your comments. Social Workers, Teachers and the like (including the disabled themselves need to be Less Politically Correct and NOT SO SHY!

i agree with both messages why should disabled people not have a sex life ? they are as human as anyone else with the same sex urges . i am not disabled but my partner is she has a good sex drive despite her ilnesses .

to Lancastrian

Good Luck to you both.

i belong to a yahoo site called sexability this is the link uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Sexability/?yguid=255101352

i thinkn disabled people have the right to have a relationship

SEXUALITY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES



by Marilyn M. Irwin



Center for Disability Information &amp; Referral
Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities



In general society, sex has been considered a taboo topic -- unless, of course, you are a radio disc jockey or comedy club comedian. Accurate information about all aspects of sexuality is often felt to be something one should keep under the counter or wrapped in brown paper, and any questions about it, if asked at all, are whispered. Overall, the topic of sexuality makes people uncomfortable, and moral and religious considerations often overshadow the need to provide accessible accurate information. Add disabilities to the equation and further complications present themselves. Sexuality information for people with disabilities and their families is available, but finding it may be a problem for the very people who need it. This article will discuss the importance of having sexuality information available for people with disabilities and raise issues for consideration by libraries.

www.iidc.indiana.edu/cedir/sexuality.html

Group Not Found
There is no group called Sexability. Please make sure you typed the web address correctly. If you have done so, the group may no longer exist.

You may also search or browse for groups on the Yahoo! Groups Home Page.

Sorry, don't know how I got it here twice. Wish I know how to delete it.<br><br>Post edited by: DAEMONICUSMEDICUS, at: 2007/10/03 02:37

This should never ever be a taboo subject, people with a disability may just need to find a suitable position that enables them to have and enjoy sex.

Into any search engine, type karma sutra yes it's a sex position site, but it offers positions that may help people.

the group has closed now. but i reccomend www.outsiders.org.uk

From www.drpetra.co.uk/blog/?p=91

A new survey conducted on readers of the magazine Disability Now reveals shocking findings showing how the sexual and emotional needs of disabled people are consistently being ignored.

Many respondents reported low self-esteem and requested more counselling services. They also requested access to sex surrogates who could enable them to enjoy sex, as well as higher profile media coverage featuring disabled people.

Respondents also felt health care professionals were unable or unwilling to discuss their sexual needs. This follows a recent discussion within the British Medical Journal, where many practitioners supported the idea of sex surrogates for disabled people. Disability Now’s survey went one step further, showing that many readers were in favour of legalising prostitution.

The survey indicated how less than half the respondents had been given any formal sex education. These figures are even lower in groups of people who’ve experience of mental distress.

In the UK, we currently ignore issues of sex relating to disability or mental health. Many people with disabilities feel guilty for having sexual desires, uncertain where to ask for help, and often are criticised or ignored by health professionals for discussing sex-related issues.

Sexual rights are human rights, so it’s unclear why those who are disabled are denied access to sexual pleasure or information. I’ve heard countless stories from people who need sex advice and feel completely isolated.

Like the young blind guy who wanted an aural guide on how to put on a condom (he also drew my attention to the lack of erotic material available for the visually impaired). Or the older couple where the wife had recently had a stroke. They had no idea how to get their sex life back on track, and their GP had suggested there was ‘no need to try’. Or a wheelchair user who wanted to join a dating agency but didn’t know if he could, or should, mention his disability.

We need to support health care providers to feel less embarrassed about discussing sex. But sex isn’t really a medical issue, any more than disability is. We need comprehensive sex education aimed at everyone, erotic material accessible in diverse formats, and sex surrogates available for those who want their services.

Those with disabilities or mental health issues can get support from The Outsider’s Trust who offer advice and information, as well as social activities for people to meet, have fun, and form relationships.

The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability is also a fantastic resource

Later this year the Sex and Disability Alliance will give professionals and disabled people the chance to start working together to improve sex resources.

And we can continue to pressure health providers, educators and the media to celebrate sexual diversity.