Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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“Where’s the human dignity in that?”: LGBTQIA + people with intellectual disability exploring sexual lives and respectful relationships
- Authors:
- MARKS Genee, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 32(3), 2020, pp.354-376.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
For people with disabilities, sexuality remains a contested and restricted space. This research investigated how the Sexual Lives & Respectful Relationships (SL&RR) program might be adapted for people with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA+. The program included co-developed materials and specifically curated narratives. It was received positively. The facilitators identifying as members of the LGBTQIA+ community was also reported as positive. While an inclusive program might be ideal, participants expressed the view that community attitudes (including those of other people with intellectual disability) might not yet be conducive to integrated human relationships programs. (Publisher abstract)
Love in a cold climate: changes in the fortunes of LGBT men and women with learning disabilities?
- Author:
- ABBOTT David
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(2), 2015, pp.100-105.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
‘Secret Loves, Hidden Lives?’ was a piece of research which explored the lives and loves of gay, lesbian and bisexual people with learning disabilities. The research arguably influenced the development of policy in that same sex relationships were subsequently mentioned in English government policy on learning disability. The research had an extensive programme of dissemination, and whilst no systematic attempt was made to measure the impact of the dissemination or the research, this study suggests ways in which the research might (or might not) have made a difference in relation to: telling untold stories, supporting front line workers with practical resources, challenging negative assumptions held by staff in services and putting LGBT people with learning disabilities in touch with each other. The study also considers work which was left undone and reflects on the opportunities to support LGBT people with learning disabilities in the current context of financial austerity. (Publisher abstract)
Commentary on “gender disorders in learning disabilities: a systematic review”
- Author:
- THOMPSON David
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 19(4), 2014, pp.166-169.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Commenting on a review by Ellena Wood and Neel Halder where the gender of people with learning disabilities is contensted, this paper begins by taking a step back by exploring what is gender. The author discusses the gender identity of people with learning disabilities as a precursor to considerations of gender dysphoria, supported by illustrations from the literature. A limited amount of research on gender identity for people with learning disabilities is available. It ends by highlighting some of the key findings of the review which could benefit from further consideration. The author calls for a need to look at how men with Klinefelter's syndrome and learning disabilities are supported in relation to common female sexual characteristics. (Edited publisher abstract)
Staff characteristics and attitudes towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- MEANEY-TAVARES Rebecca, GAVIDIA-PAYNE Susana
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 37(3), September 2012, pp.269-273.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
People with learning disabilities often experience difficulties in correctly interpreting behavioural cues which may have detrimental outcomes with respect to their expression of sexuality. The identification of individual staff characteristics that have a relationship with specific attitudes of staff caring for people with learning disabilities may enable targeted training and better support. In this study, 66 participants from services for people with learning disabilities in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, completed a survey, including the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire. Findings revealed that staff attitudes towards the sexuality of people with learning disabilities were quite positive. Age, programme agency position, and training uptake were all associated with positive staff attitudes. The authors concluded that targeted training programmes in sexuality can benefit direct care workers in general and older staff more specifically. Implications for training and practice are discussed.
Good sexual health and relationships
- Author:
- DE LA FEUNTE Miguel Tudela
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 10(9), November 2010, pp.26-28.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
In 2009, the City of Westminster and the local NHS set up the Good Sexual Health and Relationships project in order to provide support and information on sex and relationships to people with learning disabilities. The project is being run by the sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association (FPA). The initiative develops people’s sexuality and sexual identity and supports them to take part in adult relationships in a safe environment. This is achieved through individual and group programmes. The project also trains staff working to support the sexual needs of their clients with learning disabilities. In addition, it gives information and support to the parents and carers of adults attending, or thinking of attending, the course. Education about sexuality, sexual health and relationships makes people feel more empowered to make decisions and give consent to sexual relationships as they have a better understanding about what they are able to consent to and with whom. Other benefits are that it makes people less vulnerable to abuse, less in danger of abusing others, and less likely to have unwanted pregnancies or contract sexually transmitted infections.
Helping people to express their sexuality
- Author:
- MELLAN Bryan
- Journal article citation:
- Community Living, 22(2), 2009, pp.24-25.
- Publisher:
- Hexagon Publishing
The CONSENT team was set up to as a short-term project to assess the HIV/AIDS prevention needs of people with learning disabilities. The project revealed the depth of people's problems in expressing their sexuality needs and gave the team a wider role. Ways in which staff and carers can support people with learning disabilities in the areas of sex and relationships are suggested, the services provided by CONSENT are outlined.
Working for change
- Author:
- BURGER Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 2008, pp.24-25.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
Briefly reports on research being carried out by Change, an equal rights organisation led by people with and without a disability, into the issues surrounding sex and relationships for young people with a learning disability.
Love and loving relationships in people with learning disabilities: a scientific approach
- Authors:
- MORENTIN Raquel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 13(2), August 2008, pp.33-41.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The study reported here was based on research with 376 people with learning disabilities in Spain, and aimed to analyse their appraisal of love, loving relationships and related issues (satisfaction, role of the family and self-determination). A Likert-type measure was developed, and the outcomes indicate that the measures have satisfactory psychometric characteristics. It is also evident that the theoretical model of love for people without disabilities can be applied to individuals with disabilities, and includes three key factors: commitment, stability and idealisation; passion and physiological arousal; and intimacy and romanticism. It also indicates that the perceptions of love in people with learning disabilities are relatively idealised and influenced by context, and interference from family and self-determination are key issues.
Attitudes of social service providers towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- BAZZO Giuseppe, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), March 2007, pp.110-115.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The sexual lives of people with intellectual disability is made complex by the involvement and influence of social service providers, whose beliefs and values have a great impact on the support they provide. This Italian study describes attitudes of social service providers towards the sexuality of individuals with disability measured by 20 items of Sexuality and Mental Retardation Attitudes Inventory (SMRAI). The participants were staff, 216 social service providers from residential centres, day centres, and outpatient treatment services. Results suggested that the social service providers participating in this research study tended to have moderately liberal attitudes. Educational level and role carried out did not produce differences in their attitudes. A significant difference emerged between those who operated in different services. It was especially the staff of the outpatient treatment services who revealed the most liberal and positive attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability. The data reported in the present study seem to underline some differences between the data collected from the Italian and the Anglo-Saxon social service providers. Failure to record influences associated with the role carried out and previous training could be related to the different contextual differences. Results suggest that particular attention should be paid to the training of those who hold managerial posts in Italian residential services.
Buzzing since I came back...
- Author:
- VALIOS Natalie
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 4.05.06, 2006, pp.30-31.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
One of the winners of the Isabel Schwarz Fellowship Award tells the author about his trip to Tulsa and New York to learn more about how US agencies support people with learning difficulties.