Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
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)
Still off-limits? Staff views on supporting gay, lesbian and bisexual people with intellectual disabilities to develop sexual and intimate relationships
- Authors:
- ABBOTT David, HOWARTH Joyce
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), March 2007, pp.116-126.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
In the UK and elsewhere, there is a growing policy and legislative imperative to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are supported to develop relationships, including sexual ones. However, gay, lesbian and bisexual people with intellectual disabilities may have additional needs or face particular barriers in this area of their lives. They may require particular kinds of support from the staff who work with them. As part of empirical, qualitative research, the authors carried out interviews with 71 staff in 20 intellectual disability services across the UK about their views and experiences of working with people with intellectual disabilities who were, or may have been, gay, lesbian or bisexual. The majority of staff interviewed said that they did not feel confident working in this area. A number of barriers to doing the work were identified including a lack of policy and training as well as the prejudice of staff and parents/carers. The reticence of staff to engage with these issues needs addressing especially in the light of the emerging human rights of people with intellectual disabilities to develop sexual and intimate relationships.