Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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‘I don’t know what a proper woman means’: what women with intellectual disabilities think about sex, sexuality and themselves
- Authors:
- FITZGERALD Christina, WITHERS Paul
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(1), 2013, pp.5-12.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Semi-structured interview schedules were used to guide interviews with 10 women with intellectual disabilities to find out what they thought about their sexuality and sexual identity. All were identified as White British with ages ranging from 19 to 64 years. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Many of the women could not conceptualise themselves as sexual beings, and they tended to regard sex as a dirty and inappropriate activity for them. They generally believed that other people prohibited them from engaging in sexual activity. The women often considered themselves to be of little value, and the majority had no clear sense of identity. It is incumbent upon services to find the means to empower women with intellectual disabilities to acknowledge, welcome and take control of their own sexuality. (Edited publisher abstract)
Sterilization, intellectual disability, and some ethical and methodological challenges: it shouldn't be a secret
- Authors:
- STEFANSDOTTIR Guarun, HREINSDOTTIR Eyglo Ebba
- Journal article citation:
- Ethics and Social Welfare, 7(3), 2013, pp.302-308.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Abingdon
This article discusses the experience of an Icelandic woman with intellectual disabilities who was sterilized and how she has dealt with it. It also reflects on some ethical and methodological issues that arise during inclusive life history research. The article is based on cooperation between two women, Eygló Ebba Hreinsdóttir, who was labelled with intellectual disabilities when she moved to an institution in Iceland in the 1970s, and the researcher Guðrún V. Stefánsdóttir. The article is based on a recorded conversation between Ebba and Gudrun and the work of the Icelandic women's history group in which both participated for three years. Ebba was sterilized when she was 14 years old but didn't know about the sterilization until she was 27. The article describes the deep emotional impact and how she came to terms with it. (Edited publisher abstract)
Exploring the development of existing sex education programmes for people with intellectual disabilities: an intervention mapping approach
- Authors:
- SCHAAFSMA Dilana, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 26(2), 2013, pp.157-166.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
To explore the development of existing sex education programmes for people with intellectual disabilities, programmes currently in use in the Netherlands were examined in the context of the Intervention Mapping protocol. In total, five sex education programmes were selected for this study . Data were obtained via interviews with the programme developers. All programmes lack specific programme outcomes, do not have a theoretical basis, did not involve members of relevant groups in the development process and lack systematic evaluation. The authors conclude that these programmes are unlikely to be effective. Future programmes should be developed using a more systematic and theory- and evidence-based approach. (Edited publisher abstract)
Inclusive research: making a difference to policy and legislation
- Authors:
- JOHNSON Kelley, MINOGUE Gerard, HOPKLINS Rob
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(1), 2013, pp.76-84.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
While inclusive research has become an important stream in research with people with intellectual disabilities, there is a tension between the possibly empowering research process and the strength of the research itself to make social change happen. This paper explores the contribution of two inclusive qualitative research studies in Australia and the Republic of Ireland to change in policy and legislation. Both studies used qualitative methods including life stories and focus groups to explore the issue of sexuality and relationships. In both studies, people with intellectual disabilities were actively involved in undertaking the research. Both studies revealed that it was difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to express their sexuality openly or to form adult relationships. Both studies were used by people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters to promote change in which they had a heard voice. (Publisher abstract)
A rights approach to supporting the sexual fetish of a man with learning disability: method, process and applied learning
- Author:
- CAMBRIDGE Paul
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(4), 2013, pp.259-265.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper reports on a psycho-educational intervention associated with the sexual fetish of a man with mild learning disability and autism which centred on his use of nappies and baby paraphernalia. It outlines the nature and expression of his sexual fetish and the risks perceived to be associated with it and describes the approach developed to support him, including the aims which underpinned the work and the methods and processes employed. It was found that a person-centred psycho-educational approach from a rights based perspective achieved important changes in his life and self-esteem and helped challenge assumptions about his sexual risk. The paper also reflects on the organisational location of this work and identifies the applied learning for supporting the sexual fetish of people with learning disabilities, of value for informing sex education and sexuality support for people with learning disabilities more widely. (Publisher abstract)
Consent and sex in vulnerable adults: a review of case law
- Authors:
- CURTICE Martin, MAYO Jonathan, CROCOMBE Juli
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(4), 2013, pp.280-287.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The introduction of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 has brought to the fore issues regarding capacity in various clinical settings. One important area where capacity assessment is often vital is regarding vulnerable people being able to consent to sexual relations. Case law from courts has evolved with regard to this sometimes complex and emotive issue both before and after the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This article describes and analyses the evolution of such case law which predominantly involves people with learning disabilities. In doing so, it explains key principles and tests both for consenting to sexual relations and for the use of contraception which can be applied and used in clinical practice. The article also discusses the associated human rights issues for vulnerable adults in trying to balance the right to sexual relations as part of an individual's private life whilst managing potential abuse issues. (Publisher abstract)
Irish attitudes to sexual relationships and people with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, LEAVEY Gerry
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(3), 2013, pp.181-188.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Limited progress has been made in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to form intimate relationships. A critical factor that has been rarely researched is the attitude of the general public which likely has a significant influence on public policy on this issue. Unique to Ireland, are the five-yearly national surveys commissioned by the National Disability Authority that recruit representative samples of over 1000 adult persons. On three occasions in the past 10 years, respondents were asked to rate their agreement that people with various disabilities and with mental health difficulties had the right to fulfilment through sexual relationships and to have children if they wished. Secondary analysis of the 2011 data set identified those persons who were more likely to be in agreement and also the concerns raised by respondents. The findings are discussed in relation to priorities for future research and actions needed to reduce the stigma associated with disability or mental ill health. (Publisher abstract)