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Rights, sexuality and relationships in Ireland: 'It'd be nice to be kind of trusted'
- Authors:
- KELLY Grace, CROWLEY Helen, HAMILTON Carol
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(4), December 2009, pp.308-315.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Little formal research has been undertaken in Ireland, where it is currently illegal to have a sexual relationship with a person who cannot live without support, into what people with intellectual disabilities think about issues surrounding sexuality and what they would like to see happen in this area of their lives. This paper presents a preliminary analysis of research into the views and experiences of a 15 Irish people, aged between 23 and 41, with intellectual disabilities in the area of sexuality and relationships. Initial findings from a series of 1 hour discussion groups suggest that people with intellectual disabilities are getting insufficient sex education and that changes are needed at a disabilities service level to enable people with intellectual disabilities to express their sexuality in an open and supportive climate. At a government level, changes would need to be made to Irish legislation concerning the sexuality of vulnerable adults so that Ireland can meet its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). The authors argue that people with intellectual disabilities' views must come first in all debates concerning their sexuality.
Improving the well-being of disabled young people
- Authors:
- KELLY Grace, KELLY Bernie, MACDONALD Geraldine
- Publisher:
- Queen's University Belfast. Institute of Child Care Research
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 127
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
Drawing on the views of 37 young disabled people in Northern Ireland, this report looks at how they feel about their own well-being and how they experience everyday life. The report identifies common triggers for positive and negative feelings and highlights opportunities for improving well-being. Participants were between 10 and 24 years of age and included young people with physical and learning and communication difficulties. The report provides an overview of the policy landscape, discusses the concept of subjective well-being, the role it plays in contributing to the quality of life and ways of measuring subjective well-being. Drawing on interviews, the report discusses the findings in the following areas: the extent to which adolescents are satisfied with their life; how their experiences contribute to the conditions that can enhance or diminish well-being; and the factors that young people feel are most important for building their capability to enjoy a happy and fulfilled life. Key messages include: the need to protect disabled young people and their families from poverty; the importance of formal sources of participation for social interaction in improving well-being; and how involvement of young people with particular needs in the design stages of programmes can overcome barriers to participation. (Edited publisher abstract)