Exploring how support workers understand their role in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to access the Internet for intimate relationships

Abstract

Background Some adults with intellectual disabilities need support to access the Internet. This study explores how support workers understand their role in facilitating Internet access for intimate relationships. Method Eight support workers in the West Midlands of the UK were interviewed face‐to‐face, using semi‐structured interviews and a thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Results Three main themes emerged; social and organizational dilemmas (including sub‐themes of; role and moral positioning, expectations of support, and protected and reflective space), power and position and policy dilemmas. Conclusion Support workers said that adults with intellectual disabilities should have access to the Internet for intimate relationships. There was a range of views on whether it was their job to support this. A lack of training in Internet use was highlighted.

An exploration of the Personal Relationship Advisory Group in a community learning disability service: A service development project

“…The “Difficulties in relationships” theme highlighted that there was often a lack of opportunity to meet others. In support of previous research, it appears that the Internet, in particular social media, helped with this (Lines et al, 2021; Seale & Chadwick, 2017; Thompson, 2019). However, Internet safety education is crucial as some people were vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.…”

“…Moreover, some adults in the service may require support to access the Internet. It has been highlighted previously that staff face several challenges with this, such as having to constantly weigh up risks and safety concerns (Lines et al, 2021). In addition, in the “Responses from others” theme, there were some unhelpful responses from carers, such as the suggestion of removing Internet access.…”

“…Individuals have been found to worry about Internet restrictions as these would limit their chances of finding friendships or relationships online (Löfgren‐Mårtenson et al, 2015). Therefore, there is a need for more training in this area, so that carers feel confident in supporting individuals to access relationships online (Bates et al, 2020; Charitou et al, 2021; Lines et al, 2021). Furthermore, it would be beneficial for the service to develop resources which focus on supporting staff and family members to understand the benefits of Internet use and how to support individuals to access it safely.…”

“…In recent years, the internet has provided people with learning disabilities an opportunity to seek and form relationships online (Lines et al, 2021; Seale & Chadwick, 2017; Thompson, 2019), whilst also providing them with opportunity to experience an online life without carers (Thompson, 2019). Parents and carers of people with learning disabilities often worry that individuals are vulnerable to exploitation or sexual abuse on the Internet.…”

“…However, the individuals themselves worry that they will be restricted on the Internet by their caregiver, thus limiting their chances of finding friendships or relationships online (Löfgren‐Mårtenson et al, 2015). As some people with learning disabilities require support when using the Internet, it is particularly important that carers have a full understanding of their role in relation to Internet use (Lines et al, 2021). One study explored caregiver's views on people with learning disabilities using the Internet (Löfgren‐Mårtenson et al, 2015).…”