Intimate relationships and persons with learning disability

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the paper "Supporting people with learning disabilities to make and maintain intimate relationships". Design/methodology/approach-Comparison of the sexual rights of persons with disability, as outlined in the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, with research on actual policy and practice. Findings-The sexual expression of persons with learning disability remains suppressed by those in positions of power, such as parents and service providers. Originality/value-While there remains a long way to go, the commentary points towards examples of empowering policies and good practice that may shift the discourse towards sexual rights and emancipation of persons with learning disability.

Muted voices: The unexplored sexuality of young persons with learning disability in Malta

“…Mark and Ninu and are consistent with similar findings from research carried out within a Maltese context by Azzopardi Lane and Callus (2014), Debattista (2015) and Azzopardi Lane (2017). As also claimed by Callus and Bonello (2017), the absence of opportunities for sup- (Brown, 1994;Wilkinson, Theodore, & Raczka, 2015).…”

“…Although the barriers described in these findings are mostly related to social relationships, they provide the fundamental reasons why persons with learning disability lack possibilities to explore their sexuality and establish romantic relationships. The socio‐cultural tendency to both infantilise and desexualise persons with learning disability resonated in the participants' experiences as it did in related research carried out in the same context by Azzopardi Lane and Callus (), Debattista (), Azzopardi Lane () and Callus and Bonello (). The overprotection and the absence of possibilities to socialise, experienced by young persons with learning disability, lead to limited opportunities to be in social spheres and spaces from which to launch and develop specialties.…”

“…However, they were even more appalled by the possibility of having to live in an institution when their parents passed away or would no longer be in a position to support them. These opinions were expressed by Mark and Ninu and are consistent with similar findings from research carried out within a Maltese context by Azzopardi Lane and Callus (), Debattista () and Azzopardi Lane (). As also claimed by Callus and Bonello (), the absence of opportunities for supported community living and personal assistant services is one of the major deterrents to the autonomy of persons with learning disability in Malta.…”

“…Nevertheless, the question remains as to whether the experiences and the expression of sexuality of persons with learning disability in Malta remain censored and unexplored. The research carried out on the topic of sexuality in this context is to date limited, and more needs to be known about the lived experience of persons with disability (Azzopardi Lane, ; Azzopardi Lane & Callus, ; Bonello & Callus, 2017; Debattista, ). This paper seeks to identify and interpret the opportunities and difficulties experienced by young persons with learning disability in expressing their sexuality in Malta.…”

Measurable Indicators of CRPD for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within the Quality of Life Framework

“…Article 6 (women with disabilities): Eight papers refer to the rights of women [ 8 , 49 , 52 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 65 , 74 ]. Most indicators and personal outcomes were already reflected in other CRPD rights, but there was particular emphasis on the application of these rights—and respect for—women.…”