Abstract:Dating agencies are a small, but growing sector of social care provision for people with intellectual disabilities. The research reported here is the first to explore, with 10 specialist agencies in the UK, why they were set up, how they operate, the barriers and problems they encounter and their success or otherwise in facilitating relationships for people with intellectual disabilities. A strong case is made for the proliferation of such services.
“…Such a stance results from sexual ableism (Gill, 2015). Sexual ableism produces ID as a characteristic that disqualifies one from sexual agency and it negates the rights of these individuals as sexual beings (McCarthy et al, 2020). When it comes to sexuality for people with ID, they are often constructed as asexual, sexually inactive, or conversely, sexually deviant (Kulick & Rydström, 2015; Shakespeare, 2000).…”
This article offers perspectives shared by self-advocates in the first phase of a community-based participatory research project untaken to address barriers that individuals with intellectual disabilities face with respect to sexual health knowledge. Using descriptive qualitative methods, we interviewed 19 individuals with intellectual disability about their experiences and knowledge related to sexual health. The research question guiding this project was: What are self-advocates’ with intellectual disabilities experiences learning about sexual health and sexuality? The findings highlight that participants faced barriers and lack of access to sexual health education, and while they learned about sexual health through formal sexual health education, frequently this knowledge came through lived experience. Finally, the findings underscore that participants knew what they wanted with respect to sexual health education and offered recommendations. The importance of accessible sexual health education for self-advocates that supports their rights and desires to express their sexuality and sexual agency is highlighted.
“…Such a stance results from sexual ableism (Gill, 2015). Sexual ableism produces ID as a characteristic that disqualifies one from sexual agency and it negates the rights of these individuals as sexual beings (McCarthy et al, 2020). When it comes to sexuality for people with ID, they are often constructed as asexual, sexually inactive, or conversely, sexually deviant (Kulick & Rydström, 2015; Shakespeare, 2000).…”
This article offers perspectives shared by self-advocates in the first phase of a community-based participatory research project untaken to address barriers that individuals with intellectual disabilities face with respect to sexual health knowledge. Using descriptive qualitative methods, we interviewed 19 individuals with intellectual disability about their experiences and knowledge related to sexual health. The research question guiding this project was: What are self-advocates’ with intellectual disabilities experiences learning about sexual health and sexuality? The findings highlight that participants faced barriers and lack of access to sexual health education, and while they learned about sexual health through formal sexual health education, frequently this knowledge came through lived experience. Finally, the findings underscore that participants knew what they wanted with respect to sexual health education and offered recommendations. The importance of accessible sexual health education for self-advocates that supports their rights and desires to express their sexuality and sexual agency is highlighted.
“…When McCarthy et al . (2020) asked people with ID about their experiences of using mainstream dating agencies, they found evidence of people being ‘ridiculed’ and ‘ignored’.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This was a surprising finding because even though there has been a significant movement towards addressing prejudice and negative stereotyping faced by people with ID, it has been found that negative societal attitudes are still commonplace. When McCarthy et al (2020) asked people with ID about their experiences of using mainstream dating agencies, they found evidence of people being 'ridiculed' and 'ignored'.…”
Section: Agreement On High and Low Attractiveness Ratingsmentioning
Background
Although romantic or sexual attraction is a major research topic in the general population, little is known about people with intellectual disabilities' (ID) views of attractiveness.
Methods
Fifty‐eight participants (16–40 years) took part in this exploratory study, 29 with ID and 29 without ID. Participants were shown 50 images of men or women's faces and asked to rate how attractive they thought the faces were.
Results
A strong association was found between what men and women with ID and those without ID considered attractive in romantic partners. However, people with ID were more likely to consider themselves desirable to others.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that people with mild ID make the same subtle judgements about facial attraction as other individuals.
“…The first issue raised was strong support for dating and friendship agencies especially for people with intellectual disabilities (see McCarthy et al, 2020 for more details.) Unlike their experiences with mainstream dating services, which were very aversive (see above), the specialist agencies were found to be very supportive:The support we had was fantastic.They'd sit… a few tables away, so we had the support, but we didn't have someone sat in between us over a candlelit dinner.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Other studies in the programme gathered data from 10 specialist dating agencies and 40 family carers and support staff. Findings from the other studies are reported elsewhere (Bates, 2020;McCarthy et al, 2020). The whole research programme ran from October 2017-April 2019.…”
Background
Adults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century.
Method
Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom.
Results
Participants placed a high value on having a partner and being supported to maintain and develop a loving relationship. The factors which constrained them in achieving this included a lack of social opportunities, barriers created by social care services and limits on them exercising autonomy. Facilitating factors included access to specialist dating agencies, strong family and staff support and opportunities to learn about relationships.
Conclusions
The importance of a loving relationship as a source of pleasure and meaning in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities who are often disadvantaged in many other spheres of life is emphasised.
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