1986 sexuality and disability: looking backward and forward.

... Many suggestions relating to what professionals in the field of sexuality could do to ensure the future growth of the field [sexuality and disability] were offered. Some of the suggestions are as follows:

1. We need more research in such areas as sexual abuse, pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, and sexual functioning of disabled persons.

2. We must increase the accessibility of information related to sexuality and disability for all--students and professionals, disabled, and non-disabled.... Universities, hospitals, as well as public libraries should seriously consider increasing their holdings in this very important area.

3. We must find ways to decrease the isolation of people with disabilities. This isolation prevents social skills because of lack of practice. Friendships, which are the basis upon which deeper relationships are formed, may not be initiated. We must not forget that the socialization aspect of our sexuality is vital. Finding solutions to the issue of isolation isn't easy in a society filled with architectural and attitudinal barriers.

4. We must develop new treatment techniques to use in sex therapy and counseling for people who have organic impairments of their sexual functioning.

5. We must continue striving to ensure that professionals in all disciplines working with disabled people have appropriate training to increase their level of comfort about sexuality. They must become permission-givers who may not have all the answers but who know when to refer a patient/client to a professional with well-developed skills and knowledge in sexuality counseling, education, and/or therapy. If all helping professionals could do this, people with disabilities would benefit more than is imaginable.

6. We professionals who are skilled in sexuality and disability must nurture students and draw them into the field by providing internship opportunities. All of us realize that reading books can never provide the kind of education that actual one-on-one work with a client can offer. By offering these opportunities, we will increase the pool of professionals working in the field who have skills, not only good intentions.

7. We must continue networking. Cooperation between people with disabilities and service providers is essential ...

8. We must continue to advocate issues of sexuality, individual needs, and basic human rights with public officials. This is especially needed in the area of mental retardation/developmental disability where the topic is all too often avoided due to fear, misunderstanding and "other priorities." We must act as advocates for this population....

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we must remember that almost everyone becomes disabled in some way, to some degree, before they die. This fact may help us to avoid the "them" and "us" feelings that too often prevent full social and sexual integration of people within our society.

Pamela S. Boyle M.S., A.C.F.C.

Excerpted from SIECUS Report, Volume 14, Number 4, March 1986.