Introduction
Disabled people have different needs from the rest of the people in the society. Both their habitual and educational needs are changing from what is conventionally known regarding the daily living culture such as the way in which people are dressed and groomed. This is also true when it comes to the vocational and social duties.
From research, the crux of the matter in this broad focus is mainly sexuality and the rights that the disabled have with respect to the sexual education and sexual expression. Other members of the society have stereotypical perspectives concerning those with disabilities. Such beliefs are not necessarily true though they are amazingly part of both the young and the elderly in society!
This is specifically in relation to sexual behavior. The aim of this essay is to explore the attitudes that the society has regarding the sexuality of disabled people, the latest impediments faced by people with disabilities as pertaining sexuality and the way it affects sexual functioning.
Overview
It is within the last twenty years that researchers and other professionals began engaging and conducting studies on subjects that entail sex education and sexual expression among the disabled. Prior to this time, most researchers had confined themselves to the sexual dysfunction suffered by most heterosexual white men. Such impairment was as a result of injuries especially on the spinal cord.
Currently, the research still borders on both the medical and rehabilitative aspects. It concentrates on the sexuality of women with disabilities and that of other disabled individuals. However, the focus of this research is still on the heterosexual majority. In the recent years, research in this area has been taking a sociopolitical dimension (Shuttleworth, 2007, p. 2).
As other people within the community, we are increasingly being informed of the human rights that the disabled are supposed to enjoy, given that it affects them socially, physically and mentally. Like the rest of the society, the disabled have different levels of potential with regard to reproduction, sexual response and sexual interest.
It is imperative to note that like other societal members, people with disabilities have needs such as the need for affection, good interpersonal relationships and love. Studies show that even those with disabilities emanating spinal injuries, experience sexual arousal (Stolov & Clowers, 2000, p. 79).
Despite the fact that the world around us has started showing interest in the sexual needs of the disabled, a lot is yet to be done. Understanding the current attitudes that the society holds towards the sexual needs of the disabled will be helpful in both imparting and inculcating positive attitudes that the society has towards them.
The latest change in attitude is causing most Americans to respond reluctantly, to the realization that people with inabilities are also sexual beings who are wired with the need for sexual gratification, love and intimacy.
Attitudes on Sexuality of people with disabilities
The perceptions of most people in the society regarding the disabled, in light of sexuality, are often narrow-minded. They think that this category of people is not sexual in nature. The misinformed society, therefore, end up concluding that the only people who should have sex are the physically fit. The general perception is that people with disabilities are not supposed to be sexually active.
This belief is held by both the young and the aged in the society, and is known to the disabled (Marini, Glover-Graf & Millington, 2011, p. 57). It is a taboo to think of sex among the disabled and denying the fact that it exists has never nullified it. According to some studies, by the society not granting a meaningful sex life to the disabled, it is tantamount to withholding them their deserved basic human rights (Carroll, 2006, p. 479).
The disabled that are in need of a sexual relationship do not just express it as disapproval to the popular notion that they are not sexual beings. The issues here are more practical. Prior to having a relationship, couples ought to meet. Either poverty or transport can bar the disabled from going out for purposes of socialization.
In most cases, the institutional world encompassing the disabled appears to be insensitive to their need for sex and relationships. Lack of privacy is an issue for the disabled who reside in care institutions. Staff members may get into their bedrooms without notice. Relatives become overprotective for some disabled folks who stay at home.
For the disabled that receive their spouses’ care, maintaining sexual mystique is not easy since their significant other has to dress, bathe or assist them to the wash rooms. Conducting a satisfactory sexual relationship is therefore challenging due to the absence of the required choice and control that goes with it.
Therefore, this makes it difficult for the disabled to have responsible sexual relationships. The disabled thus end up being marginalized and alienated, as a result of these attitudes. They also internalize the same attitudes held by the society towards them.
Barriers faced by the disabled, with respect to sexuality
In their dealing with sexuality matters, the disabled encounter several hurdles. First, they have a problem accessing information related to their personal situations, on suitable expression of sexuality, and required skills in sexual communication. Besides lacking access to accurate information, they receive misinformation on sexuality, as a way of discouraging their interest.
Second, they lack privacy in expressing themselves sexually. This is especially for those residing in institutional settings. With shared accommodation, it is difficult for them to express themselves sexually due to lack of privacy. These conditions may therefore cause people to engage in sexual behavior that is inappropriate. Consequently, the society then begins to put stereotypes on them.
Third, women with disabilities encounter both sexual and physical abuse. This is because they are perceived as victims who may not be able to report such abuse. In most cases, crisis centers, police stations and other shelters are often inaccessible. In cases where they are present, officers doubt the women’s credibility judged from their state of health and competence (Smith, 1999, p.153).
In addition, people with disabilities are viewed by some members of the society as being asexual. The stereotype began long time ago and could be witnessed in health institutions. Here, disabled adolescents were carelessly placed in hospitals to receive medical attention. Both boys and girls could be hospitalized in adjoining beds.
Furthermore, due to their physical conditions, majority of the disabled are not free to move from place to place. Most are confined in their relatives’ homes or in other health care centers.
Therefore, they have limited opportunities to move around, in a bid to establish meaningful relationships. This is opposed to the nondisabled individuals who have the freedom to go to different places where they can socialize and establish relationships that matter.
Reference list
Carroll, J.L. (2006), Sexuality now: Embracing Diversity. Belmont, U.S: Cengage Learning.
Marini, I, Glover-Graf, N.M. & Millington, M.J. (2011), Psychosocial Aspects of Disability: Insider Perspectives and Counselling Strategies, NY: Springer.
Shuttleworth, R. (2007). Sexuality Research and Social Policy: Journal of NSRC. Introduction to Special issue: Critical Research and Policy Debates in Disability and Sexuality Studies. May 2007. Vol. 4, No. 1
Smith, M.B. (1999), The Reader’s Companion to U.S Women’s History, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Stolov, W.C. & Clowers, M.R. (2000), Handbook of Severe Disability: A Text for Rehabilitation Counsellors, Other Vocational Practitioners, and Allied Health Professionals, Washington DC: DIANE Publishing.