Supporting positive sexual health for persons with developmental disabilities: Stories about the right to love

Accessible Summary This research is about the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities. For 12 months, nine adults with developmental disabilities and three allies created videos about love and intimacy. The group found that family members, caregivers and support workers can make it hard for people with developmental disabilities to learn about and experience healthy relationships. This research is important because it promotes the experiences and perspectives of persons with developmental disabilities, which can hopefully lead to positive changes in attitudes and service delivery that support positive sexual health. Abstract Background Although sexual rights are human rights, persons with developmental disabilities are often excluded from developing positive sexual health due to societal attitudes, stigma, a lack of education and limited opportunities. Methods As a part of a 12-month participatory action research study in a western Canadian province, nine adults with developmental disabilities and three allies created videos that explored the dimensions of sexual health as experienced by people with developmental disabilities. Participants were involved in all stages of the filming process. The filming topics identified by the participants emerged as the core research themes. Results Persons with developmental disabilities often have limited opportunities to develop and nurture intimate relationships. Participants also identified that: (a) a lack of support from caregivers, (b) a lack of education about sexual health, (c) ableist spaces and (d) the absence of agency policies that acknowledge and protect sexual rights create further obstacles. Conclusions Inclusive practices where the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities are respected and celebrated are critical in promoting positive sexual health. For many agencies, this requires reframing policies and programmes that include acknowledging and protecting the sexual rights of persons with developmental disabilities. While providing accessible pedagogical opportunities about sexual health was identified as important, ensuring curriculum delivery for support workers, as well as educating families and caregivers about the importance of sexual health and inclusion, is paramount, where the views and opinions of persons with developmental disabilities are at the forefront of the process.