Author’s Note: The United Kingdom disability community uses the term learning disability (LD) to refer to individuals who have intellectual disabilities (ID)/cognitive delay/mental retardation (MR). As used in the UK, it does not equate with the U.S. definitions of learning disability.
UNITED KINGDOM— Several organizations in the UK have launched programs to address the sexual health and relationship needs of people with learning disabilities (intellectual disabilities). ENABLE Scotland (http://www.enable.org.uk/) launched “Dates n Mates”, a dating service for people with LD/ID. Organizers aim to counter the discrimination many people with intellectual disabilities face in the area of intimate relationships, dating, and friendships. “Dates n Mates” will operate in conjunction with other charitable groups. The Family Planning Association, a top UK sexual health organization also provides relationship and dating resources for people with disabilities and disability-related professionals (fpa; http://www.fpa.org.uk/). Training is available in diverse areas, including autism spectrum disorders and sexuality and positive sexuality for adults with LD. Supporters of these programs say accessible information about sex and relationships helps reduce the risk of exploitation and abuse.
SOURCES:
“Disability Sex Campaign” (audio only story)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7576455.stm
“Would Like to Meet … But Not Be Judged”
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.2329615.0.Would_like_to_meet_but_not_be_judged.php
RELATED:
Disabled World
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/disabilitysexuality.shtml
Sex, Dating and Disability: How to Help Youth Make Healthy Choices
http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/192/over11.html
UNITED KINGDOM— Several organizations in the UK have launched programs to address the sexual health and relationship needs of people with learning disabilities (intellectual disabilities). ENABLE Scotland (http://www.enable.org.uk/) launched “Dates n Mates”, a dating service for people with LD/ID. Organizers aim to counter the discrimination many people with intellectual disabilities face in the area of intimate relationships, dating, and friendships. “Dates n Mates” will operate in conjunction with other charitable groups. The Family Planning Association, a top UK sexual health organization also provides relationship and dating resources for people with disabilities and disability-related professionals (fpa; http://www.fpa.org.uk/). Training is available in diverse areas, including autism spectrum disorders and sexuality and positive sexuality for adults with LD. Supporters of these programs say accessible information about sex and relationships helps reduce the risk of exploitation and abuse.
SOURCES:
“Disability Sex Campaign” (audio only story)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7576455.stm
“Would Like to Meet … But Not Be Judged”
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.2329615.0.Would_like_to_meet_but_not_be_judged.php
RELATED:
Disabled World
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/disabilitysexuality.shtml
Sex, Dating and Disability: How to Help Youth Make Healthy Choices
http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/192/over11.html
