UK Groups Promote Sex & Relationships for People with LD

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

DreamWorks, Stiller’s Tropic Thunder “Retard” Offends

05 August 2008

The about-to-be-released Ben Stiller flick “Tropic Thunder” includes offensive remarks about people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and a character named “Simple Jack”. Movie marketing materials refer to him as a “retard”. The movie also features a character in blackface. Disability rights groups are protesting and DreamWorks executives will meet with disability advocates this Wednesday. A DreamWorks Chief Executive says, “I’m proud of the movie. It is hysterically funny. I do think it’s got its heart in the right place.” Tropic Thunder is rated “R”. In addition to stars Ben Stiller and Robert Downey, Jr., Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, and Tom Cruise also appear in the film.
SOURCES:
"Dreamworks to Meet With Disability Groups" http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/arts/05artsDREAMWORKSTO_BRF.html?ref=arts
"Ben Stiller - Stiller Movie in Disability Row"

http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/stiller%20movie%20in%20disability%20row_1076449
"New Film Tests Crudity’s Limits"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/02/movies/02trop.html

RELATED:
Patricia E. Bauer Addresses the Film Fray:
· http://www.patriciaebauer.com/
DreamWorks Animation Stock Downgraded, Falling:
· http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/07/30/ap5271924.html
· http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awaI3ASDxVWk&refer=home
· http://online.barrons.com/article/SB121745096033198073.html?mod=googlenews_barrons (Barrons requires subscription)