Many people are often unaware that disabled people experience the same sexual needs, feelings and desires as any other healthy adult. Puberty may begin a little later and some disabilities can affect sexual performance, but disability does not prevent sexual maturity, or remove sexual feelings, desires or curiosity. Even if a disability does cause a loss of sexual function, the physical and emotional aspects of sexuality continue to be as important for disabled people as for non-disabled people.
Education and the freedom to learn about our bodies and how they work is an essential part of growing into adults. It is important to be aware of the changes that our bodies go through in order to understand what is happening and be able to make informed choices in the future.
Discovering what is pleasurable, learning appropriate behaviour in public, being able to communicate our sexual needs within a relationship are just some of the issues that face everyone. If information is held back from disabled people it causes unnecessary anxiety and alienation. It can be frightening and confusing for anyone discovering about their sexuality; everyone has sexual needs and should be supported through this process. Lack of understanding can leave disabled people very vulnerable to abuse or exploitation, or exposed to the risks of sexually transmitted infections.
Full, open and appropriate sexual education can help create the confidence that promotes well-rounded sexual health. Information should be readily accessible and in a form that suits the individual. It needs to acknowledge developing sexuality and value the person for who they are. Young disabled people need to prepare for adulthood; and parents of young disabled people need to be ready to accept the upcoming adulthood of their child. The sexual and social development process should not be denied or inhibited, and where necessary, specialist information should be available for specific physical conditions.
