Intimate relationships and persons with learning disability

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the paper “Supporting people with learning disabilities to make and maintain intimate relationships”.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparison of the sexual rights of persons with disability, as outlined in the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, with research on actual policy and practice.

Findings

The sexual expression of persons with learning disability remains suppressed by those in positions of power, such as parents and service providers.

Originality/value

While there remains a long way to go, the commentary points towards examples of empowering policies and good practice that may shift the discourse towards sexual rights and emancipation of persons with learning disability.

Citation

Azzopardi-Lane, C. (2017), "Intimate relationships and persons with learning disability", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 24-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-10-2016-0037