Examining More Inclusive Approaches to Social Work, Physical Disability, and Sexuality

ABSTRACT

People with disabilities often experience the idea that those with disabilities are not, or should not be, sexual beings. This article examines how people with physical disabilities define sexual activity, their levels of sexual satisfaction, group differences in how people define different acts as sexual activities, and the differences in levels of sexual satisfaction. Additionally, this study (N = 450) looks at the correlations between levels of independence in multiple contexts. Levels of independence are also assessed in relationship to severity of disability and sexual satisfaction. Implications for social work and social service practice, education, and policy are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Attitude change
• defining sex
• disability
• health promotion
• inclusion
• people with disabilities
• physical disability
• sexual satisfaction
• sexuality