15th December 2006

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The sexual needs of people with learning disabilities are being ignored according to new research from the University of Ulster and the Family Planning Association (fpa).

The report, entitled Out Of The Shadows, was complied by researchers from the University’s School of Nursing and is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

The research, which was launched at Stormont today, highlights the experiences of people with learning disabilities in relation to sex, sexuality and relationships.

It is the result of a unique three-year research project, involving over 500 people, including people with learning disabilities, family carers, professionals and front-line staff.

The report shows that there is a lack of acknowledgement of the sexuality of people with learning disabilities.

Consequently their needs are being fundamentally ignored. The main findings from the report include:

• People with learning disabilities feel they want to learn more about sexual health and relationships.

• People with learning disabilities want to have relationships and express fears of being lonely. But they feel over-protected by professionals and family carers. Consequently there are few opportunities to develop relationships and meet new people.

• Some family carers want their child to have the same rights as everyone else. But they feel embarrassed to talk about sex with their children and are concerned for their safety. Feeling unsupported and isolated stops them from raising these issues in the home.

• Professionals and front line staff are aware that the issues around sex and sexuality are often not being addressed. However, they are inhibited by being under-resourced, under-trained and at times restricted by a lack of clear guidelines and policies to support them.

The report recommends greater access to information, education and support for people with learning disabilities and their family carers. It also calls for clear policies and guidelines and better training and resources to help front-line staff and professionals to implement them.

Dr Audrey Simpson, Director of fpa in Northern Ireland said: “This report challenges those who assume that people with learning disabilities do not have the same rights to relationships and sexual health as everyone else. It proposes practice and strategic recommendations some of which are long term while others could potentially make an immediate difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.”

Professor Roy McConkey, Professor of Learning Disability at the University of Ulster said: “The issue of sexuality and people with a learning disability is beset by dilemmas. But in the project we came across excellent examples of leadership being shown by advocates, parents, staff and professionals.

"We feel that local initiatives done in partnerships and coupled with broader strategic plans could quickly resolve the inertia that currently pervades this issue. People with a learning disability have waited in the shadows for too long.”

Professor McConkey’s post is jointly funded by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board.

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Further information contact: Trina Porter, University of Ulster Press Office, 028 90368390

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter