Access denied: exploring people with disabilities' experiences accessing an erotic life

Date
2016-07
Authors
Apps, Michelle
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina
Abstract

This paper investigates the lived experiences of people with physical and intellectual disabilities' in accessing an erotic life (defined as any sexually charged touch, with the desire to create intimacy). The research is chiefly concerned with how people with disabilities feel about having an erotic life, which is an overlooked area, and how they think that should be facilitated. The study was conducted through a narrative inquiry (Riessman, 2008), in which the participants told stories about their lives within the context of accessing and facilitating an erotic life. A thematic analysis revealed the main themes of access, perceptions acting as attitudinal barriers, facilitation, the role of interlocking oppressions, and notions of control.

Description
A Practicum Report Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Social Work, University of Regina.
Keywords
Access, Facilitation, Erotic Life, Narrative Inquiry, Persons with a Disability
Citation