Sexual education for adults with intellectual disabilities: a critical review of policy and practice in four service providers in County Cork

Abstract

In this research my aims are: • To explore views of parents from Down Syndrome Cork around sexuality of their children. • To investigate policy and practice in relation to sexual education in four intellectual disability service providers in County Cork. • To investigate service provider’s opinions on sexual education for people with intellectual disabilities My objectives to achieve these aims are to: • Complete a policy review in terms of sexuality and intellectual disability to highlight the key policies and legislation affecting those with the capacity to have fulfilling relationships. Review the key pieces of literature on sexuality and relationships of people with intellectual disabilities as to gather a general perspective from public, services and parents of people with intellectual disabilities. • Do a focus group in which parents from Down Syndrome Cork would feel comfortable to speak about their child sexuality. • Complete one to one interviews with service providers to discuss in depth their attitude towards people with intellectual disabilities expressing their sexuality and the policies they have in place within the services on Relationships and Sexuality. • To analyse and present the data and findings collected from the primary research. • Conclude with a discussion of the key research questions and recommendations for future pieces of research.