Sexuality and Disability
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Sexuality and Culture course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Ableism refers to the discrimination or prejudice against people with disabiliti… #
Ableism can manifest in various ways, including the lack of accessibility in buildings, transportation, and communication, as well as the stigma and stereotypes surrounding people with disabilities. In the context of sexuality, ableism can lead to the marginalization and exclusion of people with disabilities from sexual relationships, education, and healthcare.
Accessibility is a crucial concept in the context of sexuality and dis… #
Accessibility can be achieved through the removal of physical barriers, the provision of accommodations such as sign language interpretation or Braille materials, and the creation of inclusive and welcoming environments.
Adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to a new situation or environment,… #
People with disabilities may need to adapt to new ways of communicating, navigating, or interacting with their environment, and this can have implications for their sexual relationships and experiences.
Ageism refers to the discrimination or prejudice against people based on their a… #
Ageism can manifest in various ways, including the lack of accessibility in education, employment, and healthcare, as well as the stigma and stereotypes surrounding older people or people with disabilities.
Androgyny refers to the combination of male and female characteris… #
Androgyny can be expressed in various ways, including through the use of clothing, makeup, or other forms of self-expression, and it can be an important aspect of a person's sexual identity.
Asexuality refers to the lack of sexual attraction or desire, and it is a… #
Asexuality is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Assistive technology refers to the devices, tools, or software that can assist p… #
In the context of sexuality and disability, assistive technology can play a crucial role in facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare.
Bisexuality refers to the attraction to both men and women , and it… #
Bisexuality is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Caregiver refers to the person who provides care and support to someone with a d… #
Caregivers can play a crucial role in facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it is essential to recognize and respect their role and responsibilities.
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect movement, balance, and… #
Cerebral palsy can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Chronic illness refers to a long #
term health condition that requires ongoing management and treatment, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Chronic illness can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Communication refers to the process of exchanging information, ideas, or message… #
Effective communication is essential for facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as sign language interpretation or Braille materials.
Consent refers to the agreement or permission to engage in a particular activity… #
Consent is essential for ensuring that sexual relationships are respectful, safe, and enjoyable, and it is crucial to recognize and respect the autonomy and agency of people with disabilities.
Cross #
dressing refers to the act of wearing clothing or adopting a style that is typically associated with a different gender, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Cross-dressing can be an important aspect of a person's sexual identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Disability refers to a physical, sensory, or cognitive impairment that can affec… #
Disability can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Disability rights refer to the rights and freedoms of people with disabilities,… #
Disability rights include the right to accessibility, equality, and participation in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social activities.
Disclosure refers to the act of revealing or sharing information about one's … #
Disclosure can be an important aspect of building trust and intimacy in sexual relationships, and it is essential to recognize and respect the autonomy and agency of people with disabilities.
Down syndrome refers to a genetic disorder that affects cognitive and physical d… #
Down syndrome can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Dyslexia refers to a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and spelli… #
Dyslexia can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of communication and education.
Elder abuse refers to the mistreatment or neglect of older people, and it is a s… #
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, or financial abuse, and it is essential to recognize and respect the rights and dignity of older people.
Empowerment refers to the process of gaining control, confidence, or autonomy, a… #
Empowerment is essential for facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as self-advocacy or peer support.
Epilepsy refers to a neurological disorder that affects brain activity, and it i… #
Epilepsy can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of safety and well-being.
Eroticism refers to the quality or state of being erotic , and it is a sig… #
Eroticism can be expressed in various ways, including through art, literature, or music, and it can be an important aspect of a person's sexual identity.
Feminism refers to the movement or ideology that advocates for the rights and eq… #
Feminism can be an important framework for understanding and addressing the experiences of women with disabilities, particularly in terms of sexual violence, discrimination, and marginalization.
Gay refers to the attraction to people of the same gender , and it is a si… #
Gay is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Gender refers to the social or cultural construction of male and femal… #
Gender can be an important aspect of a person's sexual identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of gender experiences and identities.
Heteronormativity refers to the assumption or expectation that heterosexualit… #
Heteronormativity can lead to the marginalization and exclusion of people with non-heterosexual sexual orientations, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Heterosexism refers to the discrimination or prejudice against people with non #
heterosexual sexual orientations, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Heterosexism can manifest in various ways, including the lack of accessibility in education, employment, and healthcare, as well as the stigma and stereotypes surrounding non-heterosexual sexual orientations.
HIV/AIDS refers to the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficien… #
HIV/AIDS can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of safety and well-being.
Homophobia refers to the fear or hatred of people with same #
sex attractions, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Homophobia can manifest in various ways, including the lack of accessibility in education, employment, and healthcare, as well as the stigma and stereotypes surrounding same-sex attractions.
Homosexuality refers to the attraction to people of the same gender , and… #
Homosexuality is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Human rights refer to the fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to a… #
Human rights include the right to life, liberty, and security, as well as the right to equality, non-discrimination, and participation in various aspects of life.
Impairment refers to the loss or limitation of physical, sensory, or cognitive f… #
Impairment can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Inclusion refers to the process of creating an environment that is welcoming and… #
Inclusion is essential for facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as accessibility measures or accommodations.
Intimacy refers to the close or personal relationship between two people, and it… #
Intimacy can be an important aspect of sexual relationships, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Intersex refers to the condition of having male and female charact… #
Intersex is a legitimate and valid sexual identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Lesbian refers to the attraction to women , and it is a significant concep… #
Lesbian is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
LGBTQ+ refers to the community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,… #
LGBTQ+ people may face unique challenges and barriers in terms of sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it is essential to recognize and respect their diversity and experiences.
Mental health refers to the state of well #
being and functioning in an individual's emotional, psychological, or social life, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Mental health can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of self-esteem, confidence, and communication.
Multiple sclerosis refers to a chronic and often disabling disease that affects… #
Multiple sclerosis can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of mobility, sensation, and communication.
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect muscle str… #
Muscular dystrophy can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of mobility, accessibility, and communication.
Non #
binary refers to the identity or expression that does not fit into traditional male or female categories, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Non-binary is a legitimate and valid gender identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of gender experiences and identities.
Obesity refers to the condition of having excess body fat, and it is a significa… #
Obesity can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of self-esteem, confidence, and mobility.
Oppression refers to the systemic or institutionalized mistreatment or marginali… #
Oppression can manifest in various ways, including the lack of accessibility in education, employment, and healthcare, as well as the stigma and stereotypes surrounding people with disabilities.
Pansexuality refers to the attraction to people of all gender identities,… #
Pansexuality is a legitimate and valid sexual orientation, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Paraplegia refers to the condition of having paralysis or weakness in the legs,… #
Paraplegia can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of mobility, accessibility, and communication.
Peer support refers to the process of providing emotional, practical, or social… #
Peer support can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as mentoring or advocacy.
Personality disorder refers to a mental health condition that affects an individ… #
Personality disorder can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of communication, intimacy, and trust.
Physical disability refers to the impairment or limitation of physical function,… #
Physical disability can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of mobility, accessibility, and communication.
Polyamory refers to the practice of having multiple sexual or romantic re… #
Polyamory is a legitimate and valid relationship style, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Psychology refers to the study of human behavior, mental processes, or emotional… #
Psychology can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as counseling or therapy.
Quadriplegia refers to the condition of having paralysis or weakness in all four… #
Quadriplegia can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of mobility, accessibility, and communication.
Queer refers to the identity or expression that does not fit into traditional <i… #
Queer is a legitimate and valid sexual identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Rehabilitation refers to the process of restoring or improving physical, cogniti… #
Rehabilitation can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Relationship refers to the connection or bond between two people, and it is a si… #
Relationships can be an important aspect of sexual experiences and identities, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of relationship styles and experiences.
Resilience refers to the ability to cope or adapt in the face of adversity or ch… #
Resilience can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as self-advocacy or peer support.
Safe sex refers to the practice of engaging in sexual activities while mi… #
Safe sex is essential for ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of people with disabilities, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as condom use or communication.
Self #
advocacy refers to the process of speaking or acting on one's own behalf, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Self-advocacy can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as assertiveness training or peer support.
Self #
esteem refers to the evaluation or perception of one's own worth or value, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Self-esteem can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of confidence, communication, and intimacy.
Sex refers to the biological or physiological characteristics that define mal… #
Sex can be an important aspect of sexual experiences and identities, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Sex education refers to the process of teaching people about sexuality , <… #
Sex education is essential for ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of people with disabilities, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as accessible materials or inclusive curricula.
Sexual abuse refers to the act of forcing or coercing someone into sexual … #
Sexual abuse can have serious and long-lasting consequences for people with disabilities, and it is essential to recognize and respect their experiences and autonomy.
Sexual assault refers to the act of forcing or coercing someone into sexual</… #
Sexual assault can have serious and long-lasting consequences for people with disabilities, and it is essential to recognize and respect their experiences and autonomy.
Sexual health refers to the state of physical, emotional, or social well #
being in relation to sexuality, and it is a significant concept in the context of sexuality and disability. Sexual health is essential for ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of people with disabilities, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as accessible healthcare or inclusive education.
Sexual orientation refers to the pattern of sexual attraction or desire,… #
Sexual orientation can be an important aspect of sexual experiences and identities, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Sexuality refers to the complex and multifaceted aspects of human sexuality</… #
Sexuality can be an important aspect of human experience and identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and identities.
Spinal cord injury refers to the damage or trauma to the spinal cord, and it is… #
Spinal cord injury can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of mobility, accessibility, and communication.
Stigma refers to the negative or derogatory attitude or perception towards a par… #
Stigma can manifest in various ways, including the lack of accessibility in education, employment, and healthcare, as well as the marginalization and exclusion of people with disabilities.
Support refers to the act of providing emotional, practical, or social assistanc… #
Support can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as peer support or counseling.
Transgender refers to the identity or expression that does not fit into traditio… #
Transgender is a legitimate and valid gender identity, and it is essential to recognize and respect the diversity of gender experiences and identities.
Trauma refers to the experience of physical, emotional, or psychological harm, a… #
Trauma can have serious and long-lasting consequences for people with disabilities, and it is essential to recognize and respect their experiences and autonomy.
Visual impairment refers to the loss or limitation of vision, and it is a signif… #
Visual impairment can have implications for sexual relationships and experiences, particularly in terms of communication, intimacy, and accessibility.
Wheelchair refers to the device or equipment that is used for mobility or access… #
Wheelchair can be an important aspect of facilitating sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it can involve the use of various strategies, such as accessible environments or inclusive curricula.
Women with disabilities refers to the group of people who identify as women</… #
Women with disabilities may face unique challenges and barriers in terms of sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it is essential to recognize and respect their diversity and experiences.
Youth with disabilities refers to the group of people who are under the age of 1… #
Youth with disabilities may face unique challenges and barriers in terms of sexual relationships, education, and healthcare, and it is essential to recognize and respect their diversity and experiences.