Developmental Services Worker

Explores current issues of sexuality and disability throughout the life course, the increased risk of abuse and victimization that people with disabilities face while in romantic or sexual relationships and provide practice recommendations to help combat factors that contribute to this vulnerability, and details historical violations of the sexual and reproductive rights of people with disabilities. Includes milestones across the life course are also explored, such as pregnancy and parenting, marriage and cohabitation, and intimacy in older adulthood.

Uses personal experiences to provide honest and reflective advice on sexuality and relationships for people with intellectual disabilities as well as their advocates, and care givers.

Discusses a wide range of topics related to disability and sexuality: the psychological, interpersonal, social, political and cultural barriers to sexual access that disabled people face and their struggle for sexual rights and participation. Looking at topics such as sexual accommodations and support aimed at facilitating disabled people's sexual well-being; the socio-sexual tensions confronting disabled people with intersecting stigmatized identities such as LGBTBI or asexual; and the sexual concerns of disabled people in the Global South.

Features original research and writing into lives that are often misunderstood, marginalized and under-represented in research. It is framed with artwork, poetry and writing from young disabled LGBT+ people, and centralizes the voices and lives of young disabled LGBT+ people throughout. Drawing from disciplines including: sociology, psychology, disability and youth studies, and with contributions from practitioners, it examines experiences and research from a number of perspectives, such as education, personal lives and activism.

Available at:Orillia
Traces history in the U.S. to limit the sexual freedoms of people with intellectual disabilities ⎯using methods such as forced sterilization, invasive birth control, and gender-segregated living arrangements—to demonstrate that these widespread practices stemmed from dominant views of disabled sexuality. The author analyzes legal discourses, sex education materials, and news stories going back to the 1970s, and examines ethical issues surrounding masturbation training that aims to regulate individuals’ sexual lives, challenges the perception that those whose sexuality is controlled (or rejected) should not reproduce, and proposes recognition of the right to become parents for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Available at: Orillia
This book provides a concise overview of sexuality and gender identity in clients with intellectual disabilities. It captures the social, political, and legal environment of the late 2010s and bridges the gap between research and practice, with engaging case examples drawn from the author's own practice. Contains guidance on everyday issues like dating and sex education is juxtaposed with material on complex, current issues in topics like LGBTQ inclusion and sexual offending as well as user-friendly "toolboxes”.

Available at: Orillia
Addresses issues of physical and cognitive development, including appropriate sexual development/urges, brain development, and innate similarities and differences of sexuality that may occur between people with autism spectrum disorders and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including the complexities of physical disabilities. Includes circumstances unique to group homes and recreational facilities, models of consent, dealing with uncertainty, concepts of sexuality education and curriculum, media rhetoric and social media, and ethical considerations.

Available at: Orillia
This guide provides honest answers to challenging questions and solutions to the dilemmas that many parents face on a daily basis. Structured around issues related to puberty and emerging sexuality in children with disabilities or autism, such as physical changes, mood swings and sexual behaviour, the book presents case studies alongside practical guidance on how to overcome problems that commonly arise. Additionally, it explains laws relevant to disability and sexuality and suggests appropriate sex education programs to meet the needs of differing degrees of disability.