Dissertation Proposal Announcement Ed.D. Program: Victoria E. Swift “Removing the Chastity Belt: Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Sexuality”

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Adults with disabilities should have the same rights as non-disabled people to live wholesome and fulfilling lives that include developing relationships and exploring their sexuality (Kamaludin, et. al, 2022; Rojas et. al., 2014). Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are in desperate need of support from their families, teachers, and other service providers as they explore their sexuality as they are more likely to be abused or develop improper sexual behavior (Cuskelly & Byrde, 2004; Elia & Tokunaga, 2015; Shapiro, 2018). When provided access to sex education, from both formal and informal resources, individuals learn to explore their sexuality in healthy and truly supported ways. Although there has been demonstrated growth in the attitudes towards the sexual exploration of individuals with disabilities (Blanchett & Wolfe, 2002; Pownall et al., 2012), the currently available resources and curricula do not accurately reflect the lived experiences and expressed desires of youth with I/DD. Nonetheless, regardless of whether individuals receive sufficient sex education, all individuals, including those with I/DD, develop meaningful relationships and explore their sexuality (Azzopardi-Lane, et. al, 2014; Rojas et. al, 2014; Rushbrooke et. al, 2014).

As such, the purpose of this study is to gather first-hand perspectives of individuals with I/DD regarding their experiences and wishes when exploring their sexuality, their experiences with access to sex education, and the relationship between their behavior, experiences, and any sex education they received, or lack thereof. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, I will conduct two interviews with 12 to 15 adults with disabilities currently enrolled in an inclusive post-secondary program. Drawing on Feminist Disability Studies, I will explore participants’ experiences engaging with sex education and exploring their sexuality. The findings from this study will allow educators, administrators, and researchers to hear directly from young adults with I/DD regarding their unique lived experiences, thus elevating their voices and desires. Patterns, themes, and information participants share will inform a new inclusive and effective sex education curriculum.

To access the Zoom link required to attend, please contact academic.services@gse.rutgers.edu.