Responding to the Sexual Concerns of Persons with Disabilities

Abstract

Sexual messages bombard us daily, yet in professional settings the topic of sexuality is often ignored or is a cause for discomfort. Illness or disability can cause people to feel unattractive and sexually undesirable, but social workers can be instrumental in helping patients and clients by affirming their sexuality. This paper addresses sexual issues facing persons with disabilities and illness and discusses strategies for social workers to assist these clients with their sexual concerns.