Companionship is a primary component of life. However, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face barriers regarding romantic relationships. Negative stereotypes act to limit opportunity for exploration of interpersonal relationships for this segment of society. This research explores the perspectives of adults with IDD as they discuss past relationship experiences, as well as hopes for the future. This work uses the images and voices of individuals with IDD to accurately portray the struggles they face as they seek the same opportunities assumed by their neurotypical peers. We hope that these narratives, will disrupt the societal misconceptions of individuals with IDD, and support systems will be constructed to encourage individuals with IDD to participate in meaningful interpersonal relationships.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will see and hear conversations with individuals with IDD centering around relationship experiences: Video-recorded interviews will provide an opportunity for the voices of individuals with IDD to be heard. The narratives will offer participants insight into the needs of individuals with IDD in the context of sexuality identity development. Participants will further their understanding of the nature of sexuality development and hear stories that illustrate how this process is often disrupted for individuals with IDD.
- Participants will be shown that individuals with IDD are interested in being a part of romantic relationships: Adults with IDD are commonly excluded from conversations around sexual and romantic relationships. Amplifying the voices of adults with IDD will cultivate healthy environments for discussions regarding sexuality development. Accurate depictions of lived experiences among adults with IDD will encourage inclusion in formal and informal conversations concerning sexual and romantic relationships.
- Participants will be encouraged to disrupt harmful assumptions around human development for individuals with IDD: Participants will be encouraged to act against the stigmatization of individuals with IDD. Societal ideas that individuals with IDD are asexual or incapable of participating in a romantic relationship are false, and recognizing adults with IDD as sexual beings will create an environment for healthy sexuality development.