ABSTRACT
In this chapter I discuss disabled/ablebodied romantic relationships and some of the
disability-related factors that influence their development and maintenance. I begin with a
look at the socialization of children with disabilities in terms of the ways in which they
become identified with and develop identities through their disabilities. Second, I follow
this with a brief discussion of societal messages that demonstrate and/or institutionalize
negative attitudes about sexuality and disability. Third, I examine a few specific issues
relevant to disabled/ablebodied sexual relationships. In the final section, I review what
has been said about how people with disabilities negotiate their relationships and provide
some tentative guidelines for partners with and without disabilities.
