ABSTRACT
This chapter explores ways in which social work practitioners can work with disabled people to support their sexual well-being through engaging in practice focused on concern for general well-being, social inclusion and social justice. By making explicit the link between sexual well-being and general well-being, this chapter aims to empower social workers to apply their interpersonal skills to promote sexual well-being as part of holistic practice. Such practice involves challenging sexual discrimination and oppression through the promotion of sexual citizenship and sexual inclusion. The chapter acknowledges that sexual well-being is a sensitive topic and an aspect of social work practice which faces multi-layered barriers, ranging from social taboos around sex and disability, to personal values and experience). Barriers to social work practice, focused on issues around sexual well-being, are discussed, as are ways of overcoming these barriers. The chapter is underpinned by human rights legislation (United Nations Commission on Human Rights, 1953; Human Rights Act, 1998, Article 8; article 19, United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006) which make clear that public agencies, including social services, must not inhibit citizens’ rights to a private life and relationships of their choice.
(social work, sexual well-being, disability)
