ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the various theoretical approaches to understanding and defining disability. It outlines critiques of the medical approach that formed the basis of the development of the social model of disability, which views disability in terms of the various structural, social and attitudinal barriers faced by people who have impairments. The book discusses the psychosocial model of disability, which incorporates a psychological (particularly social psychoanalytic) approach to understanding the experience of disability and internalised oppression. It introduces the concepts of stigma and 'normality' in relation to disability and sexuality. The book looks at the risk factors for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases and also explores the various structural/environmental and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health care services.
