Obstacles to Sexuality Faced by Adults with Developmental Disabilities Dissertation

Obstacles to Sexuality Faced by Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Community Based - Dissertation Example The simple fact of the matter is that many adults with developmental disabilities reside in community-based facilities, but their own sexuality and issues associated with it are often stifled. In essence, there are numerous obstacles to sexuality face by adults with development disabilities in community-based facilities. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to better understand and analyze the current obstacle to sexuality facing adults with developmental disabilities in community based facilities. The intent will be to describe current societal perceptions towards individuals that have developmental disabilities when it comes to issues of sexuality. The qualitative phenomenological approach is designed to enable the investigation of specific social phenomenon, thus enabling the researcher to validate inferences to be made based upon the data collected (Neuman 2006). Current research does suggest that adults who are developmentally disabled h ave various emotional, social, and physical needs that larger society does not always understand, nor are they quick to adapt to (Giulio 53). From an early age, many individuals with developmental disabilities are now fully aware of their own sexuality, sexual needs, or the notion of ‘true love’. As such, upon entering adulthood, they are considered a vulnerable and marginalized group when it comes to issues of sexuality, particularly in community based facilities. As such, they need to be protected. One way to do this is through educating stakeholders and larger society about developmental disabilities, its various forms, and the areas of sexuality as they relate to this group. The research... The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to better understand and analyze the current obstacle to sexuality facing adults with developmental disabilities in community based facilities. The intent will be to describe current societal perceptions towards individuals that have developmental disabilities when it comes to issues of sexuality. The qualitative phenomenological approach is designed to enable the investigation of specific social phenomenon, thus enabling the researcher to validate inferences to be made based upon the data collected (Neuman 2006). Current research does suggest that adults who are developmentally disabled have various emotional, social, and physical needs that larger society does not always understand, nor are they quick to adapt to (Giulio 53). From an early age, many individuals with developmental disabilities are now fully aware of their own sexuality, sexual needs, or the notion of ‘true love’. As such, upon entering adulthood, they are considered a vulnerable and marginalized group when it comes to issues of sexuality, particularly in community based facilities. As such, they need to be protected. One way to do this is through educating stakeholders and larger society about developmental disabilities, its various forms, and the areas of sexuality as they relate to this group. The research methods that are implemented into the study serve to identify and validate certain general and unifying qualities that exist amongst community based facilities that service the developmentally disabled community. This will occur by analyzing currently available academic information, and digesting that with field experience designed to enhance the scholarly knowledge available in this field.