| Thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data that was collected by the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities (CROWD) at Baylor College of Medicine. The focus was to investigate how the upbringing of women with early-onset physical disabilities might affect their understanding of sexuality. This study also explored the challenges and rewards that disabled women experienced in their dating and intimate relationships.; Women remembered both positive and negative experiences about their families' attitudes towards sexuality involving disabled individuals. For some, early years of isolation from their peers prevented them from learning about sexuality. Hence, when opportunities to discuss sexuality with their friends arose in college, several women reported the experience to be very helpful. For many women, formal sex education in early years was either limited or unhelpful. However, sex education that was specifically designed for individuals with disabilities was reported to be useful and educational in later years. Almost half of the women met their potential partners in college. Perhaps due to the ample opportunity available to interact with both men and women, some women were able to meet and develop intimate relationships in college.; The most common difficulty disabled women faced was the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination about disabled women. Many women were perceived as helpless and inadequate by others and this negative attitude had contributed to their limited social opportunities. Further, some social settings were often physically inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. In addition to external barriers, some participants were reluctant to date other disabled individuals. It appears that these women had internalized the negative societal attitudes towards disabled individuals and did not want to associate themselves with other disabled people.; Women discussed difficulties and rewards they experienced in their relationships and these included communication, sex life, partner's behaviors, similarities and differences with their partners. Some participants required assistance from their attendants and families and their reliance on these individuals could often affect their relationships with their partners. In addition, the lack of sexuality resources and the use of assistive devices could pose as barriers to their intimate relationships. |
