Mean As! People with learning disability telling and reading stories of relationships and sexuality

This research provides insights into the intimate and sexual relationships of people with a learning disability.

This research was designed in collaboration with people with a learning disability. Co-researchers with a learning disability analysed the data, described what the findings meant, and how they could be used. 

Stories of intimacy, relationships, sex and sexuality that were shared by people with a learning disability have been collected together as an online library of stories. The research found that people with a learning disability are no different from any other New Zealanders in terms of their relationship and sexual needs, but that they are treated as though they are different.

These stories can be used to challenge assumptions made about people with a learning disability. Other people with a learning disability, family, whānau and close supporters, disability support professionals, mainstream sexual health and wellbeing services, counsellors and health professionals can all learn from these stories.

A group of disabled and disability researchers from the Donald Beasley Institute worked on this research. Some of the researchers identify as disabled, and others have worked with disabled people in research for many years. They come from a range of cultures, ages, gender identities, intersectionalities and backgrounds.