Reflections on being a first generation self-advocate: belonging, social connections, and doing things that matter

Background Despite good policy intentions, people with intellectual disability continue to be socially excluded. Social geographers suggest the potential of self-authored spaces as catalysts for social inclusion. One such space, self-advocacy, is commonly perceived as part of a political movement for social change rather than a vehicle for social inclusion of its members. This paper investigated what involvement in self-advocacy has meant to long-term members of a self-advocacy group in Victoria, Australia. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 self-advocates about their reflections on involvement in the group. These data together with the commentary of 5 self-advocates during interviews with 18 self-advocacy supporters about their recollections of involvement in the group were transcribed and analysed thematically. Findings Through their involvement in self-advocacy, members of the group had gained a sense of belonging, social connections, and purposeful occupation, which included paid project work, lobbying, and organisational leadership and management. Conclusions This study suggests that self-advocacy groups can be places that foster social inclusion, potentially offering “membership” of an exclusive group, a wider social movement and of mainstream society

Supporting people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and relationships

Supporting people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and relationship

Living safer sexual lives: research and action

In spite of changes in the way people with learning disabilities are perceived, issues of sexuality and personal relationships remain particularly problematic for them. Living Safer Sexual Lives\u27 was a three-year Australian action research project which sought to address how people with learning disabilities view these issues. During the first stage of the project, 25 people with learning disabilities told their life stories, with a focus on sexuality and human relationships, to experienced qualitative researchers. In the second stage of the project, these stories were used to provide people with learning disabilities, families and service providers with workshops and resources designed to help people with learning disabilities to live safer sexual lives.<br /