The World Health Organization defines sexuality as an integral part of all human beings, a basic need that is a central part of being human (WHO, 2006). To obtain good sexual health is presumed to be more difficult for disabled people, as they often meet assumptions that being disabled disqualify them from having a sexuality. Accessing good sexual health can be difficult due to lack of accessibility, information and necessary assistance. Having independent living assistants is an important tool for equality and equity for disabled people. Having independent living assistance is believed to provide more room for sexuality, since the organization enables the disabled person to choose their assistants and quantity and provide tailored training. BPA is the Norwegian system for independent living assistance for disabled people. This project will investigate how disabled people and their BPA assistants navigate around sexuality, sexual health and intimacy. How does needing assistance affect the opportunity for sexuality and good sexual health? Will the assistants provide freedom to be sexual or will their attitudes towards sexuality affect and hinder disabled people?

Intersectionality is a central part of the study as gender identity, ethnicity, religion, age, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation can affect sexual opportunities and sexual health. The project will examine the current situation and experiences, as well as assist with knowledge that will develop understanding and strengthen the professionalism of assistants, supervisors and suppliers of BPA in Norway. This project addresses the gap in literature about sexuality in independent living assistance in Norway.

Background

Master’s in special education, sexual trauma and disability

Research group

Citizenship and people in vulnerable life situations (CitVul)