Disability agencies are right to seek Government finance to train prostitutes providing services to disabled people and have a duty to do so, says a Massey University lecturer.
Martin Sullivan, who teaches disabled studies to post-graduate students, said if disabled people were to be accepted fully into society, then all their
needs had to be met.
"I think CCS and IHC are to be congratulated for bringing up the issue of disability and sex because for years disabled people have had their sexuality denied," Dr Sullivan said.
"Disabled people, especially those with intellectual impairments, have been treated like children for too long.
"Even once they have been deinstitutionalised, they have often been put in supported housing together, which have become mini-institutions.
"Their physical needs have been met, but they have been steered away from dealing with their sexuality."
It was reported that disability agencies had support within Parliament to approach the Government for money to train prostitutes in disability awareness.
"It's all about supporting people to live in the community and that includes dealing with relationships and emotional needs," Dr Sullivan said.
Many disabled people expressed themselves sexually only through prostitutes and those prostitutes should be trained to interact with disabled people on a social basis.
- NZPA
