Browsing by Subject "Intellectual and developmental disability"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    Exploring the perceptions of service providers regarding the need for and availability of services that affect the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals living with intellectual and developmental disability in Cape Town, South Africa
    (2025) Poswa, Nathi; Kleintjes, Sharon
    Background: Limited studies have focused on the service providers' perspective regarding the need for and availability of services for people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) (Stoffelen, Kok, Hospers, et al., 2013). The purpose for the study was to promote a better understanding of what service-providing organisations, policymakers, researchers, advocacy groups, and the government should focus on to advocate for and meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ people with IDD. Method: The study design was qualitative. A scoping review of the literature was undertaken, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 service providers who work with people who have IDD, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with both identities. Results: The results indicated that, for people with IDD who are LGBTQIA+, service availability and access is dependent, in part, on service providers' core beliefs rather than policy guidance. The results indicate that there is a need for sexuality education that focuses on different sexual orientations for people with IDD and their service providers. Study implications: More research is needed to explore the perceptions of transgender individuals with IDD regarding the availability of and access to gender affirming healthcare, as well as research to inform the development or adaptation of LGBTQIA+ inclusive educational programmes for service providers, users and their caregivers. Future research should include LGBTQIA+ service users' primary accounts, to inform decision-making for service developments and educational resource developments regarding all aspects of their sexual health and well-being.