Relationship Status: Single? Young Adults with Visual, Hearing, or Physical Disability and Their Experiences with Partnership and Sexuality

Research regarding people with visual, hearing, or physical disability and their experiences with partnership is sparse. Existing studies show that experiences with partnership and sexual activity occur both less frequently and later in life. Feelings of inferiority, common beauty standards, stigmatization, immobility, and overprotective parenting are cited as reasons for this. This paper analyzes the influence of gender and type of disability on the experiences young adults with visual, hearing, or physical disability have with partnership and sexuality. Eighty-four participants aged 18–25 years, with hearing disability (n = 40), visual disability (n = 18), or physical disability (n = 26) were interviewed face-to-face or by phone. Nine out of ten participants had been in a relationship at least once. Seven out of ten had had experience with sexual intercourse. Female participants had more experience with sexual intercourse than male participants. Men had overall more relationships and experienced their first coitus significantly earlier. Participants with physical disability reported fewer relationships and their first sexual intercourse took place at a later age. The participants with hearing disability had the most relationships and experienced their first sexual intercourse earliest. The results of this study show that the study participants have significant experience with partnership and sexuality. On the other hand, the results indicate that an inclusive school system, the reinforcement of a positive self-perception, and supportive parents and educators are crucial for the development of young adults with impairments and their ability to make independent and confident decisions with regards to partnerships and sexuality.