Author: National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Author Contact: nctrc.org
Published: 12th Nov 2024
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Education and LGBT Publications
Summary: Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: recreational therapists perspectives.
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) offers a Research Grant Program to provide opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in or already practicing recreational therapy to establish and maintain lines of research and promote the collaboration between higher education faculty and practitioners. NCTRC recently funded the research project titled: Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Recreational Therapists Perspectives led by Ivanka Simić Stanojević. LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience significant challenges in developing romantic and intimate relationships due to the limited access to appropriate sexual health services and education, impacting their overall well-being and quality of life.
The preliminary study showed that recreational therapists (RTs) and trainees believe sexual health is within their scope of services and are willing to address it with their clients, yet there is a dearth of LGBTQ+-affirmative training for RTs. Therefore, this mixed methods study aimed to measure RTs' self-efficacy in providing LGBTQ+-affirmative services to clients with IDD and understand their perceived support needs and training recommendations to promote sexual health and better serve LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD. Results of this study indicate the main barriers perceived by RTs include the lack of awareness and acceptance, systemic and organizational issues, limited training and resources, and parental/guardian influence.
Interviewed participants also shared their perceived needs and recommendations to improve practice and better support LGBTQ+ clients with IDD, including increasing inclusion and belonging, improving policy and practice, more education and training opportunities, and more resources and support.
This study highlights the complex factors influencing the provision of LGBTQ+-affirmative services to clients with IDD. Key findings emphasize the importance of specific knowledge, affirmativeness, supportive attitudes, direct experience, and training on self-efficacy among RTs. Younger RTs, particularly students or those with less professional experience, exhibit lower self-efficacy in working with LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD and show less initiative in addressing sexual health topics. This trend may be attributed to insufficient training and education, highlighting an educational gap that necessitates curriculum modifications to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively with LGBTQ+ clients with IDD post-graduation.
There is also a significant association between the frequency of discussing sexual health and the level of self-efficacy, suggesting that increased self-efficacy may enhance RTs' motivation and engagement in providing comprehensive sexual health support to individuals with IDD. Tailored educational and experiential training programs are crucial for promoting LGBTQ+-affirmative practice by equipping RTs with the skills and knowledge to address the sexual health needs of LGBTQ+ clients with IDD. Comprehensive training models that provide knowledge, hands-on practice, and exposure to LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD are essential for raising self-efficacy levels among RTs, ultimately enhancing LGBTQ+-affirmative service delivery and reducing sexual health disparities for LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD.
For more information on this project and other research projects funded by NCTRC, please visit NCTRC.org
LGBTQ+ Young Adults with IDD: Recreational Therapists Perspectives | National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) (nctrc.org). SexualDiversity.org makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity or length.
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• (APA): National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). (2024, November 12). LGBTQ+ Young Adults with IDD: Recreational Therapists Perspectives. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved December 12, 2024 from www.sexualdiversity.org/edu/1208.php
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