Recognition of rights and sexual emancipation of persons with intellectual disability: The ethics of citizenship

Improving the sexual lives of people with disabilities (PWDs) and people with an intellectual disability (ID) requires not only changes in the service organizations and professional practices, but it is primarily based on an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders, including first and foremost, people with ID. Under the "International Education Program for Democratic Citizenship" by, for and with individuals with a mental, intellectual or physical disability, the issue of sexual rights has emerged as one of the major challenges empowering people with ID. Although several stakeholders have contributed to the emergence of a new emancipatory paradigm, based on the recognition and exercise of rights of people with disabilities, it is essential that PWDs and people with ID be heard and participate in the cultural, ethical, political, organizational or professional ongoing changes because the recognition of sexual rights is part of the political universe of citizenship and civic engagement. From words to political action through social changes, people with intellectual disabilities still have a tong way to go and society has to consider major changes, so they can individually and collectively exercise all their rights. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.