Think about that first kiss, special and fleeting. People without disabilities are free to choose and pursue love interests. People without disabilities have so much more freedom. However, our friends with developmental disabilities live under immense surveillance, that finding intimacy is a real challenge. It should come as no surprise humans seek companionship and love. Our denial of this human need suppresses their human rights.
“Disabled adults complain of having to overcome constant hurdles to engage in romantic activity and sustain loving relationships. The obstacles include arbitrary curfews, lack of transportation, and segregated housing that cuts them off from mainstream social life and opportunities to date. Often, the barriers are imposed by group home operators that place safety above intimacy.
“We are denying people [with disabilities] a fundamental part of being human — the right to have intimacy and connectedness,” said Nancy Fitzsimons, a professor of social work at Minnesota State University, Mankato. “We do this because it makes us uncomfortable, without ever asking what’s right for them.” -StarTribune, November, 2015.
Human Rights advocates are constantly working to bring more awareness to issues like this. On this Valentine’s Day, consider all the love that fills your life. Look for ways to expand this love and increase the impact. Judge less and find acceptance for different types of love, especially the love that adults with developmental disabilities have for each other.
Happy Valentines Day.
To read more from this excerpted article, visit the StarTribune.