Survey: The Sexuality and Access Project 2023
Do you use attendant care services? Do you provide attendant care services? Are you comfortable discussing topics of sexuality within the attendant care dynamic? If so, please contribute to this survey.
The Project
In 2011, Cory Silverberg and Fran Odette published their Sexuality and Access Project (supported by Springtide Resources and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation). They surveyed over 400 people (attendant Service Users and attendant Service Providers) on the attendant service relationship, sexuality, and access. As stated in the survey summary (see attached), they began the project with the four following truths in mind:
1. Sexual rights are human rights,
2. Sexual health is a core component of general health,
3. People with disabilities who use attendant services have a right to access information and resources about their sexual health and support in expressing their sexuality, and
4. Attendants have sexual rights, which include the right to a workplace that is not sexualized
One of the key conclusions they came to was “Everyone wants to talk, but no one knows how to start the conversation”. With Cory and Fran’s blessing, we have utilized their 2011 study as a springboard for a new survey. Welcome to the Sexuality & Access Project 2023…
Who are we?
In 2021, Wallace and Melanie from t6talk (Brantford, ON) realized the above key conclusion has remained unchanged and wondered how they could be part of the solution. They reached out to people they know and began expanding their network. Through conversations with Independent Living Centres in Ontario and BC (Waterloo, Kingston, Ottawa, and Victoria), along with the Sexual Health Team in BC (Blusson Spinal Cord Centre/GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre) and others, the conclusion was reached that another survey should be conducted as a first step. It was suggested to Wallace and Melanie to reach out to the SHORE Centre in Kitchener ON. This in turn led to a partnership with them, the University of Guelph, and U of G’s Community Engaged Scholarship Institute.
Who can participate?
You must be currently living in Canada in order to participate in this study. Participation should take from40 to 80 minutes and will enter you in a chance to win1 of 40 prepaid gift cards! If you would prefer to complete this survey over the phone/using a hardcopy, please reach out to the principal researcher via email: e.jackson@uoguelph.ca
The Survey
Service users: please fill out this service user survey
Service providers: please fill out this service provider survey
PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER: DR. ELIZABETHJACKSON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITYENGAGED SCHOLARSHIP INSTITUTE
THIS STUDY HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THERESEARCH ETHICS BOARD FOR COMPLIANCEWITH FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCHINVOLVING HUMAN PARTICIPANTSREB# 22-03-019