According to scholars who have studied human behavior, all humans must eat, drink, breathe, excrete human waste, and have physical affection. Almost all of these needs are met for everyone—even the disabled community.
All but one are guaranteed under the ADA. Can you guess which one?
That’s right! The fun one. Physical affection! We all need it, crave it, and love it. But how many severely disabled people with little or no chance of reaching their 30s go throughout life without ever feeling the soft caress of another human?
More people than we care to realize.
Bathrooms Are Accessible—But What About Affection?
There are accessible disabled bathrooms, accessible entrances to restaurants, and equal opportunity to breathe the same air as everyone else.
But where does one go to find physical affection? How far can a parent’s hug or kiss go? Remember those days when Mommy kissed the boo-boo to make the hurt go away? As time goes on, Mommy’s kisses need to be replaced with stronger kisses—and then some.
Dating Isn’t Always an Option
Where can some severely disabled people find this affection when they are out of the mainstream of life? Or maybe their disability makes dating difficult?
It’s not listed in the phone book. Vocational Rehabilitation doesn’t have a special program, even though intimacy is important for rehabilitating. And so far, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has yet to publicize this service.
When the Oldest Profession Fills the Gap
If it weren’t for one of the oldest professions in the history of the world, many disabled people would never experience physical affection. This is not a solution for everyone, nor does it mean that I think prostitution is correct. However, it is the best available option to meet the demands of so many disabled people who have never felt those exotic touches seen only on the television or movie screen.
For example, in the movie MASK, which is based on a true story, the main character, Rocky Dennis, had a problem with girls. His mother realized his dilemma and hired a prostitute because she knew that his lifespan was limited and that the hooker would fulfill a basic need that she could not.
A Difficult Reality for Families
There are those who find it morally wrong to hire a prostitute. I am in that category. However, there is an exception. Sex is often a wonderful therapeutic activity. Some disabled people rarely mingle aside from family members. A prostitute can meet the needs that family members are unable to perform for their loved one.
As difficult as it is for parents to speak to their able-bodied child about sex, it is probably even more difficult for them to see their disabled child—who they have to dress, feed, bathe, and take care of—as an adult with adult desires.
But it is a reality they must face. Sex and disability go together like peanut butter and fluffer nutter.
The Point Isn’t Prostitution—It’s Humanity
Not every disabled person must start looking for a prostitute. That is not the point at all.
However, for people who are extremely physically limited and have had limited social interaction with people to whom they find themselves sexually attracted, one of the oldest professions in history may be the most modern solution of today.
Psst…now that we’ve broken the ice. You know…sex and disability. We are friends now. Let’s take it to the next level. Tsk tsk tsk. Not so fast. I’m talking about the START HERE page. You can read more awesome articles. And then be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter. Subscribe here.