A FIRST STEP: BASIC RESOURCES ON SEXUALITY FOR PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT DISABILITIES

Catherine S. Fichten

A while back I suggested that both people with disabilities and the professionals who advise them need more information about sexuality. As a psychologist and sex therapist, I would like to share resources I have come across.

If what interests you is general information about sexuality, pick up a college level textbook. Several such texts are published each year. Most are very readable. They have titles such as, "Our Sexuality," "Understanding Human Sexuality," "Human Sexual Behavior," "Sexuality Across the Life Course," and "Sexuality, Love, Sex and Intimacy." These books are usually hardcover and expensive. Your best bet is a library. Choose a book that was published recently - much has changed in the past few years.

If you are trying to enhance your own sexuality or trying to "fix" a problem, I use several inexpensive paperbacks for "bibliotherapy" (having people read educational materials with a "workbook" component). Three excellent ones are: (1) Lonnie Barbach, "For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Intimacy" (1984). New American Library (addresses both male and female concerns), (2) Bernie Zilbergeld, "The New Male Sexuality." (1993). Bantam Books. (3) Julia Heiman and Joseph LoPiccolo, "Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women (revised edition). (1992). Fireside Book published by Simon & Shuster. Several of these - possibly earlier editions - are available on audiotape.

I do not know much about specific books or pamphlets for people with disabilities. I did come across a good booklet from the MS Society (for people with MS). I am also familiar with a fairly technical book which has chapters which deal with specific disabilities: Leslie R. Schover & Soren B. Jensen. "Sexuality and Chronic Illness." (1988). Guilford Press. And finally, from the man who brought us "Joy of Sex," and "More Joy"... there is a fairly old book: Alex Comfort (Ed.). "Sexual Consequences of Disability." (1978). Philadelphia: George F. Stickley Company. I have not looked at it in years, but there it was, staring at me when I was preparing this list.

For people interested in the possible beneficial sexual effects of herbs and medications, there is a very competent recent paperback with the unlikely title: "Better Sex Through Chemistry" by John Morgenthaler and Dan Joy.

If you are browsing at the video store, I have heard that the following videos are interesting: (1) "Sex: A Lifelong Pleasure," (2) "Becoming Orgasmic," (3) "Videos for Lovers," (4) "The Lovers' Guide." I have not yet seen these. If anyone has, you may want to share your evaluation with the rest of us.

Your contributions and feedback about this "List of Resources" are most welcome. I am particularly interested in good resources for people with specific disabilities and in materials for gays and lesbians with disabilities. Read any good ones lately?

Contributed by Catherine Fichten