ON BEING A COUPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: BEYOND INCLUSION / ON MARGINS OF INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

Abstract

In the article I want to show some chosen results of the qualitative microetnographic study devoted to the phenomenon of being a couple of persons with intellectual disabilities in reference to (mimicry and hybridity as categories of ) Homi K. Bhabha’s postcolonial theory and then confront a contemporary situation of couples with intellectual disabilities four years after the publication stated demands of the microetnographic research project The microetnograpic study highlighted that being a couple is vividly present in this social group, appearing a very important/crucial life experience for women and men with intellectual disabilities, which however still lacks the interest in women and men with intellectual disabilities as couples, particularly in practical offers which could be described as one of the aspects of support of the group in question. Couples of persons with intellectual disabilities remain identified to belong to a segregated and marginalized group, facing barriers and/ or limits in access to the fields of social and life experiences connected with (intimate) relationships, love and care, mutual emotional relationships and support, acting as a partner, spouse, parent. They run the risk to continue exclusion resulting from discriminatory and depriving routine (or failure) of social welfare/ support system planners and policy builders (policy makers, lawmakers), as well as program designers responsible for services for adults with intellectual disabilities, daily activities and personal assistance. In order to see if/ or what has changed after four years after the publication of the results and stated demands of the microetnographic research project I have reviewed and analyzed a found data/secondary data/ sources / source materials, both academic publications and popularizing materials or newspaper articles that tackle the issue of relationships, couples and love between persons with intellectual disabilities. The analysis of the selected secondary sources makes it possible to conclude that couples of people with intellectual disabilities and the formation of relationships remain a long-standing and enduring phenomenon, which however, has not yet gained recognition, especially in the field of existing and/or projected offers of support for adults with intellectual disabilities. Couples remain excluded from professional support and assistance and therefore exist on the margins of inclusive practices.