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Sex toys and disability

Hi,
I'm a product design student and I am thinking of doing a project on improving sex lives for people with physical disabilities. From the research I have done, there does not seem to be many good products out there. I am interested to know what do you think? Do you think there is a real need for this? Is there a type of disability in particular that you think could benefit from such a project? Do you have any suggestions as to how to find people willing to talk about the difficulties they face.
I'm a product design student and I am thinking of doing a project on improving sex lives for people with physical disabilities. From the research I have done, there does not seem to be many good products out there. I am interested to know what do you think? Do you think there is a real need for this? Is there a type of disability in particular that you think could benefit from such a project? Do you have any suggestions as to how to find people willing to talk about the difficulties they face.
Replies
Personally I have chronic pain and weakness - toys with good handles...
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
I'm more than happy to chat via email if I can help in any way.
This sounds like a really interesting idea and one which has endless possibilities. From my work with people with various physical disabilities, I would say that (as mossycow notes), something that can be put into position and stays there while other activities are going on is a good starting place - items which can be placed and are sturdy are pretty crucial, whether that's placed on a surface (as it were) or against the body, with an adaptation to support that.
Something which struck me as an interesting issue was that of sensory sensitivity. I think it would be a fascinating design spec. I'd be more than happy, also, to offer input where/if I can.
Gill
There is so much to consider- people with no limbs,limited grip,sensory issues,-hygiene,hypo- allergenic, making the toys visually pleasing (please NO beige medical looking accessories!!) simple controls,safety,non genital stimulation (body remap following injury ?? not sure about this...) Anyway all the best
Agree with the role of fantasy, second life is interesting....though I find getting comfy, and just talking can be very fun....
Something to help hygiene in bed would be good as getting bathroom to wash toys is hard (god i hope my mum never finds these threads....)....
A ramp at our local Ann Summers would be a start hahaha!
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
It is a really interesting subject that I am glad we are talking about!
Senior online community officer
Gasp rat to see folks chatting about this.
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
My day job is as a freelance writer specialising in sex and relationships - I've been commissioned by a national website to write a short series about sex and disability and would really appreciate your input. I only ever write this stuff from a positive and informative viewpoint, so it's important to me that I get it right.
I would love to hear from you if you have suggestions re working around disabilities in the bedroom; if there are favourite sex toys that particularly suit some people; if there are some things you'd like to do but simply can't, so you've figured out an alternative. Anything you'd like to get out there for public understanding, really!
I'm always happy to use pseudonyms for those who wish to stay anon. And if you don't want to reply on this thread I can be emailed at [email protected]
Thanks so much
Violet
ASD advisor, Scope
Some research in this area would probably be good if anyone is still asking.