Romantic Relationships and Disability

Persons with disabilities are a sexually disenfranchised group. They aspire to be in romantic relationship, yet they lack the confidence of building intimate relationships. They are not considered sexually desirable and hence it is presumed that they will be “incompetent” and a “misfit” as romantic partner. The sense of self-pity is so deeply imbued that even when somebody shows interest in them, they feel it as an outcome of pity especially when the other person is non-disabled. Additionally, they are so under confident and insecure that they hardly take the initiative to approach other person and show interest first. There is a paucity of research studies, especially in Indian context to understand intimate relationship needs of persons with disabilities. This empirical research highlights the need and importance of such relationships for persons with disabilities. It also looks into the problems faced by persons with physical disabilities in forming romantic relationships.