A lot of prejudice exists regarding the sexuality of people with diseases or handicaps. For example, studies show that sexuality is often marginalized or completely omitted in rehabilitative programs. Yet, sexuality influences personality and is perceived as an important factor in health. It enhances the quality of life and encourages personal growth.
Paulette Guitard, an occupational therapist with the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, noticed that many of her clients had questions about their future sex lives. She believes that occupational therapists, as health professionals, have a duty to help their patients overcome certain everyday obstacles related to their condition, including those related to their sexuality. Guitard has worked on identifying the role they could play in that regard.
