Abstract
The subject of sexual rights and disability is a largely underdeveloped sphere in
relation to African rights discourse. This subject becomes even more contested and
unacceptable when discussing access in relation to sexual expression or relationships
amongst adolescents with disabilities. Most commonly, adolescents with disabilities
are often denied their sexual autonomy and are generally depicted as being nonsexual
and incapable of sexual agency. In view of this, while adolescents with
disabilities continue to gain recognition as citizens with the same equal
opportunities as their non-disabled peers, they have not as yet truly emerged as
sexual citizens within the African context. This article aims to (re)position discourses of sexual access in relation to adolescents
with disabilities in South Africa. In particular, the article outlines the importance
of supporting and nurturing the sexual autonomy of adolescents with disabilities.
The article also outlines the way in which international rights conventions and
national legislation may impact sexual encounters amongst adolescents with
disabilities and what this means for significant adults working with adolescents
with disabilities.