Navigating Unique Intersectional Experiences: LGBTQ+ Community Organisations Addressing Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities' Needs.

BACKGROUND

This exploratory study aimed to enhance the understanding of practitioners' experiences within LGBTQ+ community organisations when providing interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities. Three specific objectives were outlined: to document the situations and challenges encountered by practitioners; to identify perceived needs among LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities and to elicit their suggestions for recommendations to improve services.

METHOD

A qualitative approach, involving in-depth interviews with 12 Québec-based LGBTQ+ community practitioners, underwent content analysis.

RESULTS

Findings were organised around three themes: perceived support needs of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual disabilities; challenges experienced in intervention and recommendations to improve services. Findings reveal that practitioners frequently face significant challenges when supporting LGBTQ+ individuals with intellectual disabilities, who often struggle with multiple daily challenges and insufficient support.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the need to empower LGBTQ+ organisations with essential skills and foster partnerships with public service staff to ensure a more inclusive, intersectional approach.