June 2024 – Present

Title: Experiences of Reproductive Care and Decision-Making for Young Women with Disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador: A Phenomenological Research-Creation Project

Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant

About the Study:

Exercising autonomy in reproductive care during adolescence and early adulthood is a critical step toward building self-determination. Yet, for many young people this autonomy is often denied. Disabled young people, in particular, continue to face systemic barriers in reproductive healthcare, including culturally incompetent care, dismissal of their needs, and, in some cases, coerced or non-consensual interventions.

This research-creation project centres the voices of disabled young women and non-binary people aged 18 to 24 living in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through focus groups, arts-based workshops, and storytelling, participants will share their experiences accessing and navigating reproductive care services. Local comic artist, Georgia Webber, will work alongside participants to co-create a graphic novel that brings these experiences to life.

What Makes This Study Unique?

  • Youth-Led Storytelling: Participants co-create and narrate their experiences through comic art.
  • Disability-Justice Framework: We foreground access, self-determination, and collective care.
  • Creative Knowledge Sharing: Findings will be shared in a graphic novel, alongside academic and public presentations.

Progress: We are currently working on the ethics protocol!

Research Assistants:

  • Emily Howe, PhD Candidate (Marine Institute, Memorial University)
  • Israt Lipa, PhD candidate (Folklore, Memorial University)

Publications Related to This Project

Goulden, A. (2024). Young disabled people and sexual well-being. In S. Kattari (Editor), Exploring sexuality and disability: A guide for academics and health and human service professionals. Routledge.

Goulden, A. & Kattari, S. (2022). Sexual orientation, sexuality, and the disability community. In E. Slayter & L. Johnson (Editors), Social work practice and the disability community: An intersectional anti-oppressive approach. Pressbooks.

Goulden, A. (2021). A critical review of social work interventions and programs that support disabled youth with their sexual well-being. Journal of Social Work Practice, 35(4), 403-417.