Historically society has overlooked the sexual needs of those with impairments. The topic is either completely ignored or brushed aside as being irrelevant as disabled people have been considered to be almost non-sexual. However, the sexual needs of the disabled are very much a reality and there is an urgent need to address them in todays world.

Physically, the nature of the impairment itself determines how sexually active the person can be. Many impairments affect men more than women. With sexual arousal and libido being affected negatively, impotence is a common complaint. Women, on the other hand, may find their fertility completely unaffected by their disability.

The mental effects of the disability however are far reaching. Every culture has always had standards pertaining to how men and women should look and behave to be considered beautiful and attractive. These images almost always strongly stress a certain appearance and way of dressing.