Working with Gay and Lesbian Consumers with Disabilities: Helping Practitioners Understand Another Frontier of Diversity

Meeting the developmental and vocational needs of gay and lesbian consumers with disabilities has become an imperative of cultural diversity. Rehabilitation practitioners need to be prepared to deal with societal and environmental barriers that impact the lives, development, and careers of these consumers. This article describes definitions and terminology, stigma related to homosexuality, homosexual identity development and disability, and ethical implications of working with gay and lesbian consumers. Recommendations are offered to help practitioners become effective facilitators of gay and lesbian consumers' developmental and vocational processes.