Future of Sex
tagline
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
Hot News

Will Snapchat’s AR Glasses Stifle Erotic Imagination or Open Exciting New Literary Possibilities?

Future of Sex is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Home > Sex Tech > Creating a Buzz: The Case for Required Disability Training in Sex Tech

Sex Tech
Home›Sex Tech›Creating a Buzz: The Case for Required Disability Training in Sex Tech

Creating a Buzz: The Case for Required Disability Training in Sex Tech

By Carolyn DeBarra
July 30, 2022
1193
0

It’s time for sex shops and brands to start selling the idea of inclusivity.

I was only 19 years old when I joined a somewhat tame high street retail sex shop as a sales assistant. I had no idea how my body worked but somehow was trusted to advise others on what could work for theirs. 

It was a strange time to be in the industry as we were deep into the naughty noughties, and sex was going mainstream through pole dancing and Paris Hilton tapes. Sex sold, but it was packaged as something enjoyed by non-disabled, airbrushed, glossy people—people who were worlds away from the customers I served. 

My training was brief and focused on the till and upselling. There was no training on how to use the vibrators or asking open-ended questions to discover more about a customer’s needs. There was also no mention of disability, queerness, or neurodiversity. 

Customers would ask for the best toy to suit their needs, which included things like dexterity issues, pain, or accessibility. I would listen in a panic, knowing that I had no idea what would work. When in doubt, I would sell them the bestseller. The company placed huge targets on this and pressured us into selling at least two daily (at €100 each).

Sadly my experience isn’t unique. 

Speaking with sales assistants in sex shops today, they still don’t know how to handle recommendations for non-binary people, neurodiversity, or disabilities.

Selling sex to a customer that doesn’t exist

Bethany Martin worked for a sex toy company that focused on sexy accessories, but her role also included customer service. As a neurodiverse person, she began to feel isolated by the lack of training. 

“The only training I got was my first week when I was pushed into the warehouse. They said if I worked there for a week then I would know the products better which would make customer service easier,” Martin says.

“When they were telling us about the products, that information was never important. We sold one product that was meant to be for doggy style but through my research, I found it was great for people with hip pain or discomfort. This wasn’t a thing the company ever brought up though.”

Bethany began to feel that others at the company did not match her enthusiasm for the role. Many of her colleagues were jaded by the lack of training or felt embarrassed working in a vice industry. The sex industry image of ‘the perfect customer’ also didn’t fit with the people she saw buying the items.

“They created an image of the super sexy, able-bodied, neurotypical people buying it, but they weren’t keen on the actual people buying the stuff. I began to feel like an outsider in the office,” she says.

RELATED READ: How embracing my ADHD led to better orgasms

Being inclusive doesn’t necessarily require extra costs or licences

Jennie Williams is the CEO of Enhance the UK, which offers training for companies on disability awareness. Despite the huge market potential for inclusive toys, she has never been approached by a sex toy company. 

“There are a lot of considerations right from the start of the journey. How do you buy the toy? Is the website accessible? Is it online? Can you easily find what you are looking for? If you do order it and it arrives, can you open the packaging? How difficult is it to switch on? Can you use the toy? If you have poor dexterity then can you use it or will your hands hurt from holding it? There are potential issues from the beginning of buying all the way to purchasing a toy,” says Williams.

“We have never been approached by a sex company which feeds into the narrative that people think disabled people don’t have sex. Companies don’t think about the issues that could be involved so even if they did slight adjustments, they could open themselves to a whole new market,” she continues. 

“It’s not even about adjustments as it could be the marketing or having conversations with disabled people who don’t think they can use the products but actually can.”

Williams highlighted that sex toy companies might worry that this will mean spending money or potential new licenses. But in fact, it’s a lot simpler than that:

“You can make selling sex toys more inclusive by asking a few simple questions or having the training available. It gives people the confidence to ask the questions they need to.”

Image sources: Klugzy Wugzy

Carolyn DeBarra

Carolyn DeBarra (they/them) is an Irish queer journalist from West Cork, based in the UK. They spend a lot of time writing about sex, drugs and the occasional rock 'n' roll.

Carolyn has been in journalism for 15 years specializing in cannabis, CBD, sex, tech and neurodiversity. They are also a neurodiverse non-binary writer who has been published in The Stylist, Cannavist, Femtech World and The Independent. They have just finished working on their first nove... l about sex and ADHD.  
Previous Article

Top Period Tracking Apps–Ranked by Privacy Settings

Next Article

Future Villages Will Embrace Free Love 3.0

Related articles More from author

  • Sex Tech

    How Crowdfunding Is Opening Up Sex Tech for People with Disabilities

    January 31, 2015
    By Peter Matthews
  • Alice-little-love-doll
    RobotsSex TechVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    Future Tech and Sex Work: A Match Made in Heaven?

    August 27, 2019
    By Alice Little
  • Sex TechVirtual Sex & EntertainmentVirtual SexImmersive Entertainment

    From Turing to Alluring: Meet GPT4o, Your New Digital Crush

    June 1, 2024
    By A.R. Marsh, Ed.D.
  • A couple with a woman sitting on a man's lap. They each are holding the Tenuto 2 with one hand.
    Sex Tech

    Tenuto 2 Erection-Enhancing Vibrator Rises To The Occasion

    November 14, 2022
    By M. Christian
  • Sex Tech

    Girlplay Shakes Up Safe Sex with Spray-On Condom

    September 20, 2015
    By Hugo Gray
  • Remote SexSex Tech

    The Pendulum Swings:  MysteryVibe’s Sexual Wellness Expert Talks Importance of Women’s Sexual Health Solutions

    July 15, 2024
    By M. Christian

  • Sex TechVirtual Sex & EntertainmentVirtual Sex

    Through the Looking Glass: How a Transparent Society Might Help Reduce Sexual Shame

  • Mastercard
    Sex TechVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    Mastercard’s Hardline Policy Poses a Risk to the Past and Future of Adult Content

  • The Feel Connect app joins remote sex devices together for long-distance sexual fun.
    Remote Sex

    Feel Connect App: Getting Started with the Interactive Sex Toy App

Virtual Lust is a 3D interactive sex game.
3DXChat
Discover the best virtual sex parties and 3D sex worlds.
  • TOP REVIEWS

  • Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    Review of the Best Massively Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    0
  • Harmony ai sex doll from RealDoll

    State of the Sexbot Market: The World’s Best Sex Robot and AI Sex Doll Companies ...

  • Realistic Sex Games

    Review of the Best Sex Games and Most Realistic Sex Simulators [UPDATED]

    0
  • Screenshot of a sexbot from adult entertainment game

    The Best Adult Games on Steam [UPDATED]

  • Screenshot of FeelConnect app future of interactivity intimacy available on Apple and Google Store

    The Best Sex Game Apps for Couples [UPDATED]

Fantasy sex game Dream Sex World lets you explore your wildest desires.
Multiplayer sex world Red Light Center continues to impress with its massive userbase and incredible sex graphics.
A blonde and light-skinned love doll face sppears next to the text Go now realdollxthe future is real.

Like Us on Facebook

Newsletter Subscription

Sign up for our monthly newsletter sharing the very best of the future of sex from our publication and others across the web.

DreamSexWorld offers a stunning XXX 3D world filled with incredibly interactive erotic experiences.

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

RLC_ad_v2

Tweets by @FutureofSex
Future of Sex Report

Follow us

  • Home
  • About
  • ADVERTISE
  • Contribute
  • Story Ideas
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2011 - 2022 Future Exploration Network
This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve user experience and track affiliate sales. To learn more about why we need to use cookies, please refer to the Privacy Policy.

By clicking the agree button or continuing to browse through the website, you agree to the use of cookies. Accept Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities...
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT