But does that mean no one should be able to tell the story, ever?

Quite possibly, yes. Most people who have experienced rape or sexual abuse choose not to have their story published in the media.

My issue is with the article, and the personal aspects of it related to rape and abuse, that have been written and published without consent. As I stated from the beginning, I don't think it's another person's place to tell this story, and I feel it was only told because the subject is disabled.

Of course I acknowledge that you have your own experience with disability, and certainly I acknowledge that you have responded in good faith. As stated in a previous comment, I also acknowledge the author probably well intentioned by writing this piece.

I’m glad that Philip took the time to respond properly to this article. Despite many people here feeling “inspired” by David’s “beautiful” story, it was in fact an intimate account of another person’s life written and published without consent. It outs the subject as a victim/survivor of rape and sexual abuse. Unacceptable in my opinion.

I’m sorry you found the story made you uncomfortable. Making people uncomfortable is the story of Paul’s life, it seems. You’d probably be a damned sight more uncomfortable being in the room with him.

That's an unfair and untrue comment. My discomfort came from the article, not Paul. I thought I made that point very clear.

I think Paul should tell Paul's story. That's my point. Intimate aspects of someone's life have been written about and published in a manner that I personally found a little uncomfortable.

I think also there will be a range of views on this within the disability community, and being disabled, or being the parent of a disabled child, doesn't automatically invalidate my point of view.

Let me finish by saying that I'm not suggesting that the author set out to ridicule or diminish Paul or anyone by writing this piece. Clearly the intention was good, and I mean no disrespect by these comments. Thanks for listening.

I expect my opinion on this isn't going to be shared by many, so I will keep this brief.

I do not wish to diminish the good the author has done for Paul throughout his life, and I appreciate this article was probably written with the best of intentions, but to me it comes across as deeply impersonal and seeks to objectify a real person. The author states that "I treat Paul as much as possible like I'd treat anyone" yet if Paul weren't intellectually disabled, I doubt very much this article would be published on this blog. What is the point of it? What is it for? I wouldn't want something like this written about me. My two cents!

What is this? I'm not sure I like it.