Info Sheet 20: Racialized Youth with Developmental Disabilities: Barriers to Inclusion in Services and Education

Abstract

Racialized youth with Developmental Disabilities (DDs) face barriers in key aspects of their lives including work, education, health, and community participation. Racialized youth refers to youth who are non-White. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted services and support to health and mental health for this population (Khanlou et al., 2023), increasing day-to-day challenges for them and their families and support networks. Families of racialized youth with DDs may have limited: 1) access to support to help them manage challenging situations; 2) resources to cope with stressors; and 3) opportunities to voice their concerns.

Racialized youth with DDs face “double stigma” in relation to their racial/ ethnic identity (e.g. Black) and their developmental disability (Ali et al., 2016). Our previous studies found that Black mothers with children with DDs were “triply” marginalized due to the intersections of gender (woman), racialization (Black), and caregiving (mother). Racism and discrimination affected mothers’ access and utilization of social services (Khanlou et al., 2028). It is important to know the barriers that racialized families face to access services and support for their youth with DDs, and the facilitators that promote equity and support the health, mental health and wellbeing of this vulnerable population.