We talked a lot about intersectionality in our neurodivergent campaign but there is also a double-edged sword when it comes to being black heritage and living with a disability.

It is estimated that 8% of people with complex disabilities are from an underrepresented diverse background (approximately 143,784 people), with 4% being Asian, 2% being Black and 2% being Mixed/ Other.

Racism and ableism are prevalent in the societies in which we live and it can be very difficult to navigate day-to-day life, particularly for those with learning disabilities.

Isabel Taylor, Manager at Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) explains that “The risk of living in poverty for Black disabled people in the UK is unacceptably high. Black people are more likely to experience in-work poverty, to be employed in insecure work, and to face housing costs that are unaffordable.”

Systemic issues like this have led to many black differently-abled individuals feeling like they are to go through life unsupported.

Moreover, a study by Cambridge Black British Voices (BVV) of nearly 1000 Black respondents noted that three-quarters of Black Brits believe that Black disabled people face an additional layer of discrimination in society, and a large majority of those surveyed believe the needs of Black people who are differently abled remain side-lined in the UK.

For example, as noted by Disability Rights UK, a black Disabled woman can’t just be ‘Black’ when she is in an anti-racist space or be ‘only Disabled’ when she is in a disability justice space due to “double discrimination”.

Just some of these issues that black disabled individuals face are:

• Racist attitudes
• Institutional racism
• Disablist attitudes
• Institutional disablism
• Poverty
• Language
• Lack of terminology in some community languages
• Lack of cultural knowledge
• Health professionals’ assumptions and attitudes
• Poor quality of care

With invisibility and lack of awareness at the core of the problem, black people with disabilities are facing barriers when it comes to climbing the social ladder and getting equal access to opportunities, from education to employment.

But there are many things majority communities can do to support:

• Upskill yourself when it comes to cultural intelligence: this means becoming aware of differently abled people in our society who are also from different ethnic backgrounds. This can aid you in understanding how to best assist, support and speak to them to make everyone feel like they can belong, particularly in the workplace.

• Advocate and show up as an ally: if you see someone struggling to be heard or to get the same access to opportunities, use your privilege to champion their voice.

• Celebrate the unique identities that make up society, showing a willingness to learn, compassion, and patience.