Intersection of race, ethnicity and disability: The merits of a fully inclusive and informed public health discourse

This presentation will discuss racial and ethnic perceptions of health care delivery within the Massachusetts disability population through Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR). There is a poverty of data for this populations. Outcomes for minorities compared to non-minorities will be explored. The focus on ethnic and minority health disparities and proposed solutions are examined through a social justice lens. It will describe the outreach efforts of different community-based organizations working to address these disparities. Experiences gathered through CPAR are being utilized to shape the evolving health care system. The importance of culturally competent service provision under minority leadership as a value to the community will be discussed. The presentation will encourage an open dialogue about the unique needs of differing under represented disabilty populations not traditionally present in health policy discourse.