Researchers found six major systemic barriers to community living experienced by disabled people of color. These barriers contributed to individuals being placed in institutional settings and posed challenges to transitioning back to the community. Themes included: 1) unmet health and disability needs, 2) economic and housing barriers, 3) significant administrative burden and complex organizational processes, 4) inadequate case management/social work support for community living, 5) insufficient informational support and peer guides to complete transitions, and 6) discrimination based on race and disability status (racism/ableism). These themes often occurred simultaneously or in succession.

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Researcher

Kimberly The, Ph.D.

Senior Research Associate - Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University

Kim The (she/her) is a senior research associate at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy. Read Bio

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Researcher

Joe Caldwell, Ph.D.

Director of the Community Living Policy Center - Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University

Dr. Caldwell is Director of the Community Living Policy Center within the Lurie Institute for Disability Polic... Read Bio