Systemic Barriers to Community Living Experienced by People of Color in Institutional Settings
This study explored systemic barriers to community living that contribute to institutional placements and heighten challenges to transitioning back to the community for disabled people of color.
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.
