The Intersection of Race and Disability

Picture of two men and two women: from different racial backgrounds including North African Arab, Vietnamese, Black, and Latino.

The lived experience of disability varies, both among people with disabilities and among racial and ethnic groups. All people should be able to engage in everyday activities regardless of race, national origin, ethnicity, or disability. But, many still face barriers. This video storytelling series features the perspectives of four individuals from different racial backgrounds including North African Arab, Vietnamese, Black, and Latino who have a relationship with disability. What happens when those identities are united? What discrimination do these individuals face, what successes have occurred, and what still needs to improve? Prefer a podcast? You can listen to the series here via a full-length podcast.

Why you should tune in: It’s time to talk about these blended identities and understand that experiences are different for people with disabilities who are from communities of color.

Part 1: Features the perspective of Colorado State Representative David Ortiz, who identifies as Latino and paraplegic.

Part 2: Features the perspective of Abir Abbar, who identifies as North African Arab and has a son with autism.

Part 3: Features the perspective of Teresa Nguyen, who identifies as a Vietnamese American and has a developmental disability.

Part 4: Features the perspective of Darryl Williams, who identifies as Black and quadriplegic.