Inequities in Family Quality of Life for African-American Families Raising Children with Disabilities

Soc Work Public Health. 2019;34(1):102-112. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2018.1562399. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Abstract

Over time, groundbreaking changes in societies' views and treatment of persons with disabilities, along with significant legislative and policy changes, have impacted the quality of life of African-American families raising children with disabilities. This article presents some of the challenges and inequities faced by African-American families that impact their quality of life using critical race theory (CRT). Also, it reviews results obtained by a study of 123 African-American families raising children with disabilities. The article offers implications for policy and practice and discusses the role for social workers in addressing disparities in healthcare and other areas.

Keywords: African American; Disabilities; caregiving; coping; disability; family quality of life; inequality; race.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American*
  • Child
  • Cost of Illness
  • Disabled Children*
  • Family / ethnology*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quality of Life*
  • Social Theory