Why was the coalition created?
At Creative Approach Development Center (CADC), we have always advocated for marginalized and multi-marginalized groups, striving for equity and inclusion in every space. Over the past 10 years, we’ve celebrated numerous victories and progress in our mission. However, we’ve also noticed a glaring and persistent issue: Black disabled individuals continue to be left out, neglected, and subjected to higher rates of abuse, neglect, and systemic inequities.
This group has been excluded from critical conversations, resources, and movements for far too long. Despite our efforts to partner with established organizations to integrate advocacy for Black disabled individuals into their strategic plans, we found that these initiatives were not prioritized. As these atrocities have persisted for hundreds of years, we felt compelled to act.
Together Towards Change was created to immediately address this issue. We are determined to empower Black disabled individuals, amplify their voices, and help organizations confront and dismantle the barriers that have perpetuated this neglect. This work is essential, urgent, and deeply rooted in our commitment to justice for all.
The Issues: Disparities Facing Black Disabled Individuals
Disproportionate Arrests and Incarceration
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Disproportionate Arrests and Incarceration
Black disabled individuals are disproportionately represented in the justice system, often due to misunderstandings of disability-related behaviors. Studies show that up to 32% of Black inmates in state and federal prisons have a disability, and Black youth with disabilities are significantly overrepresented in the school-to-prison pipeline. Resources like the Equal Justice Initiative and The Sentencing Project provide detailed insights into these disparities and their systemic roots.
Educational Inequities
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Disproportionate Arrests and Incarceration
Black disabled students experience disproportionately high rates of disciplinary actions, including suspensions, expulsions, restraints, and seclusion. According to the U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Data Collection, they are twice as likely to face suspension or expulsion compared to their white peers. Resources like the Learning Policy Institute and The Education Trust highlight these disparities and offer strategies to address racial inequities in school discipline.
Healthcare Disparities
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Black disabled individuals face higher rates of medical discrimination and inadequate access to healthcare, often resulting in unmet medical needs. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows that cost barriers disproportionately impact Black adults with disabilities. Resources like the National Center for Cultural Competence and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight these disparities and provide strategies to address healthcare inequities.
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Lack of Representation in Disability Advocacy
Black disabled individuals are frequently excluded from leadership roles and decision-making processes within disability rights organizations. A study by Disability Rights Advocates revealed significant underrepresentation in these spaces. Initiatives from the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and platforms like the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) aim to amplify marginalized voices and promote greater diversity in advocacy.
Launching a Training Program for Black Self-Advocates
Launching a Training Program for Black Self-Advocates
Launching a Training Program for Black Self-Advocates
We are excited to roll out a structured training program designed to equip Black self-advocates with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful change. This hands-on program will focus on:
- Rights Awareness: Providing in-depth education on human and civil rights to help participants understand and assert their legal protections.
- Policy and Advocacy Skills: Offering training on how to navigate policy and legislation, empowering advocates to influence decisions that impact their lives and communities.
- Leadership Development: Guiding participants in applying for positions within organizations to represent the unique needs and challenges of Black disabled individuals effectively.
This training program will launch in October 2025, preparing a new generation of self-advocates to confidently lead and contribute to the disability rights movement.
Creating the Black Inclusion Advocacy Toolkit
Launching a Training Program for Black Self-Advocates
Launching a Training Program for Black Self-Advocates
We are developing a comprehensive toolkit to guide advocacy organizations in meaningfully including Black-disabled voices in their missions, strategies, and practices. The toolkit will include:
- Organizational Assessments: Tools to evaluate structures and identify barriers that limit the inclusion of Black disabled advocates and families.
- Inclusion Strategies: Practical guidance for creating policies and environments that empower and amplify Black voices.
- Historical Representation Review: Resources to ensure materials accurately highlight the contributions of Black disabled individuals and allies in the disability rights movement.
This toolkit will provide actionable steps for organizations to dismantle systemic inequities and foster purposeful inclusion.
Great News!
Did you know CADC’s Behavior Supports and Individual & Caregiver Workshops are fully covered by the DD Waiver? Explore our services to learn how you can access expert guidance and transformative training at no cost to you!