Black disabled people remain an isolated and oppressed

As a consequence of so many negative factors Black disabled people remain an isolated and oppressed minority, under-represented in all areas of society - even those where one would assume that they would find natural allies, such as in the disability movement. However, as the wider disability movement becomes more progressive, black disabled people have not yet become an integral and important part of that movement. 

So where do black disabled people fit in? Issues around race and racism quickly engender support and understanding of within black communities but there is no understanding of disability issues. Within the disabled community, there is solidarity and common ground on the disability front, but little comprehension of the impact on one's life of the effects of racial discrimination. 

Finding little or no support from any quarter, the realisation is slowly dawning for black disabled people that they must create positive images for themselves and write their own agendas. They cannot rely on black people to do it for them. They cannot rely on disabled people to do it for them. Until such time as others stop 'crippling' the lives of black disabled people with judgements and characteristics which are well beyond the control of the individual, society will continue to squander and waste a valuable and unique resource.