Views of young Blacks with disabilities

This study is based on interviews with 44 young people of Asian, African and Caribbean origin, with a range of disabilities. It looks at how they manage the ‘change’ to adulthood and what independence and independent living mean to them. Between ambition and achievement outlines the young people’s views of different issues that influenced their understanding and experiences of independence and independent living.

The areas addressed include:

• definitions of independence; how race, culture and religion affect the understanding of disability and independence;
• how experiences of education and work influence independence;
• dealings with social care agencies; and an insight into the ambitions and expectations the young people have for the future.

By including the actual voices of young black disabled people themselves, this report provides first-hand information for those wishing to understand more fully the complexities that this group faces. It also looks at making community support more effective and provides suggestions for better practice. SUMMARY

Independence is generally seen as a positive step for young people, leading to them becoming self-reliant and less dependent on others. Yet this may not be the same for young disabled people. This study is based on interviews with 44 young disabled people of Asian, African and Caribbean origin. It looks at their experience of independence and the influences on them leading active independent lives.

• The young black disabled people interviewed defined independence as having choice and control in their lives. However, family and cultural expectations sometimes determined how this choice was expressed.
• By being independent the young people felt they influenced what other people thought of them and what they could achieve as black disabled people.
• Whilst there was an association between independent living and living on your own, the young people felt how you lived your life and making decisions was as important as where you lived.
• The majority had negative experiences of primary and secondary education and how it had prepared them for adult life. Many young people felt that this was due to professionals' expectations of them being low because of their race, culture and disability.
• Many felt their education concentrated on physical rather than academic needs, so they did not achieve much. Those who did go on to further education had more positive experiences.
• The majority of these young black disabled people had specific goals they wanted to achieve and were actively working towards them. Some felt their growing sense of independence was a determining factor in achieving these goals.
• Few young people had contact with social care agencies, most relied on their family for care and support.
• Loneliness was an issue for most of these young people, particularly for those who were living alone.