Providing Culturally Competent Disability Services to Persons Born in other Countries May 6 - 8, 2002

Britain's ethnic minority disabled people and their families: Observations from a research career

Ahmad, W.
Dept Transport Local Gov't & Regions, London, UK
wagar.ahmad@dtlr.gsi.gov.uk

Abstract

Until recently, I headed a research program focused on chronic illness, young people with disabilities, family-based care and the interface between users, caregivers and service provider, relating to Britain's minority ethnic groups, especially South A sians and African Caribbeans. The 15 year work included largely qualitative and some quantitative surveys. Knowledge developed through the program has contributed to theory, methods, policy and practice. This data and experience will be used to discuss a range of issues:

• A profile of ethnicity and impairments, access to services etc.
• The role of the family in providing care, changing attitudes toward family obligations
• Factors unique to particular ethnic groups
• Factors from aspects of personal identity, social relationships, economic circumstances, age etc., irrespective of ethnicity
• Common coping strategies used by people with impairments and their families
• Components of a good service

The presentation will be based largely on my group's work but reference to other research and policy publications will be made as appropriate. This work was undertaken at the Universities of York, Bradford and Leeds.

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