Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 5 of 5
Sociological theories of learning disabilities: understanding racial disproportionality in special education
- Author:
- ANYON Yolanda
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(1), January 2009, pp.44-57.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In 2001 in the United States more than half of students in special education were identified as having specific learning disability more than any other qualifying disability. Although many researchers have applied sociological theory to concepts of physical disability, leading to the social model used by disability advocates and activists, less work has been done to provide a sociological frame for learning disabilities. This paper describes how students with learning disabilities have constituted the fastest-growing special education population in public school districts, particularly students of colour. Though the overrepresentation of students of colour in special education programmes is well documented, few efforts have been made to apply sociological theories to expand our understanding of this phenomenon. The author provides an overview of this application to the study of learning disabilities and special education, with particular attention to the disproportionate involvement of minority youth in educational programs for students with disabilities.
Learning disability: briefing paper
- Authors:
- BURKE Christine-Koulla, ONG Leanna
- Publisher:
- Race Equality Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 12
- Place of publication:
- London
This paper examines the evidence on health inequalities experienced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people with a learning disability. While this issue has long been of concern, such as the higher risk of avoidable deaths in NHS care, the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has shown in stark terms just how extreme these inequalities are. People with learning disabilities were six times more likely to die from Covid and 40 percent of these deaths were people from Black and Pakistani communities. The premise of this paper, after considering the literature, is that the circumstances of our birth need to be considered as they profoundly affect our life chances. Social inequalities create a barrier and promote disadvantage that impact on both health and mental health. Our starting point as authors was to analyse the research and publications that outline the inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities. The lack of literature for people with learning disabilities from BAME communities provided information in itself and informs the conclusions at the end of this paper. The overall picture shows that little progress has been made in the past twenty years and that institutional discrimination and racism is still endemic in the lives of people with learning disabilities from BAME communities. Building a system that is based on equality is crucial if we are to eradicate institutional disablism and racism. Strategic and financial investment is required in building a fair society that ensures equality. (Edited publisher abstract)
Sex education: ethically sensitive services to people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- BAXTER Carol
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 1(4), October 1996, pp.13-16.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Comments on the preceding article by S Malhotra and B Mellan (pp.7-12) which looks at cultural and racial issues in sexuality work with people with learning disabilities.
Too far to reach?
- Author:
- VIRGO Lucy
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 2006, pp.22-23.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
The author briefly reports on 'Reaching Out', joint work between Royal Mencap and Birmingham Mencap, which highlights the double discrimination faced by some family carers of people with a learning disability from black and minority ethnic communities.
It's time to value everyone
- Author:
- MIR Ghazala
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 19.02.04, 2004, pp.38-39.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Argues that people from ethnic minorities who have learning difficulties are not feeling the benefits brought about by Valuing People policies. Reports on attempts by government to address this problem