People with intellectual disabilities from ethnic minority communities in the United States and the United Kingdom

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes people with intellectual disabilities from ethnic minority communities in the United States and the United Kingdom. Combining 1991 census data and broad population projections suggested that the nonwhite population of Great Britain will increase from 5% in 1991 to 8% in 2021. A number of factors appear to be driving this increase in ethnic diversity and complexity. This chapter discusses the existing research evidence concerning people with intellectual disabilities from minority ethnic communities in the United States and the United Kingdom. The restricted geographical scope of this chapter has been determined by the paucity of research concerning people with intellectual disabilities from minority ethnic groups in other countries. Definitions of race, ethnicity, and culture are briefly discussed, followed by a discussion of the challenges posed by increasing ethnic diversity for current theory and research in intellectual disabilities. Research concerning the prevalence and characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities across different ethnic communities is also discussed in this chapter. The circumstances and experiences of children and adults, with intellectual disabilities and their families from minority ethnic communities, are described in the chapter. Conclusions are drawn from the research reviewed, along with some suggestions for future research.