Addressing Health Inequities for Black and Racialized Immigrants with Disabilities During and Beyond COVID-19 in Ontario

Chavon Niles, Temerty Faculty of Medicine; Susan Jaglal, Temerty Faculty of Medicine; Lance T. McCready, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education; Notisha Massaquoi, University of Toronto Scarborough

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified systemic inequities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly affecting marginalized communities (Subedi, Greenberg, and Turcotte, 2020). Our study, ""Addressing Health Inequities for Black and Racialized Immigrants with Disabilities During and Beyond COVID-19 in Ontario,"" seeks to understand how intersecting forms of oppression—such as race, disability, and immigrant status—compound the challenges faced by these groups in Ontario. We will explore the structural barriers that hinder their access to healthcare, rehabilitation, and social services, while documenting broader impacts on mental health, access to care, and economic stability.

Using narrative inquiry and storytelling, we will conduct in-depth interviews to center the voices of Black and racialized immigrants with disabilities, making their lived experiences the focal point of our analysis. This approach challenges dominant societal narratives that often marginalize or erase these communities, ensuring that our findings reflect the full complexity of their realities (Dossa, 2009). The insights gained will inform the development of culturally responsive health interventions and policies.

This research is vital for shaping a pandemic recovery that addresses these systemic gaps. By prioritizing the needs and recommendations of Black and racialized immigrants with disabilities, we aim to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. The study’s outcomes will support strategies to ensure that all community members, regardless of background or ability, receive the care they need, fostering a stronger and more just post-pandemic society.