A Scoping Review of Health Research with Racially/Ethnically Minoritized Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Abstract

Among U.S. adults with disabilities, the prevalence of disability varies by race and ethnicity, with White adults reporting less disability than historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups. Living with intersectional identities, having a disability, and being a member of a racial or ethnic minority group creates marginalization that may contribute to health disparities. Previous research indicates there is limited intersectional disability research conducted in the U.S., as the prevailing approach focuses on disability broadly. Even less is understood about adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living with intersectional identities. The purpose of this scoping literature review is to describe health research regarding adult racial/ethnic minoritized individuals with IDD in the U.S. Nine databases were used for the search. Search terms included those related to racial/ethnic status, IDD diagnosis, and health. The review resulted in 35 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Thirty-three of the 35 articles identified disparities experienced by adults with IDD from racial/ethnic minoritized groups. Results highlight the lack of research focused on racially/ethnically minoritized adults with IDD. The results of this scoping review indicate that researchers must be intentional about the inclusion of racial/ethnic minoritized groups with IDD and include novel methodologies that enhance historically marginalized voices. Researchers should incorporate existing data to highlight service gaps that influence poor health outcomes among minoritized individuals with IDD. Research highlighting service gaps may provide critical information for practitioners working to address health needs for special populations with IDD.