Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities & Inclusive Research: Why does it matter?

This research summary focuses on how people with developmental disabilities (DDs) live in conditions of socioeconomic disadvantage. They experience inequality because they have fewer opportunities to achieve education and employment opportunities. They are also excluded because of stigma, and face obstacles to fully participate in their communities. In Canada people with disabilities between 15 and 64 years old have an employment rate of about 22%, the rate for people without disabilities is more than 73% (Statistics Canada, 2015). Discrimination, exclusion and stigma significantly impact on people with disabilities’ mental health and wellbeing.