The Council of State Governments

Youth and young adults with disabilities (Y&YADs) are complex, multi-faceted, and diverse, in terms of disability type, racial and ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and involvement in other systems such as juvenile justice and foster care. “Intersectionality” refers to how these various identities overlap in ways that can be empowering or oppressive. Y&YADs with intersecting identities can face numerous barriers (e.g., additional workplace discrimination) as well as possess protective factors (e.g., strong support from their communities) that…