Kristin Balfanz-Vertiz Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital #P102 Confronting Multiple Oppressions: Examining the Needs of People with Disabilities who are of Hispanic/Latino Descent Kristin Balfanz-Vertiz, Kimberly M. Taylor, & Joel Irizarry The Hispanic population has become the fastest growing minority group in in the United States. Accordingly, the number of Hispanics with disabilities living in this country has significantly increased. But while their numbers have increased, services have not necessarily followed. Hispanic individuals with disabilities have a unique set of needs that service systems are not currently designed to meet. These needs are varied but include language accommodations and cultural understanding. Recognizing these needs, and seeking to better facilitate the success of our growing Hispanic patient population, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital in Chicago recently conducted a needs assessment with our Hispanic patients with disabilities. Our research project has two steps. Step 1 was a survey with 71 Hispanic individuals who have disabilities. The interviewees were connected with Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, either as patients who completed inpatient rehabilitation at Schwab or patients who received outpatient care at Schwab. Participants were interviewed by phone and in-person. Step 2 consisted of in-depth interviews with 20 individuals. 80% of interview participants had a spinal cord injury. 77% had acquired their injuries through gunshot wounds, while 11% had a motor vehicle accident. 43% are fluent in English & Spanish., although literacy rates were low. The majority of respondents face issues associated with living in an inner-city environment. Seven primary domains of each interviewee were analyzed: demographics, education, medical services, employment, housing, transportation and utilization of social/ financial services. Many of these issues intertwine & complicate other ones: Inaccessible home: can’t go to work or school Unemployed: limited insurance & finances to take care of health Health issues: can’t leave home to access social services to gain new transportation options, learn about benefits, or attend school Participant suggestions for making disability & healthcare status less of an obstacle:  Educate people on how to take care of their bodies.  Help people get into home schooling  Show people examples of successful living for PWD  Find resources for people who are undocumented  Provide transportation  Provide mentoring services  Train people on new life skills  Provide recreational areas Average Number of Days per Week Participants Leave Home (0, 1-2, 3-4, or 5-7 days) Introduction Methods Results: EducationResults: EmploymentDiscussion It is essential to consider the obstacles patients face within their broader context, and to remember the multiple ways barriers can build upon one another. High-quality, low-cost social services can provide information & resources to help individuals overcome the barriers they face. Conclusion Acknowledgments We would like to thank Hollister, Inc. for their support of this project. 8th grade or less th grade or less21.8 Diploma/GED12.8 Some college21.8 Unknown1.3 Highest level of education Is Attending School vs. Want to Attend School Primary obstacles to Work Health status / disability (56%) Lack of job opportunities (34%) Transportation (30%) Lack of knowledge about opportunities (30%) Inability to leave house independently, due to inaccessibility (16%) Employment: pre and post injury Results: Housing Enter and move around in: Bedroom? Kitchen? Bathroom? Living room? 93% Yes 7% No 73% Yes 27% No 94% Yes 6% No Can participant enter & exit home alone? 71% Yes 29% No Results: Transportation