Black Youth Diverse Learners Research Project

Towards Systemic Changes that Support Black Youths with Learning Disabilities to Complete Education and Enter Labour Market

About The Study

The Black Youth Diverse Learners Project is a collaborative community-based systems mapping project that captures the voices of Black youth diverse learners (age 16-30) at the intersection of Blackness, disability, age, gender, 2SLGBTQ+, and other identities and their complex experiences navigating employment and education within the Halton-Hamilton region.

Using a “For us, by us” approach, this critical research will center and amplify the voices of critical members of the Halton-Hamilton community including Black youth diverse learners; parents/caregivers; educators; and Black- and disability-serving community organizations.

These important insights will be captured through:

A comprehensive literature review
1-on-1 interviews
Focus groups
Photovoice analysis

Project Outcomes

Through this research, we aim to:

Identify structural and systemic barriers within the educational systems and community supports; document strategies for success and system navigation.
Inform system-based solutions and approaches that are Black youth-focused, culturally relevant, and accessible.

Project Outcomes

Meet our Research Team!

Our team of Black researchers and community animators proudly bring their lived experience to lead this innovative project,

Dr. Rashelle Litchmore, BSc, MA, PhD | Principal Investigator | LinkedIn

Aaliyah Hinds, BAH, MEd | Graduate Student Research Analyst | LinkedIn

Nkem Ogbonna, BSc | Project Lead | LinkedIn

Liza Arnason, BA, MA | Project Lead and Advisory Member | LinkedIn

Devron Swaby | LinkedIn

Fawziyah Ibrahim | LinkedIn

Shanice Colley | LinkedIn

Bethel Andeghiorghis

Clio Smith

Matthew Jones

In addition to this, this project is also overseen by a network of community partners and a project advisory committee composed of Black youth diverse learners community partners, educators, a psychologist, and lead organizations.

Get Involved
Focus Groups and Interviews:
Your insights and experiences are critical to the success and lives of Black youth diverse learners
Please register for a confidential 1 hour focus group:
Black Youth Diverse Learners
This includes Black youth diverse learners and Black youth with disabilities (diagnosed, undiagnosed, and/or misdiagnosed) ages 16 - 30.$50 honoraria
Community Members
This includes parents, guardians, and caregivers of Black youth with disabilities/diverse learners; parent associations; Black-, disability-, and youth-serving community organizations. $50 honoraria.
Community Partners and Research Collaborators
We welcome new community partners and collaborators to the project as members on the advisory committee, research team, and community outreach. Honoraria available.
Contact email
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Educators and Success Advisors
This includes teachers, counsellors, student success supports, graduation coaches, and school board representatives