Researching at the Intersections: Black Disability Justice

What does it mean to conduct research at the intersections of Black life, disability, gender, scholarship, and activism? 

This panel brings together researchers and practitioners whose work recognizes the intersections of Blackness, gender, and disability as vital sources of knowledge, resistance, creativity, and collective care. Centring the principle that research must be led by—and accountable to—people with lived experience, panelists will explore the possibilities and challenges of intersectional research. The discussion will address methodology, accessibility, power, representation, and institutional accountability. 

Together, panelists will consider how research can move beyond documenting inequity to support liberatory practices and drive meaningful systemic change. 

Attendees will: 

• Gain practical insights into conducting intersectional, accessible, and community-accountable research grounded in Black disability justice. 

• Learn from the knowledge, expertise, and leadership of people with lived experience. 

• Deepen their understanding of anti-Black racism, ableism, and critical intersectional frameworks for research, advocacy, and institutional change. 

• Explore questions, approaches, and strategies they can apply in their own research and practice. 

• Connect with others committed to advancing equity and collective care alongside disabled people through innovative research approaches. 

This forum is intended for a broad audience, including:  

• Academic and community-based researchers 

• Activists and advocates 

• Policy and human-rights professionals 

• Community organizations 

• Government representatives 

• Service organizations and providers