Double Discrimination: People of Colour with Learning Disabilities Defying Ableism and Racism

by Saba Salman

Whilst white privilege, unconscious bias and institutional discrimination have become high profile issues, learning disabled people of colour continue to be excluded from the conversation.
Responding to this crucial need to investigate the inequalities faced by learning disabled people of colour, Double Discrimination shines a bright light on the consequences of ignoring the combined impact of racism and ableism. From author, editor and award-winning social affairs journalist, Saba Salman, this book introduces the historical context of attitudes towards learning disability and race whilst also featuring people's experiences of multiple marginalisation from childhood to adulthood. Building on these perspectives, chapters showcase organisations and individuals leading the fight against racism and ableism, providing readers with opportunities to tackle limiting systems and support the growing momentum for change.
With human experiences at its core, this book reveals the importance of including learning disabled people of colour within the empowerment agenda, forming a powerful call for collective action.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

About the author

UK-based author, journalist and editor, full bio at http://sabasalman.com

Reviews

[maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

there's a great mix here of people's personal stories as well as wider insights into how political and legislative factors, and even the language we use, can shape the attitudes and structure of society. an in-depth exploration of very topical issues - prejudice, discrimination, and what the 'intersectionality' between race and learning disability actually means for the people living within it. engaging prose, clear sections and written in a way that's accessible (as someone who's not an academic or a professional in this area), it puts real people's stories at the forefront. interesting, moving and ultimately hopeful.

feels very relevant to contemporary conversation given the current social climate in the UK (and beyond...). would recommend to anybody looking to learn and broaden their understanding/worldview!

[Ashley · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Double Discrimination by Saba Salman is an examination of the intersection of racism and ableism, and frankly, it’s fantastic.

There’s a very personal side to it: the author’s youngest sister is a woman of colour with a learning disability, so the book focuses heavily on ableism through the lens of learning disability. That’s not something I’m a particular expert in. The points in the early chapters were ones I was already aware of, but it goes deeper once the intersectionality lens comes in. One chapter, on how systemic and institutional racism often outweighs disability for children of colour, was especially hard. They struggle to get even a diagnosis, let alone support, because they’re assumed to be “difficult”. The stats were frankly horrifying.

I loved how it combines quantitative statistical evidence with qualitative evidence: real stories from news cycles, academics and activists. One without the other is sort of empty and hollow. Most chapters relate back to her sister, at the start or the end, which is a really nice personal touch. It keeps the book from becoming too detached and gives it a thread to follow. Salman also talks to people from lots of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, not just her own, which gives the book a lot more depth, meaning and authority.

The final three chapters round it off really well: people already doing good work, why it’s working, and what we can do to continue it. One of them is the incredible Becca Cooper from here in York, which I was very excited to see.

It’s very well researched and very well written, but it’s not always easy reading, and understandably so. 4.5 stars.

[Alex Margolies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Excellent mix of research, stats, and interviews with a wide range of people (spoiler - this includes people I work with).
Shows what is working well, but how much further to go.