To be a parent to a child with special needs is an act of relentless love, but no parent should have to do it alone. When the systems fail to provide respite care or the services and support needed, the system dismisses the humanity of caregivers and the rights of children. Dr. Yewande Richards' advocacy is rooted in both lived experience and rigorous research. Her personal and professional experiences show that so much is at stake. What would it look like if policy truly valued the labor of mothers like her and not just in theory, but in tangible support?
Summary
Our discussion delves into the importance of community engagement, the barriers to accessing services, and the need for open conversations about children of immigrants with special needs and the family dynamics. Dr. Richards shares personal anecdotes and insights from her research on African immigrant mothers and their children with special needs, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by this community.
Bio:
Dr. Yewande Richards obtained her doctoral degree in 2024 from Walden University's School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Her doctoral dissertation, conducted as a nationwide qualitative study, examined barriers to Respite Care Among African Immigrant Mothers of Children with Complex Needs. The purpose of this study was to understand access barriers to respite care services for these mothers and the role of race in potential disparities in access using a critical race theoretical lens. As Dr. Richards pointed out during our conversation, she was investigating this problem to help fill a knowledge gap in the human and social services fields related to identifying and tracking African immigrant children's complex health conditions and providing critically needed care and support for them and their families.
Ms. Richards also holds a Master of Public Administration from New York University and a degree in Biology from Berea College. She is a mother of 3 sons, one of whom has complex needs. She enjoys quiet living, nature, the arts, and exploring various cultures. She has also been a small business owner for nearly a decade.
Takeaways
The journey from Liberia to America was influenced by a mother's foresight.
Parental influence plays a significant role in shaping children's lives.
Cultural differences impact emotional expression and parenting styles.
Children of immigrants face unique challenges in navigating their identities.
Education and social life in college can be complex for immigrant students.
Research on African immigrant mothers highlights barriers to accessing services.
Community engagement is crucial for addressing the needs of immigrant families.
Understanding family dynamics is essential for supporting children with special needs.
Mental health discussions are often stigmatized in immigrant communities.
Collective action is necessary for advocating for immigrant rights and services.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yewanda Richards and Her Journey
05:08 The Impact of Family and Cultural Background
08:20 Exploring Fatherhood and Its Challenges in African Families
10:59 The Immigrant Experience: Challenges Faced by Children
14:03 Understanding the Parent-Child Dynamic in Immigrant Families
17:04 Cultural Differences in Emotional Expression and Mental Health
19:37 Navigating College Life as an Immigrant Student
22:11 Research Focus: African Immigrant Mothers and Special Needs
25:15 Barriers to Respite Care for African Immigrant Families
30:57 Understanding Participation in Research
33:33 Advocacy and Community Engagement
36:01 Challenges in Research and Data Collection
39:12 Family Dynamics in African Immigrant Communities
41:57 Access to Healthcare and Services
44:49 The Importance of Respite Care
46:31 Barriers to Accessing Care
49:11 The Role of Community in Research
51:54 Cultural Competency and Advocacy
55:26 Empowerment and Collective Action