“The triple oppression of being a black disabled woman should not be overlooked ...all the issues affecting disabled women apply to disabled black women. However, the way in which we experience and interpret these issues is likely to differ as the dimensions of race interact to shape our lives.”
Nasa Begum (1963 –2011) was born in Birmingham and was diagnosed with a neurological condition resulting in spine curvature and muscle degeneration. Throughout her life she campaigned tirelessly for the right to independent living and made an important contribution to help widen understanding of the experiences of disabled people. In particular, Nasa's work had a significant impact on the way the health service consults with patients. Her work at the Department of Health helped develop a user-led organisation for disabled people in every health authority. She became a principal adviser to the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) in 2003 helping to set up its first participation strategy which aimed to put service users and their carers at the heart of service delivery.
Nasa presented the Lord Pitt memorial lecture on her joint report with the Race Equality Unit, Doing It for Themselves: Participation and Black and Minority Ethnic Service Users (2006).
Taken from: https://ukdhm.org/v3/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Nasa-Begum-and-Rowen-Jade-poster-2019.pdf
