Advocacy Agenda to Improve Part C EI Services for PA

IV. Priority Recommendations (continued)

to be served by the Part C EI program, these groups are more likely to experience risk factors associated with developmental delays: preterm birth, inadequate food or housing, exposure to lead, or parents with mental health concerns. Research indicates that language barriers, lack of access to primary care, and EI program structure can lead to unequal participation patterns. What does research say about this topic? Assuring equity in Part C EI: National survey data indicate that Black and Hispanic young children are less likely than their peers to receive Part C EI services. The disparities in receipt of EI services are greater among those who have a developmental delay alone, without a diagnosed medical condition. National data also show disparities in diagnoses of developmental disabilities, with children

of color more likely to be identified later and with behavioral rather than medical conditions. Cultural and linguistic barriers are a major factor in disparate participation rates. Gaps in access to primary care and to developmental screening are also drivers of inequities. In addition, studies show that having program staff and providers who are of the same race/ethnicity increases family participation and reduces the changes of provider bias. (Sheldrick et al., 2022 https://doi.org/10.1001/ jamapediatrics.2021.5380; Slomski, 2022 https://doi. org/10.1001/jama.2022.2187; Boone-Blanchard et al., 2021 https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121421992470; Scott & Desrosier, 2020; Rivero et al., 2019 https:// doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00872; Ross et al., 2018 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2540-z; Feinberg et al., 2011 https://doi.org/10.1097/ DBP.0b013e3182142fbd)

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