What is the “opportunity gap”? A discussion about race, income, and disability

Kids of color who learn differently face unique challenges. One of those challenges is something called the “opportunity gap.” What is this gap? Why does it exist? And what can we do about it? 

In this episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Julian Saavedra, host of The Opportunity Gap, a new podcast in the Understood Podcast Network. Julian is a longtime educator who’s now an assistant principal in Philadelphia. Listen as Julian talks about issues of privilege, race, and disability — and the opportunity gaps he’s seen firsthand. Hear him explain why we need to focus on the causes of the gap to help kids reach their full potential.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

Related resources 

• Listen: The Opportunity Gap podcast
• Check out Julian’s article: Let’s improve how schools and families talk about race
• Read a young adult's perspective: To be Black in America with a learning disability

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give