Trends in Demography of Childhood Poverty and Disability

Abstract

This article presents childhood disability prevalence trends and their interaction with economic status. Estimates derived from National Health Interview Survey data (1983–1996) indicate a significant increase in childhood disability rates. Increased risk for disability was among constituencies defined by poverty and single-parent families. Analysis suggests three dynamics: (a) greater risk in single-parent households, (b) no incremental risk associated with racial or ethnic status after controlling for poverty, and (c) a growing relationship between poverty and risk for disability. Implications were discussed in terms of a “new universe” of disability and the importance of educations involvement in broader national social policy and advocacy.