Meeting the Needs of Children with Disabilities

Seldom do the needs of children with disabilities divide neatly along program lines. Instead, children and their families navigate a large, complex, and fragmented array of programs with inconsistent eligibility standards, application procedures, and program goals. Meeting the Needs of Children with Disabilities examines these programs, focusing on the three largest--special education, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income--and suggests ways to unify them into one system that will provide continuous care and support. Efforts at early intervention and prevention and difficulties caused by programs' funding structures are given particular attention. Meeting the Needs of Children with Disabilities advocates for a truly integrated system centered on children and families, then sets out a vision for building it.

Pamela J. Loprest is principal research associate with the Urban Institute's Income and Benefits Policy Center. Dr. Loprest conducts research on policies to enhance the economic well-being of disadvantaged persons, including provision of means-tested benefits, work supports, and addressing the unmet service needs of children with disabilities. She is coauthor of Leaving Welfare: Employment and Well-Being of Families That Left Welfare in the Post-Entitlement Era (with Gregory Acs, W. E. Upjohn Institute, 2004), Serving Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Look at the Programs (with Laudan Y. Aron and C. Eugene Steuerle, Urban Institute Press, 1996) and has written numerous book chapters, journal articles, and research reports. Her current research focuses on policies to promote work for those with significant barriers including current and former welfare recipients and adults with disabilities.Laudan Y. Aron is a senior research associate with the Urban Institute's Center on Labor, Human Services and Population. Drawing on a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, she has conducted national program evaluations, data analyses, and literature reviews for federal agencies and foundations, including the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Labor, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Aron is coauthor of Serving Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Look at the Programs (with Pamela J. Loprest and C. Eugene Steuerle, Urban Institute Press, 1996) and Helping America's Homeless: Emergency Shelter or Affordable Housing? (with Martha R. Burt and Edgar Lee, Urban Institute Press, 2001), and has written book chapters, journal articles, and reports. She is currently performing a multiyear evaluation of Upward Bound for the U.S. Department of Education.