Meeting the Needs of Children with Disabilities

The complexity of government programs sometimes makes it difficult for children with disabilities to get the benefits they need. This can impede their health and development. Meeting the Needs of Children with Disabilities suggests ways to improve the system. Its main focus is on the three largest programs: special education, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid.

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.