This study is one of several complementary studies examining the use of population based data to estimate the prevalence of disability in children. This study draws upon the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH-2) as a framework for defining childhood disability within the dimension of activity limitations. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was used as the database for identifying children with disabilities based on positive responses to disability indicators: (1) child limited in the kind or amount of work they can do at school or home because of impairment or health problem, (2) Because of any impairment or health problem, child has trouble learning, remembering, or concentrating? And (3) Do you consider child to have a disability? Specific interest for this study was to examine the distribution of disability among children as a function of four age groups (birth - five, six - nine, ten - twelve, and thirteen - seventeen years). Results of the study focused on (a) identifying the prevalence of disability at each age group, and (b) identifying personal characteristics and environments of children with disabilities. Findings of developmental differences in the manifestation of disability have important implications for promoting the development of a children's version of the ICIDH-2 taxonomy. Such findings are also of significance for the development of age appropriate measures of health and functioning.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe the personal characteristics and environments of children with disabilities in the NHIS sample. 2. Participants will be able to identify at least three specific environmental factors that facilitate or hinder the full participation of children with disabilities in daily life.
Keywords: Disability, Data/Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.