The relationship between early disability onset and education and employment

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of early onset of disability (at birth through young adulthood) on educational and employment outcomes and examines differences in employment outcomes for those with early onset compared to those with later onset of disability. The study uses data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey – Disability Supplement (NHIS-D). Findings show that early onset of disability is associated with significant reductions in the likelihood of completing high school and in the likelihood of employment. Lower levels of education for those with early onset lead to further reductions in employment. In addition, those with early onset of disability have significantly higher employment rates than those with later onset of disability after controlling for disability benefit receipt.