ANALYSIS OF ETHNIC VARIATIONS IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY PREVALENCE AND HOUSEHOLD ECONOMIC-STATUS

Prevalence of developmental disabilities among the three largest U.S. racial and ethnic groups was estimated. Groups were compared on househ old economic status and access to welfare programs. Secondary analyses were conducted on 1990 and 1991 panels of the Survey of Income and Pr ogram Partici pation, a nationally representative data base of the dem ographic and economic status of U.S. households, Estimated prevalence rate was 1.1% (June through December 1991), with the highest rate (1.4 %) among Blacks. Households with a family member with developmental di sabilities had significantly lower income and greater dependence on me ans-tested income support. Minority status exacerbated differences in earned income and access to welfare. Results were discussed in the con text of general U.S. demographic trends.