Predicting impact of childhood disability on families: results from the 1995 National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement

Predictors of impact on families with a child who has developmental disabilities were examined using results from the 1995 National Health Interview Study Disability Supplement (NHIS-D). From this sample, 505 children who met criteria for a developmental disability were selected. Predictors of impact on these families were investigated across and within racial groups. A multiple regression analysis was completed on the entire sample, which was divided by race/ethnicity. A separate multiple regression analysis was completed for White, African American, and Hispanic families. Predictors of family impact differed for each racial or ethnic group. Results of this study add to the body of literature suggesting that the meaning of disability and its impact on families is culturally relative.