ABSTRACT
This chapter presents three groups within the disability community whose characteristics create special challenges, and whose needs are often great: seniors, veterans, and homeless people with disabilities. The lived experiences of people in each of these three groups—seniors, veterans, and people who are homeless and displaced—are unique in many vital aspects. The chapter explores some of the demographics of each group, the relationship between disability and identity, the effects of onset, course, and outcome of disabilities, the lived experiences of individuals, and some important considerations for social work practice. The process of disability determination and services may be initiated by the veteran's filing a claim for disability benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration. In providing social work services to homeless and displaced adults, it is important to bring the care to where the people are. There are also several groups that appear especially vulnerable due to certain characteristics that members share.
