ABSTRACT
The benefit of greater longevity has been broadly spread. Americans with lifelong disabling conditions are living longer than ever before, catching educators, researchers, policymakers, and service providers off-guard and unprepared. Historically, the majority of persons with developmental disabilities remained in the community in their parents’ homes and did not survive to later life. The aging of America has relevance, because increases in longevity seem to be accompanied by increases in disabilities. Researchers cite the “coexistence” of declining mortality and rising morbidity. A number of social evolutions, especially some related to family life, have import for the intersecting of aging and disabilities. These changes affect the support that elders with disabilities may be afforded. Although maximizing one’s personal independence and self-acceptance are cherished values and may be the ultimate objectives of work on aging and disabilities, support and caregiving are sometimes needed.
