The Role of Social Policy in Life-Cycle Transitions

Abstract

This article examines the theory, research, and social policy relating to family and individual life-cycle transitions for people with disabilities in the United States. The article describes the degree to which transitions are sensitive to policy design and the broad social and cultural context of transitions. Examples from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act illustrate both promising and inadequate policy responses to life-cycle transitions. A series of questions is intended to guide future enactment and analyses of social policies that affect life-cycle transitions.