The paper uses the phrase "doubly disadvantaged” to describe how early onset affects educational outcomes and thus serves to be disadvantageous to later employment. The term "doubly disadvantaged" may be received negatively or imparts a negative connotation on the experiences of those with early onset disabilities. I suggest abandoning the phrase completely or using a phrase similar to "compounded effects".

Correction on the Use of "Doubly Disadvantaged"

Policies aimed at increasing employment of persons with disabilities are primarily focused on later onset disabilities as opposed to education. More government programs, including SSDI and SSI, serving disabilities are benefiting increasing numbers of young people, though, SSDI and SSI are known to negatively impact the likelihood of employment.

Relation between Employment and Disability Benefits Programs

Low employment is correlated with lower levels of education, but people with early onset disabilities have higher employment rates compared to people with late onset. This is possibly because people with early onset disabilities choose careers that can be easily accommodated or are more adept at seeking resources.

Relation between Early Onset Disabilities, Labor Force Participation, and Educational Attainment

Research was also done on specific group of early onset disabilities including those with developmental disabilities to allow for detailed understandings of disability that national surveys do not reflect.

Research Concerning More Specific, Less-Studied Early Onset Disabilities

Most research done concerning onset involves incidence, and connection to retirement and application for disability benefits. There is limited research on market research concerning young individuals with onset.

Current Research Involving Early Onset Disabilities

The paper aims to study the effects of early onset disabilities on employment, but also on human capital via employment skills and education, for younger (22-35 y.o.) and older cohorts (44-54 y.o.).

University of Notre Dame

An individual with an early onset disability falls under the age of 22, which is normally the age in which people finish their secondary education. This level of education is necessary for the parameters of this study.

Definition of Early Onset Under the Loprest and Maag Paper

Loprest, P., &amp; Maag, E. (2007). The relationship between early disability onset and education and Employment. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 26(1), 1–43. https://doi.org/10.1037/e723332011-001 

The Relationship Between Early Disability Onset and Education and Employment

People with disabilities are less likely to be living with spouse. Those with early onset are more likely to be living with a relative, most likely a parent. This raises concerns because parents deteriorate in support with age; hence, a temporary source of support. 

Living Arrangements (Sources of Support) of People with Early Onset Disabilities

Younger people more likely to receives benefits from the SSI and SSDI, but research shows that people who receive benefits from such programs are unlikely to return to work because they are unable to. The requirement for receipt of benefits is that one is unable to perform work due to significant physical or mental impairment that persists.

Financial Sources of Support of People with Early Onset Disabilities

Young people with disabilities have lower family outcomes compared to those without disabilities and are more often than not below the federal poverty level.

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