Lack of Data Collection a Significant Factor in Higher Rates of Homelessness Among Students With Disabilities

New research strongly suggests that the United States has many students with disabilities experiencing homelessness, but insufficient reporting practices across states and an overall lack of data availability make the full scope of this problem unclear. The study “Homelessness and Disability in Public-School Students,” published in the April 2023 issue of Pediatrics (published online March 28), quantified the population of students ages 3-21 in the public education system who have a disability and are experiencing homelessness across Washington D.C. and seven states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Researchers found students with a disability were more likely to experience homelessness compared to students without disabilities during the 2019-2020 school year. Based on their findings, researchers expect increased rates of homelessness nationwide among students with disabilities due to various economic issues exacerbated by the pandemic. Researchers stress two crucial things need to happen based on the new findings: improved comprehensive data collection on the state level, and proper use of the information to influence policy and allocate adequate educational and housing services. Failing to accurately quantify students with disabilities experiencing homelessness and provide them with the necessary support will perpetuate negative health and socioeconomic outcomes.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.