JSIT24-04: What Is the Relationship Between Adolescent Neighborhood Environments and Long-Run Labor Market Outcomes for Children with Disabilities?

Exposure to advantaged neighborhoods in childhood is associated with improved labor market outcomes in adulthood. However, research on this association for children with disabilities remains limited, despite their disproportionate vulnerability to surrounding environments. Using unique administrative data from a cohort of approximately 280,000 children in Texas who were fifth graders during the 1999-2000 academic year, I correlate adolescent neighborhood characteristics with employment status and earnings in adulthood. The study then compares these correlations between children with and without disabilities. The findings will enhance our understanding of how neighborhood environments are related to the long-term outcomes of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the study will provide insights for prioritizing resource allocation to disadvantaged areas, aiming to reduce employment barriers for people with disabilities.