Counting the number of children with disabilities.

Reporting that there are millions of children (and adults) with disabilities reduces these individuals to just numbers-not actual people. The use of mega numbers and national averages obscures the major disparities that exist in the proportion of children with special needs in different areas of the country. In an effort to personalize these national numbers and bring about increased attention to the 2.6 million children (5-15 years of age) with disabilities, a review of the proportion of noninstitutionalized children with disabilities is reported by a series of geopolitical jurisdictions. The profession is challenged to increase care to children with disabilities--children who may be members of families being treated in many dental practices.