My research involves the study of individual lives considered in their cultural, community, and family contexts. My interests in the life course of American adolescents include educational attainments, finding secure employment, starting a family, and earning a living wage. I am particularly interested in the ways in which opportunities in local environments and resources of parents are converted into successful transitions to adult life, as well as the effects of limited opportunities and few family resources. My research includes studies of the health and disability of children and adolescents—population prevalence, access and use of needed medical and supportive services, their educational and employment aspirations and experiences, and the impacts of children with disabilities on the lives of other family members.