This theme issue addresses emotional and social issues faced by children and their families across a number of disability areas, with emphasis on needs the disabled have in common with all people, the value of tangible and emotional support for all family members, the need for comprehensive services, and the expertise that families can bring to professionals developing services. The following brief articles are included: "Emotional Problems among Children Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments" (J. Elton Moore); "Preventing Mental Health Problems in Children with Chronic Illness and Disability" (Joan Patterson); "Families and Children with Traumatic Brain Injury" (Betty Pieper); "Childhood Trauma Is Two Stage Crisis for Families" (Marilyn Lash); "Children with Deafness and Mental Health Concerns" (Mimi W. P. Lou); "Children with Developmental and Psychiatric Disorders" (Dee Kruger); and "New Developments Increase Access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits for Children with Disabilities." (DB)