Research In Focus is a weekly publication featuring reader-friendly summaries of the latest research from NIDILRR-funded projects. Each installment presents you with an overview of a recently-published NIDILRR-funded study, highlighting important findings, and discussing implications or directions for future research. This could be a starting point to learn more about the intervention, technology, or program. We hand-select the articles from our diverse library collections, aiming to broadly cover interesting research in many areas of disability, various types of intervention, and a wide range of age spectrum from early childhood to aging with and into disability. To be alerted to new articles, sign up for our weekly email newsletter News and Notes from the NIDILRR Community and Beyond! These articles are also available in Spanish. Are you a NIDILRR grantee? Learn how to recommend your recent study for an upcoming issue.
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
In March 2020, Wayne County in southeast Michigan reported among the highest rates of COVID-19 infections in the US. People from low-income households and marginalized communities in cities such as Detroit and Flint in Wayne County were particularly hard hit. Health experts warned that those with pre-existing health conditions... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
An estimated five to seven million young adults have a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe forms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress. Research shows that these young adults tend to become parents at an earlier age than their peers without these disabilities; 29% of... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is an injury to the spinal column, resulting in temporary or permanent changes in movement, strength, sensation, and body functions below the place of injury, including paralysis in some or most of the body. People with SCI may use a wheelchair or other mobility device to get around.... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A person with severe disabilities may have one or more physical, intellectual, developmental, or sensory disabilities that seriously limit their functional ability. They may require multiple support services and may use assistive devices such as wheelchairs or communication devices. For youth with severe... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5.4 million adults in the US are living with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disability, which can be marked by challenges of social interaction and communication difficulties. Social participation is an important... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Adults with psychiatric disabilities live with emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression that can interfere or severely limit an individual’s ability to perform major life activities. Research shows that people with psychiatric disabilities are more likely to... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A mobility disability is a type of physical disability that affects a person’s movement and dexterity. People with mobility disabilities may use assistive devices or mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or prosthetics. Previous studies have shown that people with mobility disabilities were disproportionately... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from some type of injury to a person’s brain that affects how it functions. It is a... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People with disabilities have long fought for the right to learn, live, and work in their communities. In the US, some of these rights have been secured through the passing of legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation,... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted marginalized communities in many ways, especially those with disabilities and their access to health care. Approximately eight million people in the US have disabilities that make it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as bathing and dressing. Recent studies... Read this article
The contents of NARIC web site were developed under a contract from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (contract #140D0421C0021). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this web site do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
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