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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).
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) can face challenges in language learning. Research suggests that children who are DHH have improved language development when their needs are identified early in infancy and they access early intervention services. Early intervention services and therapy guide families in... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have increased emotional distress nationwide, with national surveys showing anxiety and depression symptoms levels among the general population three times higher than pre-pandemic levels. Studies show that people with mental and behavioral health disorders have a higher risk for... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A growing number of people are aging with physical disabilities acquired earlier in life, such as muscular dystrophy (MD), multiple sclerosis (MS), post-polio syndrome (PPS), or spinal cord injury (SCI). People with these long-term physical disabilities may have fears about falling while performing everyday activities. Regular... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
About 5-8% of adults over age 60 worldwide have dementia, that’s 50 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. People with dementia may benefit from supports to help them remain engaged in meaningful activities, such as hobbies, volunteering, or activities of daily living. Assistive technologies may... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is brain damage from an external force, such as a fall or a car accident. After a TBI, people may develop a variety of disabilities, such as impairments in their memory or thinking ability, physical mobility, or ability to manage emotions. People with TBI may experience changes in their employment... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People with disabilities may face a variety of challenges to accessing healthcare. Medical offices may not have accessible equipment or examination rooms, and some people with disabilities may need assistance such as sign language interpreter services, support with transferring from a wheelchair to the examining table, or... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People who are legally blind may have difficulty navigating large indoor spaces, such as airports or large office buildings. While fully sighted people may use printed maps, overhead signs, or visual landmarks to find desired destinations, people who are legally blind may be unable to access this information.... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Until a few decades ago, many adults with disabilities lived in institutions, such as nursing homes or large group homes, instead of living in their communities. Recently, a growing number of adults with disabilities have been able to transition from institutions to private or shared homes in the community, due to legal... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
An estimated 15% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older have a mobility disability, defined as serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs, according to the 2016 American Community Survey. While some people may develop mobility disabilities as a part of aging, a growing number of people are aging with mobility disabilities acquired... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
About 11 million adults in the United States have a psychiatric disability, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Psychiatric disabilities include conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. Many adults with psychiatric disabilities are parents. With appropriate supports... 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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