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).
More than 20 million Americans ages 16-64 have disabilities, according to the American Institutes for Research. These Americans represent a substantial segment of the possible workforce, yet only about 30% of them are employed, compared with nearly 75% of Americans without disabilities. Americans with disabilities may face... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Pediatric-onset disabilities (PODs) are conditions that start before birth or during childhood. Examples include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, and lifelong diseases such as type 1 diabetes. People with PODs may have more complex healthcare needs than people without disabilities throughout their lives... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Mobile health (mHealth) refers to the delivery of health care services via mobile information and communication technologies, including health-related apps on mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, wearable sensors, and other technologies. Examples may include fitness or nutrition apps, or apps enabling patients to... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects how people communicate and process information. Recent studies have shown that a significant number of adults with ASD identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+). Research has also shown that both adults with ASD and adults... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects how people communicate and process information. Teens with ASD may have trouble staying focused on tasks that are not inherently interesting to them, such as schoolwork. They may also make sounds or movements that can unintentionally distract other... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Brain injuries can occur as a result of external trauma, such as a fall or accident, or internal trauma, such as a stroke or aneurysm. These injuries can cause lasting brain damage leading to a variety of long-term disabilities. Changes in how people think, feel, or communicate after a brain injury can make it challenging to... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive central nervous system disease, and people with MS may develop challenges with mobility or balance. For people with MS, participating in regular exercise may become more difficult over time as symptoms progress. Dance and yoga are two types of exercise that may be readily... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People with serious mental illness have conditions like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. People with serious mental illness may encounter stigma or discrimination which may limit their participation in their communities. However, getting involved in community activities such as work or... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Adults with disabilities may have difficulty participating in social activities. Challenges such as a lack of accessible transportation, health limitations, and discrimination can make it harder for adults with disabilities to connect and build relationships with others in their communities. This may lead to feelings of... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) can play an important role in helping people with disabilities to find and keep jobs. VR agencies provide an array of individualized employment services, such as job coaching, job-search assistance, training, and assistive technology. However, past research has found that less than half of people... 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 #GS-06F-0726Z). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the NIDILRR, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government
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