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).
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have lifelong conditions that may affect their ability to communicate, learn, or make decisions. About a third of adults with IDD have a “dual diagnosis” of both IDD and a mental illness, and this number is increasing. According to earlier studies, people... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Children and teens with behavioral health disabilities may have symptoms that make it harder for them to participate in school and other activities. These symptoms may include feelings such as anxiety or depression, as well as behaviors such as aggression or noncompliance with authority figures. Children and teens with... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People who are blind or visually impaired have lower employment rates than people without disabilities. Many people with visual impairment are unable to drive. As a result, they may face additional challenges in finding reliable transportation to get to and from work, which can limit their options for employment.... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Volunteering has many benefits for individuals: According to past research, people who volunteer experience higher self-esteem, are happier, and develop stronger social networks than people who do not volunteer. Volunteering can also be a path to future employment. Volunteer activities may be either formal, as a... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
As the world population ages, more and more people will be living with age-related disabilities. These individuals may require assistance with personal tasks like bathing, managing medications, and housework. Robots can be designed as a solution to help older... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is lasting brain damage from an external force, such as after a fall or a car accident. TBI can range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors such as how long a person loses consciousness or other indicators like memory problems. People with TBI may have long-lasting... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
About 1.1 million Americans are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with HIV/AIDS may develop long-lasting health problems which may lead to disability and impact their ability to work. Some... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
About 1.1 million Americans are legally blind, meaning that, even with corrective lenses or surgery, they may not be able to clearly see the largest letter on a standard eye chart at 20 feet or they may only see what appears either in their central or peripheral vision, but not both. As a result, these individuals may have... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People with psychiatric disabilities have conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. Previous research has shown that these individuals may have difficulty finding and keeping jobs. Peer support specialists, also known as recovery coaches, are trained professionals who have personal... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
More than 20 million Americans ages 18-64 reported having a disability in 2014, according to the 2014 United States Disability Status Report. Previous research has shown that adults with disabilities, especially physical disabilities, are more likely to develop long-term health problems than adults without disabilities. Getting... 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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