Research In Focus features reader-friendly summaries of the latest research from NIDILRR-funded projects. Each installment presents 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.
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A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People with blindness or low vision face persistent barriers to finding and keeping employment and nearly half of people with visual impairments are out of the workforce. Studies show that mentoring and self-employment can improve employment outcomes… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
People with disabilities face higher unemployment rates compared to those without disabilities. Recent statistics show the employment rate for people with disabilities in the US is about 37%, compared to more than 75% for people without disabilities. Despite policies and legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are damage to the spinal cord or its surrounding tissue which can cause temporary or permanent changes in movement and sensation. People with SCI may require assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) such as getting into and out of their bed or wheelchair, either from a paid caregiver, family,… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, nearly 18,000 people in the US experience a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) each year, and about 294,000 people are currently living with SCI. SCI results in damage to the nerves along the spinal cord and may cause a change or loss of function in the arms, legs… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
According to the American Burn Association, 1 per 10,000 people will require inpatient hospitalization at a burn center every year. Studies have shown that adults with burn injuries have lower health-related quality of… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are lifelong disabilities that can impact a person’s mobility, problem solving skills, and social skills. Previous research has shown that engaging in employment can help adults with IDD experience a better quality of life, increased independence, and improved social skills. In… 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, adults with disabilities have less access to adequate health care, including preventative services. Regular access to preventative services can reduce the risk of being hospitalized for… 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, 1 in 7 adults currently live with a mobility disability, making it the most common disability type. The percentage is even… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Developmental disabilities (DD) are associated with conditions such as Down syndrome or autism that may be present at or shortly after birth; and that may affect an individual’s physical, intellectual, or emotional development. The Centers for Disease Control and… Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur along the tight bundle of cells and nerves that relay messages from the brain to and from the rest of the body. People with SCI may experience temporary or permanent changes in movement, strength, sensation, and body functions below the place of injury. Depending on the specific location of the… Read this article