Learn About Our Research & Policy Briefs
Here you can find a variety of research briefs summarizing academic publications and findings.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition present at birth and is often associated with challenges in physical movement. Restrictions in daily activities and communication caused by CP can lead to increased risk for health complications. This is why children with CP are more likely to experience health problems.
Shared Automated Vehicles (SAVs) could serve as safe and independent transportation option for older adults and people with disabilities. Inclusive SAV design can promote improved safety, participation in social activities, and quality of life. Unfortunately, early SAV deployments in the US have tended not to be designed with people with disabilities in mind.
Researchers from the Investigating Disability factors and promoting Environmental Access for healthy Living Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (IDEAL RRTC) analyzed the utilization of annual wellness visits by individuals with disabilities. This population is significant because individuals with disabilities tend to have an increased need for preventive care compared to the general population.
The average age of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) is increasing, due in part to advances in medical care and technology. New research suggests that successful aging with SCI is a complex process that depends on different factors, including psychological adjustment, autonomy, access to health care, and staying connected with society. The latter has also been shown to be important for maintaining meaningful life roles and activities after SCI.
In our society, the ability to use time and money efficiently and profitably are often valued over everything else. Those who can’t use time efficiently and profitably are devalued and marginalized. People with SCI age faster than people without SCI, so time is a scarce resource for them.
People with disabilities are more likely to lead lifestyles that puts them at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease. It’s much easier to lead a healthy lifestyle when your home and your neighborhood are made for healthy living, so analyzing differences in the way neighborhoods are built is important. Unfortunately, not a lot of researchers have looked at whether neighborhoods are built to help people aging with physical disabilities.
Social distancing guidelines have increased social isolation and loneliness for many adults with disabilities, as their caregivers and family members have been unable to visit. Learn how some states are fighting back against loneliness in adults with disabilities.
Nearly 40% of all family caregivers find their caregiving situation to be emotionally stressful. When caregivers feel they have no choice in assuming their caregiving duties, this increases to 53%. Left unaddressed, caregiver stress can worsen physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as social and financial well-being.
Download the brief "COVID-19 adds stress for family caregivers – why that matters." (PDF)
More than 13% of Americans, provide unpaid care to family members or friends. These care providers administer medical care, run errands, provide transportation, manage finances, among other activities. Despite their significant contributions, family caregivers are often undervalued and under or unsupported within the nation’s long-term care system.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused telehealth use to skyrocket for all populations, including those with disabilities. This expedited expansion of telehealth was a necessary shift during the public health emergency (PHE) as clinics, health systems, and providers pivoted to reduce unnecessary in-person contact and to preserve clinical care capacity.
Download the brief "Disability and telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic." (PDF)
The U.S. housing crisis is worse for people with physical disabilities for two reasons. First, affordable housing is a challenge because people with physical disabilities are twice as likely to be low income. Second, accessibility is a challenge because significant and costly renovations are often required for people with physical disabilities.
Lower Level Suite 6,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
