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Areas of Expertise

Disability Research

At a Glance | Services | Significant Work | Products

National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research
(1995–present): SEDL’s National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) works to improve the quality of disability and rehabilitation research and to increase access to research findings and their use in influencing policy, shaping new technologies, improving service delivery, and expanding decision-making options for people with disabilities and their families.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2008–present): In partnership with the University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD), SEDL is conducting research and knowledge translation to improve the quality and responsiveness of vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Vocational Rehabilitation and Autism Spectrum Disorders project consists of a diverse set of research and dissemination activities.

Disability Subgroup of the Campbell Collaboration Education Coordinating Group: SEDL, in partnership with the Campbell Collaboration, has formed a disability subgroup within the Campbell Education Coordinating Group. The subgroup’s mission is to provide support and resources for disability researchers conducting systematic reviews and to increase the involvement of people with disabilities and their families in the review process. 

SUNY Buffalo Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer (KT4TT): SEDL is partnering with the KT4TT Center at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo to help researchers funded through the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) improve their skills in knowledge translation and technology transfer. SEDL’s work includes leading the development of webcasts and technical briefs to build skills and a community of practice.

Southwest Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Research: SEDL staff are directing three research studies for the Southwest DBTAC, which serves Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The studies focus on disability and employment outcomes, with the goal of benefitting employers and individuals with disabilities and their family members.

Past Work

Research Utilization Support and Help (2003–2009): SEDL’s Research Utilization Support and Help (RUSH) project identified, described, and encouraged the use of effective strategies for making research results more accessible and useful. The project focused on disability research findings in the areas of health, technology access, independent living, and community integration.

National Model for Supported Employment and Independent Living and the Independent Living Services Network (ILS-Net) (1987–1989): Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), ILS-Net operated in a five-state region to develop model electronic networking and communication systems for community-based independent living centers. ILS-Net served as the conceptual model for the current Disabled Individuals Movement for Equality Network (DIMENET). 

Regional Rehabilitation Exchange (RRX): Under a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), SEDL established the Regional Rehabilitation Exchange (RRX). The RRX identified and promoted exemplary rehabilitation and independent living programs and practices in the Southwest, and served as a model for four additional RRX projects nationwide.