Disability Research
At a Glance | Services | Significant Work | Products
Examples of Significant Work
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.
Knowledge Translation for Employment Research Center (KTER Center): SEDL is partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University to operate the KTER Center. The national center's work includes synthesizing and disseminating high-quality research on improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, and identifying and testing strategies that encourage the use of research. The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is funding the 5-year initiative.
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.
Disability Subgroup of the Campbell Collaboration Education Coordinating Group: SEDL, in partnership with the Campbell Collaboration, has formed a Disability Subgroup within the 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.
Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC): Southwest and Southeast ADA Centers: SEDL is conducting research to help the Southwest ADA Center and the Southeast ADA Center better tailor their training and resources to the needs of the individuals they serve. The regional DBTACs provide information and resources on the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
Past Work
National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (1995–2011): SEDL’s National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) worked to improve the quality and accessibility of disability and rehabilitation research and to increase its use in influencing policy, shaping new technologies, improving service delivery, and expanding decision-making options for people with disabilities and their families.
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.
