Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies
Mission
To conduct timely and meaningful research and evaluation to inform health and disability policy, with the goal of improving access and quality of care for all people, particularly for those with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Current Projects
Disability and Health Data Collaborative
Years: 2022-Present
In collaboration with researchers from New York, Massachusetts and South Carolina, this project builds upon previous IHDPS work (KS Disability and Health Program, 2016-2022) to study the Medicaid utilization trends of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those with serious and persistent mental illness. The study will allow for comparisons between four unique states and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Advancing Employment Equity for Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities (LU2E-RRTC)
Years: 2022-Present
As subcontractors to the Langston University RRTC on this NIDILRR-funded Equity Center, the research center will generate new knowledge leading to a reduction of disparities in employment outcomes among multiply marginalized people with disabilities (i.e., Black, Indigenous, and people of color [BIPOC], LGBTQIA+ status, poverty status, rural geography). IHDPS is collaborating with researchers from Langston to analyze data from our National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) and conduct a follow-up Delphi study to provide detailed information about employment disparities and barriers.
Community Living Policy Center (CLPC)
Years: 2022-Present
IHDPS serve as subcontractors to the Community Living Policy Center housed in the Lurie Institute on Disability Policy at Brandeis University. The CLPC strives to improve policies and practices that keep and support people with disabilities living in the community. IHDPS is collaborating with researchers from the CLPC to analyze data from questions added to our National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) regarding personal assistance services (PAS), housing stability and the role of caregivers with disabilities.
The National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD)
Years: 2018-Present
This project builds upon the success of previous work (see CHRIL below) to establish the National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD). Since 2018, the NSHD has been administered nationally to thousands of adults with disabilities. This project also develops partnerships with other NIDILRR-funded projects to develop survey questions, analyze data using appropriate methods, and ensure activities are conducted in a rigorous and timely fashion. Use of the well-established NSHD provides the opportunity for collecting longitudinal, pre- and post-pandemic, data.
Findings are used to develop policy briefs, consumer resources, scholarly journal articles, and specific policy and practice recommendations to address identified pandemic-related issues that affect the health and function, employment, and/or community living of Americans with disabilities. Anticipated outcomes of project activities include increased knowledge of the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities and outcomes for people at the intersection of disability and other under-represented or marginalized populations.