Research
UIC's Department of Disability and Human Development is dedicated to the scholarly, interdisciplinary study of disability and related aspects of human development. It is home to a number of active research centers and projects and is exploring current and prospective disability policies, conceptual models, and intervention strategies. The Department houses the renowned Institute on Disability and Human Development, Illinois' only federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service. Committed to breaking down barriers to persons with disabilities in society, our research centers collaborate with numerous community, national, and international partners.
UIC's Department of Disability and Human Development produces a number of training materials and research publications , including the Encyclopedia of Disability. The DHD Braddock Library on Disability is a great resource for students, faculty and staff conducting research on disability issues!
Are you a person with a disability interested in getting involved in research? This document will give you more information on what research and training means, how to get involved, and how to use support persons to help you in research and training.
Click here for more information on involving people with disabilities in research: PDF Word
Centers and Projects
The Center for Capacity Building for Minorities with Disabilities Research (CCBMDR) seeks to increase the capacity of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and community-based organizations to document the impact of their programs and develop culturally competent services. CCBMDR also houses the Advocacy and Empowerment for Minorities with Disabilities Program (A&E) which seeks to better understand the unique needs of ethnic minorities with disabilities and develop and empirically evaluate supportive programs.
Center on Health Promotion Research for People with Disabilities (CHP) is recognized nationally and internationally for its leadership in research, education, and training on the health benefits of physical activity for people with disabilities. The CHP is home to a variety of health promotion projects including two national centers:
The Chicago Center for Disability Research (CCDR) focuses on applications of emerging paradigms of disability to research, disability studies, and community projects in the areas of education and the social sciences. Projects are guided by a social minority model of disability and a commitment to inclusion in all aspects of research and training. The Center nurtures exchange with organizations in the local and national disability communities and pursues research problems identified by people with disabilities.
The Program on Disability Art, Culture, and Humanities (PDACH) furthers research and supports the creation of disability art and culture. Research includes arts criticism, theory, and history and studies of careers of disabled artists, arts policy, and arts education.
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (RRTC/ADD) conducts research and serves as a national and international resource on the health and function of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families as they age. Its research focuses on ways to improve health, enhance supports, and reduce environmental barriers to community participation.
