About Us

Our mission

The Life Span Institute works to find solutions to improve human health across the lifespan through collaborative research. 

Through research, service, and community engagement, the Life Span Institute works to improve health, development, and quality of life for individuals and communities in Kansas and beyond. We are committed to translating science into meaningful, real-world impact.

What kind of research do we do?

At the Life Span Institute, our research expands knowledge to support learning, health, development, and quality of life for people from infancy through older adulthood. Our work is focused on areas that directly affect you or someone you know such as:

• Autism and Related Conditions
• Disability, Independence and Assistive Technology
• Education Science and Learning
• Mental and Behavioral Health
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Community Health and Development
• Child Development

We have several affiliated research centers that address specific disciplines, which are listed below. 

Our history

The Life Span Institute’s research grew out of efforts in the mid-20th century to better address the needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the time, many were isolated in institutional settings and denied opportunities to fully participate in their communities.

Under the leadership of Richard “Dick” Schiefelbusch, researchers helped shift one of the most fundamental assumptions in disability history — from the belief that individuals should be housed and managed to the conviction that they could be supported to thrive.

By the 1970s, this work had expanded across the University of Kansas, combining research, training, and community-based programs. In the decades since, the institute’s focus has broadened to include interdisciplinary research, service, and outreach across fields such as education, behavioral science, and neuroscience.

Our commitment today

The Life Span Institute now advances interdisciplinary research, service, and outreach across fields such as education, behavioral science, and neuroscience.

Our fundamental mission is to generate knowledge about human health and development to improve people’s lives. This mission can only be achieved through problem-driven collaborations at the intersection of disciplines. The Life Span Institute stands at such a convergence.

We are committed to:

• Advancing research that improves human health and development
• Working across disciplines to address complex challenges
• Translating scientific discovery into practical solutions
• Partnering with communities to ensure research meets real-world needs

Together, this work reflects a long-standing commitment to improving lives through science that matters. As we continue, this commitment guides our work to address emerging challenges and improve lives across the lifespan.

Supporting individuals & communities

Research at the Life Span Institute translates discoveries into meaningful change for the people we serve. We provide:

• Guidance You Can Trust: Our researchers rigorously study what works in classrooms, clinics, and homes, to offer solutions that you can rely on.
• Empowerment for Families: From autism interventions to assistive technology, we help individuals with disabilities gain the skills and independence needed for a high quality of life.
• A Foundation for Children: We turn discoveries in language and social skills into practical tools that help your child learn, grow, and succeed.
• Advocacy Through Data: Our research informs the policies that affect your healthcare and education, ensuring systems are more effective and equitable for your community.

Supporting professionals & partners

Better understanding leads to better solutions. We provide the evidence-based tools and training that educators, clinicians, and policymakers need to make a difference such as:

• Proven Clinical Insights:  We aim to translate complex findings into clear, specialized guidance for use in real-world settings.
• Advanced Intervention Strategies: We help professionals implement the latest strategies in communication, employment, and community living for clients of all ages.
• Research-Backed Educational Tools: Access the latest discoveries in literacy and problem-solving to improve learning outcomes in your classroom or practice.
• Systems & Policy Leadership: Partner with us to use data-driven insights that guide decisions in disability services and community health at the state and national levels.

Participate in Research Studies

We partner with individuals, families, schools, clinics, and community organizations to conduct studies that advance evidence-based practice. 

For educators and professions, opportunities to participate may include:

• Classroom- or school-based studies
• Assessments related to learning, behavior, or development
• Interviews, surveys, or focus groups with educators or providers

For families, infants, children, teens, and adults, participation may include:

• Taking part in developmental or learning assessments
• Answering questions in an interview or survey
• Joining a study so we can learn how things change over time

Participation is always voluntary, and we work closely with partners to minimize disruption and ensure studies are feasible within real-world settings. Most studies are designed to be family-friendly and flexible. Visit our study participate page to see what is available.