The stories behind our research
KU research targets gaps in eating disorder identification and treatment
KU’s new Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors is changing the way we talk about eating disorders—and helping a broader range of patients get the treatment they need.
“One thing that breaks my heart is when I have a student who says, ‘I’ve been to treatment four times,’” Forbush says. “This shouldn’t be what happened to them. ... They lost 10 years for this, and they can’t get that time back. We’ve got to bridge that gap so that people can live high-quality lives.”
Decades-long Fragile X study expands understanding for families
University of Kansas Life Span Institute researchers research the impact of Fragile X on families in the longest ongoing research study of its kind, spanning two decades, 46 families, and 23 states.
Read about the study
Should physical fitness be for every body? Research shows how it can
Designing exercise routines for people with spinal cord injuries, who recovering from a stroke, or have chronic health conditions is possible, and research shows that it's improving the health of participants of accessible functional fitness.
Explore how KU research is improving access to exercise
Eating disorders go undiagnosed in Black pregnant or postpartum individuals. Why?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2023 reported Black patients received worse care than White patients on 52% of quality measures. Failure to recognize eating disorders among Black individuals before and after pregnancy contributes to disparities in healthcare.
How can we improve disparities in Black maternal health?
How can students with IDD be successful in college? At KU, they a program makes it possible
Transition to Postsecondary Education offers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college education, with 80% of graduates either in integrated employment or continuing education within 90 days of graduation, compared to 44% nationally in similar college programs.
See how KU is empowering students with disabilities
How Hispanic identity can create tension around body image and eating behavior
Hispanic women experience unique challenges with conflicting messages around food and body image from family and objectification from society. At the same time, reframing physical ideals and connecting to one's culture helped improve body image.
Learn how culture shapes body image for Hispanic women
How do states help disabled individuals live, work, and thrive in their communities?
We explore the data behind 40 years of support for the millions of individuals with intellectual or developmental disability. Federal funding distributed through states has supporting employment, independent living, support for caregiving families, and more.
Review data on supports for disabled Americans
How do unnecessary barriers impact the lives of people with disabilities?
Research suggests as many as 43% of Americans have a disability, nearly twice as many as federal estimates. These disabled individuals face a variety of barriers in their daily lives — highlighting accessibility for everyone is important.
Explore how barriers harm people with disabilitiesLatest News
Students, educators see a path to better writing though KU-developed AI feedback tool
In-Depth Stories
Podcast by and for Native Americans shines light on disability, mental health
KU’s Cofrin Logan Center is advancing addiction science to help people find new ways to live
