Featured articles on our impact

A magnifying glass over an image of an enlarged Fragile X chromosome
The Fragile X Lab’s longitudinal study has broadened understanding of typical behavior, learning styles, intervention approaches, and the impact on family members.

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. 

The research has provided insights into effective teaching and behavioral intervention methods, documented risks for maternal anxiety and depression, highlighted the need for transition support for adolescent children, and recognized how Fragile X differs among boys and girls.

Read about the Fragile X study
Three people at a gym who are in wheelchairs use exercise machines at the gym

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
Three Black women, one of whom is pregnant, sit on a brown leather couch and smile toward the pregnant woman's belly

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?
A female student sitting in a wheelchair admires a collection of jewelry on display at the Spencer Museum of Art

Why can't students with IDD be successful in college? At KU, they can

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
A woman with long braids sits at a table with family drinking orange juice with a leaf of lettuce on her plate during a Christmas dinner

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
A woman in a wheelchair with an AAC device plays a game with her family sitting in a living room. with her Photo from Brian Whitmer-CC

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
An middle-aged man sitting in a wheelchair outside rests his head against his fist as he looks up a flight of stairs

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 disabilities

Latest News

KU advances tools and supports to improve postschool outcomes for students with disabilities with $1.8M federal grant

Continued funding for this work will "ensure that all of our shareholders, whether that be state-level personnel, local-level personnel, and/or students and youth with disabilities and their families, can really digest the work,” according to the primary investigator, Valerie Mazzotti, who is an affiliated researcher at the KU Center on Disabilities and KU distinguished professor of special education.
An adviser in a blue sweater interacts with student in a pink shirt near a window on school campus.
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In-Depth Stories

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Four researchers from the Cofrin Logan Center pose for a photo at the center's simulated bar lab

KU’s Cofrin Logan Center is advancing addiction science to help people find new ways to live

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Research center will further youth violence prevention efforts in Kansas City

Reducing youth violence