News

Tue, 10/15/2024

KU researchers leading projects to make Library of Congress educational materials more accessible, use AI to aid writing instruction

Researchers have secured two grants to help make PBS Newshour Classroom materials more accessible in teaching students with disabilities and to use AI to help teachers expand an existing writing instruction program, also with a focus on students with disabilities.

Fri, 10/11/2024

KU researchers partner with state to build capacity to employ Kansans with disabilities

A project that is a partnership between the state of Kansas and researchers at the KU Life Span Institute, initiated one year ago, is exploring ways to increase the capacity in the state to employ people with disabilities in jobs that meet higher thresholds for wages and other factors, with potential to improve opportunities and quality of life.

Wed, 10/09/2024

University of Kansas Named Global Leader in Developmental Disability Research

The University of Kansas ranks first in the world in developmental disability research amon all academic and non-academic institutions, according to the data analytics organization ScholarGPS. Research conducted by Life Span Institute’s more than 125 scientists is the foundation for the lifetime institutional ranking.

Wed, 10/09/2024

Study: ChatGPT needs expert supervision to help parents with children’s healthcare information

New research from the University of Kansas Life Span Institute highlights a key vulnerability to misinformation generated by artificial intelligence and a potential model to combat it.

Mon, 10/07/2024

KU Disabilities Center Updates Name, Broadens Mission

In an effort to reflect a growing focus on supporting and partnering with all people with disabilities to advance outcomes, the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities recently broadened its name to the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD).

Fri, 09/20/2024

Tera Fazzino among KU scholars named Faculty of the Year by Kansas Board of Regents

The Kansas Board of Regents awarded three current KU scholars and one former KU professor as Faculty of the Year for 2024. This program recognizes the outstanding contributions of faculty at state universities to teaching, student success, research and Kansas communities.

Mon, 09/16/2024

Life Span Institute investigator Alison Gabriele among recipients of KU teaching awards

The University of Kansas is proud to announce 16 faculty members from the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses as recipients of KU’s annual teaching awards.

Wed, 09/11/2024

AI Project for Early Childhood Language Assessment Aims to Speed Up Intervention for Children with Developmental Delays

Researchers at Juniper Gardens Children's Project are piloting an innovative approach using artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the analysis of Early Communication Indicator (ECI) assessments, which evaluate language development in young children.

Wed, 09/04/2024

Life Span researchers join with PBS project to improve access to media literacy for students

The project, funded through a grant from the Library of Congress, will address the growing gap between students with disabilities and their peers in reading, writing and civics.

Wed, 09/04/2024

Study: All students, teachers benefit when support provided for self-determination model of instruction

A KU program implemented the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction in 15 schools and found that when it was provided with online training models and coaching, schools were more likely to implement it with fidelity and continue its use.

Tue, 09/03/2024

Study finds people with pre-existing disabilities had long COVID at much higher rates

An analysis of a national health survey showed individuals with pre-existing disabilities who contracted COVID suffered long COVID at much higher rates than their nondisabled peers. This exacerbates existing barriers to health care access and inequities in health, requiring an adjustment of health policy, researchers say.

Wed, 08/28/2024

Kansas City Schools Sought for Peer-Based Autism Intervention Program

KU researchers are hoping to partner with a few more Kansas City area school districts to learn how peer interventions improve social skills in autistic preschoolers. Earlier outcomes have shown marked changes in spontaneous communication and reciprocity, both critical for early social development.

Wed, 08/28/2024

Life Span partners with teachers, schools to train early-childhood special educators; publishes guide for teacher prep programs

Project MounTaiN at KU is in its second year of training working and future teachers to better serve early childhood students with high-incidence disabilities and partnering with area schools to provide student teaching and support to education centers. The project also published a guide for other teacher prep programs looking to improve.

Tue, 08/06/2024

Researchers leverage AI to help business provide nutritious choices in American food deserts

KU's Tera Fazzino, along with a multidisciplinary group of researchers across several institutions, will help create an artificial-intelligence-powered digital tool, called the NOURISH platform, to help businesses and startups operating in food deserts give more nutritious choices to an estimated 24 million Americans.

Tue, 07/23/2024

Heat waves disproportionately increase health risks for people with disabilities

Heat can exacerbate preexisting conditions, including neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and more. While the risk of heat-related illness applies to everyone, those at the highest risk include the very young, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Fri, 07/19/2024

Grant to test AI integration with KU literacy program for students with disabilities

A University of Kansas project that improves literacy skills has been awarded a $1.875 million grant to test integrating artificial intelligence into its writing program and tailoring it to assist adolescent students with disabilities. ...

Mon, 07/15/2024

KU researchers describe new direction for understanding causes of autism

Researchers working to understand the genetic causes of autism describe how new strategies are needed to understand the complex genetic landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mon, 07/08/2024

Social stigma creates barriers to treatment for people with substance use disorders

Stigma associated with substance use can dehumanize people, increase shame and be a roadblock for those who might seek assistance or health care.

Tue, 07/02/2024

Pilot study aims to engage exercise virtually among mobility impaired individuals

Researchers at the Life Span Institute’s Research and Training Center on Independent Living are working to learn more about effective ways to promote aerobic exercise among this group with a pilot study involving 10 participants in a 16-week virtual intervention program.

Wed, 06/26/2024

KU researchers highlight how $80.6 billion in federal spending supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities nationwide

In recognition of the anniversary of the 1999 decision, which was celebrated June 20 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, University of Kansas researchers shared information about how federal funds are distributed to each state to help individuals, families and caretakers.

Wed, 06/26/2024

Researchers describe how federal funding supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities nationwide

University of Kansas researchers shared information about how federal funds are distributed to each state to help individuals, families and caretakers.

Tue, 06/25/2024

Sean Swindler honored with Judith Heumann Disability Rights Advocacy Award

The director of community program development and evaluation at KCART and project manager at the KUCDD, has advanced disability rights and inclusion throughout his career.

Mon, 06/24/2024

National research organization honors Life Span Institute scientists for commitment to research focused on people with disabilities

Jean Hall, director of Institute on Health and Disability Studies, received the distinguished service award from the organization, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life, independence, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families through research.

Thu, 05/30/2024