Featured and Guidelines.shtml
Tue, 10/27/2026
To guide future research and policy, KU survey asks adults with disabilities to share their experiences
NSHD responses help shape resources, policies and practice recommendations aimed at improving the health, employment and overall well-being of people with disabilities in the United States.
Mon, 10/26/2026
Study finds teachers continue using effective behavior support program CW-FIT years after training ends
Teachers in one study spent more than 7 hours a month of classroom time each month managing student behavior challenges in one study out of Maine. Managing student behavior costs that state between $6,674 and $15,366 per educator each year, depending on the professional role.
Mon, 10/26/2026
Researchers land grant to test effectiveness, sustainability of fitness program for individuals with disabilities
Researchers in the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas will evaluate a community fitness program that has been adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities. The program will set up a randomized control trial to see if Functional Fitness is more effective at long-term use, improving mobility, strength and other factors.
Fri, 10/16/2026
El Centro and KU partner on data-driven statewide effort to build a fuller picture of Latino communities in Kansas
El Centro, a Latino-led, Latino-serving nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, Kansas, is leading an initiative to create a comprehensive, community-led portrait of the Latino experience in Kansas with the KU Center for Community Health and Development.
Thu, 10/08/2026
KU eating disorders research center to welcome the public with open house and resource fair
The Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors at the Life Span Institute recently moved to Youngberg Hall on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence.
Fri, 10/02/2026
National survey to document technology-related programs for older adults and people with disabilities
This project will create the first comprehensive national dataset on technology access, barriers, and innovations for older adults and people with disabilities, helping states make data-informed policy, funding, and service decisions.
Mon, 09/21/2026
KU researchers detail successes, challenges of practices to help autistic students transition out of high school
Researchers at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities and special education colleagues are publishing a series of studies in a special journal issue detailing the successes and challenges of two evidence-based practices to help autistic students make the transition from high school.
Fri, 09/11/2026
KU to host series of informational meetings for students with intellectual disabilities, parents and educators
The University of Kansas Transition to Postsecondary Education program (KU TPE) is hosting a series of informational meetings in several Kansas cities in October and November. KU TPE is a two-year, fully inclusive undergraduate certificate program at the Lawrence campus.
Mon, 08/31/2026
KU-based initiative helps build safer community for Wyandotte County youth
A new study demonstrates effective ways to reduce youth violence, with a 42% decrease in the rate of youth homicide within the catchment area served during the years of the KU-based program.
Wed, 08/26/2026
Using FDA addiction science, researcher asks: Do salty, high-fat foods act like drugs?
University of Kansas researcher Tera Fazzino is investigating whether “hyperpalatable” foods marketed to Americans — foods formulated with artificially high amounts of fat, salt and carbohydrates — have traits commonly associated with addictive substances. She recently earned a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to test the idea using experimental practices standard in the field of regulatory research.
Thu, 08/20/2026
Q&A with Researcher Tera Fazzino: What we can learn about the global food supply today by examining Big Tobacco’s past
Hyperpalatable food scientist explains how tobacco companies influenced the global food supply and how it changed the way people eat
Wed, 08/05/2026
KU Professor Sean Smith Receives Prestigious 2026 David Rose UDL Research Award
Life Span Institute-affiliated research honored by national organization for his leadership and research in advancing better access to learning through universal design.
Wed, 08/05/2026
Project to develop digital eating-disorder intervention tailored to experiences of Black postpartum individuals
KU research addresses the critical need for accessible eating-disorder treatment during the postpartum period, when changes in body image, eating habits and caregiving demands can increase risk for disordered eating.
Tue, 08/04/2026
$50K Grant Funds New Screening and Support Initiative in Cancer Care for Alcohol Use
A project with Cofrin Logan Center researchers aims to improve screening and care through the development of a consistent method to ask head and neck cancer patients about their use of alcohol.
Tue, 07/28/2026
KU research award will help develop pain and nicotine intervention for cancer survivors
Cancer survivors are often excluded from smoking cessation studies, even though survivors managing chronic pain are significantly more likely to use nicotine than the general population.
Wed, 07/08/2026
KU autism AI tool launched to provide resources to Kansas families
With a new artificial intelligence chatbot tool developed at the University of Kansas, families can receive vetted information about autism that is specific to their needs in Kansas.
Tue, 06/09/2026
Statewide partnership to help improve literacy rates evaluates school readiness, educator training
KU researchers are working to address declining literacy rates in Kansas schools, where just 1 out of 3 students are reaching grade-level proficiency. The goal through the state's Blueprint for Literacy initiative is to reach 90% proficiency for students across Kansas.
Mon, 05/04/2026
Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental health issues
Under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, two clients can have different diagnostic labels but nearly identical symptoms. Researchers found the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) can work as a more precise alternative.
Thu, 04/30/2026
KU expanding job opportunities for disabled Kansans through state investment
University of Kansas researchers have launched the second phase of the Kansas Employment First project, expanding access to competitive integrated employment for Kansans with disabilities.
Tue, 04/28/2026
Wyandotte County Kicks Off Youth Violence Prevention Week with celebration that highlights achievements
Community and local leaders turn out to support the KU-based initiative, which has contributed to a 38% drop in youth homicides since it began.
Thu, 04/16/2026
How Early Feedback Loops Drive Your Child’s Language
Unlock the secret to early language. KU research reveals how infants use "feedback loops" to learn to speak. Learn the three key signs of early communication and how you can help your child move from babbles to first words.
Mon, 04/13/2026
Study shows cigarette smoking almost twice as likely for people living with chronic pain
Researchers have analyzed responses from more than 195,600 Americans surveyed over 10 years. The key finding: Chronic pain is tied to smoking and vaping at higher rates.
Mon, 03/23/2026
KU study tracks 43 years of intellectual and developmental disability funding trends
The latest available data shows a vital shift toward community-based care for nearly 1 million Americans, but University of Kansas researchers warn that Medicaid uncertainty could force a return to institutions.
Thu, 03/05/2026
Students, educators see a path to better writing though KU-developed AI feedback tool
Project AI SCORE, developed at the KU Life Span Institute, uses artificial intelligence to deliver instant, targeted feedback on student writing. The tool that helps educators save time and supports students across ability levels is expanding to schools nationwide.
Fri, 02/13/2026
KU disability research center nationally recognized for community partnership
The Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is among five national recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Award. The distinction from Campus Compact honors higher education programs and initiatives that make a meaningful impact by partnering with communities to address complex social issues.
Tue, 02/03/2026
Safety on the Spectrum: 5 Essential Steps for Managing Wandering and Police Interactions
Autism and law enforcement share 5 key ways families can help improve safety, communication, and support for autistic individuals during the Kansas Family Education Series from Kansas LEND.
Thu, 01/29/2026
Visualizing a 'future self': KU research on how creative tools fight addiction and anxiety
Cofrin Logan Center Director Richard Yi is studying why we often choose a small reward today over a bigger one later, with implications for addiction, eating disorders, youth well-being, and more.
Tue, 01/13/2026
Long-running research center in Kansas City celebrated in scholarly journal
Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, part of the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas, is the focus of a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Education and Treatment of Children.
Wed, 12/17/2025
Grant to expand community-based research project focused on people with mobility disabilities
With new federal funding, a University of Kansas project is expanding access to exercise for people with disabilities. Life Span Institute researcher Lyndsie Koon says the community-based functional fitness program has shown strong results.
Fri, 12/05/2025
KU graduate program inspires parent-child collaboration to make accessible toys
A teacher pursuing her master's degree in special education through KU's Project MounTaiN program inspired her son to make toys more accessible for children with disabilities after learning about assistive technology in her coursework.