One of our Core Functions as a University Center for Excellence is that of Research –the generation of new knowledge that can directly and positively impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Research has steadily become a more important priority for HDI over the past decade and we currently have several areas of concentration, for which we are nationally recognized:
In addition, we conduct research in a variety of other topics, including life satisfaction and life outcomes for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as recreation opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, disability education for other professionals (e.g., seminarians), and community-based work experiences.
Moreover, much of our research is conducted with our students – our Research Assistants and our Graduate Certificate Students. We greatly value their contributions, and see this participation as an essential part of their training for their future careers. For example, our Graduate Certificate Students have an opportunity to conduct a research project as part of their Certificate completion. Many of our Research Assistants have opportunities to conduct research as part of their assistantship responsibilities.
Click here to view some of our recent, nationally refereed publications (with our HDI trainees/research assistants in bold print)
While our research focus continues to broaden and our project activities increase, so does the need to evaluate project goals and program effectiveness. As a result, HDI’s Evaluation Unit has expanded to keep pace. Our Evaluation Unit provides many services including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, focus groups, technical assistance, as well as, technical writing of grant proposals, research and policy briefs.
Featured Research Project
Enhanced Assessment Grant (EAG): Kentucky Investigation
Kentucky launched the nation’s first accessible online statewide general assessment for students with disabilities in spring of 2003, known as CATS (Commonwealth Accountability Testing System) Online. The Kentucky Investigation focused on analysis of this electronic system. Since its inception, taking the Kentucky state assessment online has been an option for students with disabilities who routinely use text to speech technology during instruction to access print based material. While other states have ventured into online administration of their state assessment, Kentucky was the first state to offer their full assessment online in an accessible digital format at all grades and content areas. This also included a mechanism for electronic student response. Although promising, a detailed and systematic analysis of the comparability and impact of this electronic accommodation on a large-scale basis is needed to guide other states in their design and delivery of accessible online assessment and its use by students with disabilities.
Click here for more details.