The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy

The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University’s Heller School leads research that helps shape policies, programs and practices which improve the lives of people with disabilities across the lifespan.

We partner with people with disabilities, community organizations, policymakers, and clinicians to produce research that addresses the critical issues that people with disabilities and their families face. This research incorporates qualitative and quantitative projects that are informed by the disability community and grounded in disability justice. Our research team includes established academic scholars, postdoctoral fellows, professional research staff, and student research assistants. We prioritize mentorship of the next generation of researchers.

What's Happening at the Lurie Institute

Lurie Researcher Robyn Powell Receives APHA 2023 New Investigator Award

Congratulations to Robyn Powell, selected for this year's APHA New Investigator Award!

Across her studies and career, Robyn has worked tirelessly to defend and advance the rights of parents with disabilities.

Learn more about Robyn

Disability Research for a New Generation

The Lurie Undergraduate Fellowship offers opportunity to learn policy and create community.

For more than half a century, the Brandeis University community has championed the rights of people with disabilities, part of the school’s commitment to social justice.

READ THE FULL STORY

Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellowship 2023: Short Video Introduction

This short video describes the Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellowship, its background, and our inaugural recipient, Laurie Bertram Roberts. Visit our fellowship page to browse our multiple resources on the Carrie Buck Distinguished Fellowship and to find the keynote talk by Laurie.

Watch the short video introduction

Needs and Priorities for Community Living Policy Research: Summary of Stakeholder Roundtables and Community Living Policy Survey

In the Fall of 2022, the Community Living Policy Center (CLPC) convened a series of roundtables with key stakeholders to gain their insights about needs, opportunities, and priorities for future Community Living Policy Research. Stakeholders included disability and aging advocates, state officials and associations representing states, providers and health plans, and individuals with disabilities, including individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and other backgrounds. In conjunction with the CLPC’s State of the Science convening, the CLPC also distributed a Community Living Policy survey to further enhance community input.

Read the Summary

We're Hiring for an Open-Rank Faculty Appointment in Disability Policy

We are seeking a scholar whose research and teaching apply to issues of disability policy. The specific focus within this broad field is open, and applicants with expertise in areas such as health, poverty, community-living policy, employment, housing, civil rights, and intersectionality are welcome to apply.

The Heller School is looking for candidates who are committed to the highest standards of scholarship with a record of funded research and public engagement. We hope to identify a future colleague for whom our tagline, “knowledge advancing social justice,” resonates.

Learn more and apply

Disability Pride Month at the Lurie Institute

Throughout the month of July, the Lurie Institute highlighted milestones within disability history and other moments and experiences of disability pride along with the disability pride stories of several of our team members. Our events culminated in August with the webinar, Disability Identity and Pride in Equity Research, hosted by our Community Living Equity Center.

Learn More About Lurie's Disability Pride Month Celebration

What to Think About Before Having a Baby

What to Think About Before Having a Baby is the first of four videos by the National Center for Disability & Pregnancy Research in its guide for women with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

ACCESS NCDPR'S FIRST VIDEO GUIDE