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 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Disability and Health Policy: Applications Open

Applications Open: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Disability & Health Policy

The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy is pleased to announce an opening in our postdoctoral research training program in disability and health research. We invite applications from qualified candidates for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship. Learn more about the fellowship and application process.

2020 Lurie Institute for Disability Policy Annual Report

2020 Annual Report

In a year like no other, we continued our mission of ensuring equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Learn more about the Lurie Institute's activities and continued impact in 2020.

Statement on Racially Motivated Violence

The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy supports the Black community and condemns racism and police brutality in all forms. Black people deserve to live in a society in which their full membership and rights are guaranteed, and not contingent on law enforcement officers with deeply ingrained racial biases.

The Lurie Institute's Undergraduate Fellows Present Their Research

Our 2020–21 undergraduate fellows, Aishwarya Khanna, Luca Swinford, Michael Atkins, Sabrina Chow, Anna Cass, and Zoë Pringle, presented their research projects on May 6, 2021. We are proud of their dedication, insight, and skill in advancing the rights of the disabled community—and shaping the policies that will secure those rights.

Our Areas of Study

Healthcare Equity

People with disabilities across the United States face significant disparities in finding and receiving healthcare. Our work uncovers these disparities through rigorous analysis and identifies promising policy solutions that governments, hospitals, insurance providers, clinics, and providers can use to ensure that people with disabilities receive equitable care.

Parents with Disabilities

Parents with disabilities have experiences and support needs that are often different from those of parents without disabilities. Our research identifies these experiences and needs to shape policies and programs that help parents with disabilities raise their children, receive culturally competent healthcare, and advocate for themselves when working with child welfare agencies or family courts.

Young people, including girl with prosthetic leg, sitting on a bench

Community Living Policy

The Lurie Institute conducts and supports research into policies that integrate people with disabilities into the wider community. People with disabilities have the right to live, work, and play in the community, and we are proud to help support those rights through our work.

Light the Way for Brandeis

Though campus may appear different, our mission remains the same: to provide every enrolled student with a world-class Brandeis education and enriching experience. Learn more about our campaign to help students in response to COVID-19, today.

Public Exterior Building Staircase and Slope Ramp Accessibility for Disabled Concept, Modern Architect Pattern of Black Concrete Stairs for Walking and Pavement Surface for Wheelchair Support

“People with disabilities, like everybody else, should have the supports to live and to thrive in their communities.” - Monika Mitra, Director, Lurie Institute