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

Civic Engagement at the Lurie Institute

Lurie Institute staff members Robyn Powell, Sandy Ho, and Finn Gardiner have been involved in a number of civic engagement projects over the past several months, including testifying at government hearings, conducting interviews with NPR about disability and employment policy, and holding virtual Q&A sessions with presidential candidates on disability policy.

Flyer for the 2019 Annual Distinguished Lurie Lecture

Annual Lurie Distinguished Lecture

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy held its 2019 Distinguished Lecture, "Using Population Data to Inform Autism Policy in the U.S.," featuring Dr. Paul Shattuck of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University. A captioned recording of the lecture is available here.

Reproductive Health Policy and Fact Sheets

Reproductive Health Policy Briefs

The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities has recently published a series of policy briefs and fact sheets about disability and reproductive health care.

Our Areas of Study

Health Care Equity

People with disabilities across the United States face significant disparities in finding and receiving health care. 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 aims to identify these experiences and needs to shape policies and programs that help parents with disabilities raise their children, receive culturally competent health care, 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.

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