Research Briefs
Here you can find a variety of research briefs summarizing academic publications and findings.
- Briefs created by U-M CDHW
- Briefs Developed in collaboration with The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT)
Briefs created by U-M CDHW
Cerebral Palsy: Why Patients Experience More Medical Conditions, Greater Health Care Usage and Higher Costs
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition present at birth and is often associated with challenges in physical movement. Restrictions in daily activities and communication caused by CP can lead to increased risk for health complications. This is why children with CP are more likely to experience health problems.
Can Shared Automated Vehicles Open New Transportation Options for People with Disabilities?
Shared Automated Vehicles (SAVs) could serve as safe and independent transportation option for older adults and people with disabilities. Inclusive SAV design can promote improved safety, participation in social activities, and quality of life. Unfortunately, early SAV deployments in the US have tended not to be designed with people with disabilities in mind.
Did People with Disabilities Increase their Use of Annual Wellness Visits After the Implementation of the ACA?
Researchers from the Investigating Disability factors and promoting Environmental Access for healthy Living Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (IDEAL RRTC) analyzed the utilization of annual wellness visits by individuals with disabilities. This population is significant because individuals with disabilities tend to have an increased need for preventive care compared to the general population.
Briefs Developed in collaboration with The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT)
Social isolation and loneliness are serious health concerns for adults with disabilities. COVID-19 has magnified the problem.
Social distancing guidelines have increased social isolation and loneliness for many adults with disabilities, as their caregivers and family members have been unable to visit. Learn how some states are fighting back against loneliness in adults with disabilities.
COVID-19 adds stress for family caregivers – why that matters.
Nearly 40% of all family caregivers find their caregiving situation to be emotionally stressful. When caregivers feel they have no choice in assuming their caregiving duties, this increases to 53%. Left unaddressed, caregiver stress can worsen physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as social and financial well-being.
Download the brief "COVID-19 adds stress for family caregivers – why that matters." (PDF)
Family caregiver support: state and federal policy and programmatic solutions.
More than 13% of Americans, provide unpaid care to family members or friends. These care providers administer medical care, run errands, provide transportation, manage finances, among other activities. Despite their significant contributions, family caregivers are often undervalued and under or unsupported within the nation’s long-term care system.
Disability and telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused telehealth use to skyrocket for all populations, including those with disabilities. This expedited expansion of telehealth was a necessary shift during the public health emergency (PHE) as clinics, health systems, and providers pivoted to reduce unnecessary in-person contact and to preserve clinical care capacity.
Download the brief "Disability and telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic." (PDF)
Evaluating housing concerns for people with physical disabilities: Barriers, best practices, and policy implications.
The U.S. housing crisis is worse for people with physical disabilities for two reasons. First, affordable housing is a challenge because people with physical disabilities are twice as likely to be low income. Second, accessibility is a challenge because significant and costly renovations are often required for people with physical disabilities.