Disability Healthcare Disparities Research
DEC hosts quarterly research presentations that highlight recent evidence promoting equitable care of people with disabilities. Research Presentations invite interdisciplinary engagement of a broad spectrum of stakeholders including researchers, advocates, policy makers, payers, and others who are interested in collaborating in the development, production, and dissemination of research evidence.
Past Presentations
Implications for Healthcare Organizations and Teams: Section 1557/504 New Rules Webinar
September 2024
In this 90-minute webinar, three panelists (representing HHS, legal expertise, and a health system) share their experiences with implementing the New Rules from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A 30-minute Q&A follows the panelist presentations.
Access to and Accessibility of Care for Rural Veterans with Disabilities: A Qualitative Evaluation of VA Healthcare Experiences
June 2024
Dr. Caroline Gray presents the results of 30 qualitative interviews with rural-dwelling Veterans who experienced at least one of three types of disabilities (hearing loss, vision loss, and mobility loss). Interviewees reported experiencing access barriers in five main areas. Given its focus on caring for Veterans with service-aggravated conditions and its commitment to equity, addressing these access barriers should be a high priority for VA.
Improving Communication in Primary Care Visits for Patients with Disabilities
February 2024
Dr. Megan Morris presents findings from the PCORI-funded INTERACT Trial. The study developed and implemented an electronic communication tool that patients with communication disabilities used with their providers during primary care visits.
Evaluation of Accessibility Accommodations on Hospital Websites
December 2023
Allison Kannam presents findings from a study that reviewed hospital websites across the United States for information about disability accommodations. Discussion includes: patterns in the availability of accommodation information, and the implications for accessibility for patients with disabilities.
Sensory Adaptations to Improve Physiological and Behavioral Distress During Dental Visits in Autistic Children
September 2023
Dr. Leah Stein Duker describes the barriers and facilitators to dental care for autistic children as reported by caregivers and dental professionals. Current interventions utilized to improve access and oral care experiences for autistic children are discussed, with a focus on the sensory-adapted dental environment as an innovative method to decrease behavioral and physiological stress in autistic children during dental care.
Opportunities to work together
- Are you a health system, hospital or clinic interested in participating in research?
- Are you a researcher interested in collaborating with a health system, hospital or clinic?