Lurie Institute for Disability Policy

@lurieinstitute

We lead research at Brandeis University to improve the well-being of people with disabilities & their families.

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Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· 27d

Our latest policy brief explores barriers to Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for American Indian and Alaska Native elders and offers recommendations to improve equitable access to care. Explore more: zurl.co/iJO5l #HCBS #Medicaid

Text reads: Policy Brief. Home- and Community-Based Services for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Recommendations for Increasing Access and Recognizing Resiliency. Image of a Navajo elder woman wearing glasses and turquoise earrings, and is wrapped in a colorful patterned blanket while seated outdoors in a desert landscape.

Text reads: "Summary. This brief examines barriers for American Indian/Alaska Natives (A I / A N) elders and relatives with disabilities in accessing Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and identifies policy recommendations to improve access to support better health and independence and reduce the need for more costly care. Policy Recommendations. One. Increase federal funding for HCBS and other programs. Two. Strengthen partnerships between states and Tribal Nations. Three. Support culturally-grounded care"

Text says "Read the full brief and plain language version online." Cover images for the briefs and its Plain Language Version.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 15

Our research center for #ParentsWithDisabilities faces closure after federal funding opportunity withdrawn Learn more: TinyUrl.com/ParentingCenterFunding Press release: tinyurl.com/PressReleaseFunding Toolkit: tinyurl.com/AdvocacyToolkitFolder

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 13

July is Disability Pride Month! 💜 Our next reflection comes from Jessie Owen, a digital creator, disability access consultant, and Advisory Board member of the National Center for Disability & Pregnancy Research. ✨ Read Jessie's full reflection: zurl.co/YUxLK

A graphic with a light purple striped background and a Disability Pride flag in the top right corner. A white framed panel features the quote: "I think disability pride is just having the opportunity to tell the truth about how hard this life can be, while also refusing the narrative that hard means less. I can be frustrated with my body and still have immense respect for it carrying me through impossible things." The phrase "refusing the narrative that hard means less" is highlighted in purple. A photo of Jessie Owen sitting in her wheelchair appears in the bottom left corner. Text identifies her as an Advisory Board member of the National Center for Disability & Pregnancy Research.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 9

July is Disability Pride Month! 💜 Our next reflection comes from Sofiya Cheyenne, an Indigenous multidisciplinary artivist, Teaching Artist, and Creative Access Consultant. ✨ Read Sofiya's full reflection: zurl.co/FQXwo

A graphic with a dark purple background and Disability Pride flag stripes in the top right corner. A light purple textured circle contains the quote: "Disability Pride means celebrating the diversity of our humanity. When we celebrate disability, we are acknowledging and embracing that disability and accessibility affects ALL people." The words "ALL people" are highlighted in purple. A portrait of Sofiya Cheyenne appears in the bottom right corner. Text in the bottom left identifies her as an Advisory Board member of the National Center for Disability & Pregnancy Research.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 7

In this blog, Sherria D. Young-Smith reflects on her experiences as a blind woman, scholar, entrepreneur, homeowner, wife, mother, and grandmother. She challenges the assumptions society places on disabled people and highlights why community living is essential. Read the full blog: zurl.co/8nJ8L

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 7

Our first #DisabilityPrideMonth reflection is from Advisory Board member Jennifer Senda, who credits her disability for helping her advocate with diverse groups in unison. Read Jennifer’s full comments on our website: zurl.co/DnK2Q

A graphic with a dark purple background and disability pride flags in the corners. Jennifer Senda’s picture is in the bottom corner. The quote on a light purple sticky note says “My disability has given me a unique perspective when it comes to life. Each person's life experience is individual. That does not mean that we can't raise our voices in unison to advocate and to speak up for others; it gives us the empathy to do so.” Jennifer is an Advisory Board Member at the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities and the National Center for Disability and Pregnancy Research.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 6

Upcoming Webinar 💻 Navigating Nursing Home to Community Transition: Barriers and Supports for Disabled People of Color 🗓️ Thursday, August 6, 2026 ⏰ 2 PM ET 📍 Zoom - Register today: zurl.co/cK2Cy ♿️ ASL interpretation and Zoom automated captions will be available.

Informational webinar graphic featuring webinar info provided in the caption. Photos of presenters, peer researchers at the Lurie Insitute for Disability Policy, Anne-Marie Gomez and Tyree Brown, are visible. The date and time, a Zoom icon indicating the event will be held on Zoom, and ASL and closed captioning (CC) icons indicating accessibility accommodations are available.

Plain language summary: The 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision said that people with disabilities have the right to live in the community. Many people have been able to live in the community because of the Olmstead v. L.C. decision. However, other people remain in institutions (including people who would prefer to live in the community).

In a study at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, we interviewed disabled people of color who had experience living in a nursing home. In this webinar, peer researchers Tyree Brown and Anne-Marie Gomes, share findings on the barriers and supports that disabled people of color experience to transition from nursing homes to the community. Addressing these barriers and supports can help more people live in the community.

The 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead decision clarified that the Americans with Disabilities Act protects disabled people from unjustified segregation in institutional settings. The decision underscored community living as a civil right & not merely a preference. Despite a shift from institutions to community living, people of color with disabilities are less likely to use Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS), & when they do receive HCBS, they experience higher rates of unmet need, as compared to White disabled individuals.
Through a multi-year study, the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy interviewed disabled people of color with experience living in nursing homes. In this webinar, peer researchers Tyree Brown & Anne-Marie Gomes, share findings on the barriers & supports that affect transitions from nursing homes to community living, including HCBS, for disabled people of color. Addressing these barriers & strengthening identified supports can help us advance the promises of Olmstead.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 6

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jul 2

This webinar explores the importance of Housing First for unhoused people with disabilities and its role in advancing community living. Watch the recording on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/1uwbCyd_Yio #HousingFirst #DisabilityPolicy #HousingPolicy @bazeloncenter.bsky.social

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 30

NUEVA investigación de un vistazo 🔍 Nuestro informe más reciente encontró que las madres y los padres con discapacidad tienen entre 1.73 y 2.32 veces más probabilidades de no tener acceso a internet que las madres y los padres sin discapacidad. Conozca más en La brecha digital: zurl.co/zizHv

Gráfico de barras que muestra la probabilidad de no tener conexión a Internet según el tipo de discapacidad. Las personas con discapacidades tenían 1,79 veces más probabilidades de no tener acceso a Internet. Discapacidad de autocuidado, 2,32 veces. Discapacidad visual, 2,15 veces. Discapacidad auditiva, 1,86 veces. Discapacidad que impide la vida independiente, 1,98 veces. Discapacidad motora, 2,24 veces. Discapacidad cognitiva, 1,73 veces.

Gráfico de barras dobles que compara los datos sociodemográficos de las madres y los padres con discapacidades, con los de sus pares son discapacidades. El 13 % de las familias no discapacitadas eran afroamericanas no hispanas, mientras que el 18 % de las familias con discapacidades eran afroamericanas no hispanas. Condición de padre o madre soltero/a: El 28 % eran personas sin discapacidades y el 46 % eran personas con discapacidades. Condición de abuelo/a: El 2 % eran personas sin discapacidades y el 9 % eran personas con discapacidades. Por debajo del umbral de pobreza: El 11 % eran personas sin discapacidades y el 27 % eran personas con discapacidades. Estado de residente rural: El 7 % eran personas sin discapacidades y el 10 % eran personas con discapacidades.

Infografía con el título “El acceso a internet es un determinante social de la salud”, donde la expresión “determinante social” aparece resaltada. En el centro se muestra una ilustración de una familia utilizando una computadora portátil dentro del contorno de una casa, con una señal de Wi-Fi sobre el techo. Uno de los padres utiliza una silla de ruedas. Alrededor de la familia aparecen seis íconos conectados por líneas punteadas que representan áreas influenciadas por el acceso a internet: Educación, Comunicación, Telesalud, Bienestar familiar, Beneficios y servicios, y Oportunidades.

Gráfico de barras que muestra el acceso a Internet. El 97 % de las madres y los padres sin discapacidades tenía algún tipo de acceso a Internet, comparado con un 94 % para las madres y los padres discapacitados. El 81 % de las madres y los padres sin discapacidades tenía acceso a Internet de alta velocidad, comparado con un 74 % para las madres y los padres discapacitados.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 30

NEW Research at a Glance 🔍 Our latest brief found that #ParentsWithDisabilities are between 1.73 and 2.32 times more likely to lack #InternetAccess than non-disabled parents. Learn more: zurl.co/3YyGj

Bar chart showing likelihood of lacking internet based on disability type. People with any disability were 1.79 times more likely to lack internet access. Self care disability, 2.32 times. Vision disability, 2.15 times. Hearing disability, 1.86 times. Independent living disability, 1.98 times. Ambulatory disability, 2.24 times. Cognitive disability, 1.73 times.

A double bar chart comparing socio-demographic data of parents with disabilities and parents without disabilities. 13% of nondisabled families were non-hispanic and Black, while 18% of disabled families were non-hispanic Black. Single parent status: 28% for nondisabled, 46% for disabled. Grandparent status: 2% for nondisabled, 9% for disabled. Below the poverty line status: 11% of nondisabled, 27% of disabled. Rural residence status: 7% of nondisabled, 10% of disabled.

Infographic with the headline “Internet access is a social determinant of health,” with “social determinant” highlighted. At the center is an illustration of a family using a laptop together inside a house outline, with a Wi-Fi signal above the roof. One parent is shown using a wheelchair. Surrounding the family are six icons connected by dotted lines representing areas affected by internet access: Education, Communication, Telehealth, Family Wellbeing , Benefits & Services, and Opportunities.

Bar chart showing internet access. 97% of nondisabled parents had any internet access, versus 94% of disabled parents. 81% of nondisabled parents had high-speed internet access, versus only 74% of disabled parents.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 25

June News from the Lurie Institute 🌼 Read the full newsletter here: zurl.co/c8Xeh Want to get newsletters from the Lurie Institute or our various research centers in the future? Sign up today: zurl.co/JLzV2

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 25

Our latest plain-language brief, Getting Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for People with Disabilities When They Leave Jails and Prisons, explores barriers to HCBS access, Medicaid's role in reentry, and policy changes to improve support. Read more: zurl.co/4nP18

Illustrated cover of a plain-language policy brief about access to Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for people with disabilities leaving jails and prisons. On the left, a person using a wheelchair sits beneath an image of a prison surrounded by barbed wire, with an arrow pointing downward. On the right, the same person in a wheelchair is shown receiving assistance from a healthcare worker beneath an image of a house. A purple zig zag line divides two scenes vertically, representing the transition from incarceration to community living. The title reads: “Getting Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for people with disabilities when they leave jails and prisons: What makes HCBS harder to get? What policies should get made or changed to help?”

The first section reads “Incarceration / Incarcerated.” Incarceration is when the state puts someone in prison for breaking a law. Incarcerated people stay in jail until released. “Formerly incarcerated” means the person has been released from prison. Next to the text are illustrations of a person sitting in a jail cell and a person being released from jail. The second section reads “Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS).” HCBS are services that help people with disabilities live in their community. Examples include chores, driving, and scheduling doctor appointments. Next to the text is an illustration of a caregiver helping a person who uses a wheelchair. The third section reads “Medicaid.” Medicaid is a health insurance plan that makes health care affordable or free for people who do not make enough money. It also says Medicaid often pays for HCBS care. Next to the text is an illustration of a medical kit, medicine bottle, and pills.

This image describes the key issues discussed in the post. Next to the word “Medicaid” is an illustration of a Medicaid card. The text explains that Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with low incomes or no income and is often the only way for people with disabilities to receive Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS). A black triangle with a white exclamation mark highlights a problem. The text explains that incarcerated people often have their Medicaid coverage paused while they are in prison. There is also an illustration of a calendar representing long Medicaid wait times. The text explains that people often have to apply for Medicaid again after they are released from prison. It also notes that submitting a Medicaid application while incarcerated can be difficult and that there are often long delays before coverage is restored.

Next to the heading “This issue needs to be addressed,” a man with brown skin and grey hair sits frowning in a manual wheelchair. An anxious thought bubble is above his head and a medicaid card is to his right. Text reads: “Formerly incarcerated people with disabilities are often released without access to Medicaid or HCBS and this can make it more difficult for people with disabilities to stay housed.”
The next heading “The Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration” has a clipart of three figures in line to the right. Text reads: “Some states use this program to help people get Medicaid right before or after their release. This helps them avoid a long waitlist when released.” There is also a clipart of four figures with different disabilities smiling together. Text reads: “Most states with this program limit it to specific types of disabilities. This program can help incarcerated people with disabilities, but it needs to include more people.”

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 24

This webinar explores the NIH Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research and its vision for advancing the health and well-being of people with disabilities. Watch our speakers discuss the NIH plan’s key goals and its impact on the future of disability health research: zurl.co/JzTzv

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 24

Thanks Arman for giving a great talk about his disability advocacy work in India and around the world! We were honored to have disability rights advocate Arman Ali to the Lurie Institute following his meetings at the UNCRPD. We are grateful for the engaging conversation 💙

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 23

In this clip from our webinar, Taylor Banks shares her experience navigating pregnancy as a disabled mother and reflects on the joy of motherhood. She also discusses how having the right support system has empowered her. Watch the full webinar and explore additional resources: zurl.co/htmTv

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 22

27 Years of Olmstead: People With Disabilities Belong in the Community 🏘️ Explore our resources through our email newsletter conta.cc/4uOOjh6 or on the Community Living Policy Center’s website Heller.Brandeis.edu/Community-Living-Policy #Olmstead #CommunityLiving #DisabilityPolicy #HCBS

What is Olmstead? A plain language overview

* On this day in 1999, the Supreme Court made an important decision in disability law. The court case is called Olmstead vs. L.C.
* The Supreme Court sided with two disabled women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson. Lois and Elaine lived in institutional settings for many years. However, they did not want to live there. They wanted to live in the community. The state did not want to help them leave institutional settings.
Photo of Lois Curtis, Elaine Wilson, and their lawyer.

* The Supreme Court decided that disabled people should not live in segregated settings. Disabled people should live in the least restricted setting that supports their needs.
* The Olmstead decision affirmed the integration mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Olmstead transformed how people get home and community-based services. We celebrate this important anniversary with resources and information for you!

Text reads: Explore our website for resources related to Olmstead and enhancing community living access. Preview of various briefs and reports from the Community Living Policy Center. Report cover topics like home and community based services affordability and positive outcomes, Olmstead’s impact on housing access, considerations for disabled people of color transitioning out of institutional living, and supportive programs like Money Follows the Person.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 21

Father’s Day Blog Series 🎉 In this Father’s Day Series blog, writer Glenn Moscoso reflects on the lessons that have made his journey as a father meaningful. Through humor and honesty, he shares how raising his son has influenced the parent he has become. Read more: zurl.co/rNloh

A graphic with a striped light blue background and a photo of Glenn Moscoso with his son and wife. The graphic features the quote: “He made me a father. And then, slowly, beautifully, stubbornly, hilariously, he taught me how to become one.”

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 21

Father’s Day Blog Series 🎉 In this Father’s Day Series blog, disability rights advocate, poet, and author Remon Jourdan reflects on parenthood, pride, and the assumptions people often make about disabled parents. Read more: zurl.co/l46b0

Graphic featuring a photo of Remon Jourdan and a child. Text reads: “It is inherent, I am a parent.” Below is a quote from Remon Jourdan: “What defines disabled parents is not the challenges they face, but the lives they continue to build through them.”

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 19

Father’s Day Blog Series 🎉 Writer and narrative strategist Emerole Clinton reflects on parenting, disability, and empathy. Drawing on their experience as a neurodivergent parent living with disability, they share how it shapes the way they raise their children. Read more: zurl.co/0qF1e

Quote from Emerole Clinton: “I am extraordinarily patient with my children when they cannot do what they are supposed to be able to do. This is not a virtue I cultivated. It is a direct consequence of knowing what it feels like to be a person whose capacity does not match what the situation expects.” The words “direct consequence of knowing” are highlighted. A photo of Emerole Clinton appears below the quote.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 18

How many LGBTQ+ people with disabilities need long-term services and support (LTSS)? Findings show that LGBTQ+ people are represented at higher rates among people with disabilities and among those who need LTSS. Read the full brief: zurl.co/HXdLH

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 17

Leaders meeting leaders: Arman Ali and our friends at the Disability Policy Consortium this week 🤩 We're so glad to have some of our favorite people meeting and getting to chat together. #DisabilityPolicy #DisabilityCommunity

Arman Ali, Monika Mitra, Dennis Heaphy, and Harry Weissman gathered together in a group selfie.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 15

In this clip from our webinar, Taylor reflects on the bond she built with her doula and how that relationship changed her pregnancy journey. Her story highlights the impact of advocacy and accessible care on disabled people. Explore the full webinar and additional resources: zurl.co/waoTw

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 13

"We need one another." In this clip from our webinar, Dr. Bentley discusses how doulas support disabled pregnant people through accessible communication, advocacy, accommodations, and long-term relationship building. Explore the full webinar and additional resources: zurl.co/wOSO1

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 12

¡El Día del Padre es el 21 de junio, y el Centro Nacional de Investigación para Padres con Discapacidades quiere escuchar tu historia! Obtén más información en: zurl.co/0EMiP Para enviar tu publicación, escribe a: CenterForParents@Brandeis.edu

Imagen de un bebé sosteniendo la mano de su padre.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 12

Disability-informed doula care can help disabled people navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. The conversation highlighted the barriers many disabled pregnant people face and the role doulas can play in supporting communication and informed decision-making. Explore more: zurl.co/hAo8o

Text introduces Taylor Banks, a mother of three with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and anxiety, and Dr. Brandie Bentley, a community-based doula and assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan. Headshots of Taylor Banks and Dr. Bentley appear alongside their introductions. The slide explains that during Taylor's first two pregnancies she was often spoken over by healthcare providers and did not feel involved in decision-making. Two illustrations compare these experiences: one shows a pregnant person speaking with a healthcare provider alone, while the second shows a pregnant person, a doula, and a healthcare provider talking together. The slide states that when Dr. Bentley became Taylor's doula during her third pregnancy, she “changed everything,” helping Taylor feel more included in conversations and better informed about her choices. An arrow in the bottom corner indicates that additional slides follow.

Text reads: 1 in 5 pregnant people identify as disabled. The slide explains that disabled pregnant people face unique barriers to accessible care, including societal, communication, physical, and postpartum barriers. It defines the term “doulas" as trained, non-medical professionals who support people before, during, and after pregnancy, and notes that doulas can reduce Cesarean delivery rates, shorten labor duration, increase breastfeeding rates, and improve mental health. At the top, 5 icons representing pregnant people are shown, with 1 highlighted. A map of the United States highlights states that provide Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, accompanying the statement that 26 states and Washington, D.C. now provide doula reimbursement for Medicaid recipients.

The slide features an illustration of a laptop displaying the webinar title, photos of the two presenters, and accessibility symbols for sign language interpretation and closed captioning.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 11

Father’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the experiences of disabled fathers. Data from our Disability Data Dashboard show that approximately 1 in 15 dads identify as disabled. Explore the Disability Data Dashboard: zurl.co/vZGnF

A father who uses a wheelchair sitting beside a child standing next to him. Text reads: Data about Disabled Dads.

Text reads: There are about 1,956,000 dads who identify as disabled in the United States. This means that approximately 1 in 15 dads identify as disabled nationwide. 14 white figures are shown alongside 1 highlighted purple figure, representing the statistic that approximately 1 in 15 dads identify as disabled. An arrow in the bottom corner indicates that additional slides follow.

An infographic showing three donut charts comparing disability rates among fathers from different racial and ethnic groups. Text reads: Disability disproportionately impacts dads from Black or Native American backgrounds. 14.1% of American Indian/Alaskan dads. 8.4% of Black dads. 6.6% of White dads.

Text reads: Data also shows that Native American disabled dads have high rates of poverty. Native disabled dads make up 12.4% of all Native dads above the poverty line, and 21.4% of all Native dads below the poverty line. A dollar sign icon appears above a dotted line labeled “poverty line,” visually separating data about Native American disabled fathers above and below the poverty line.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 10

Researchers found that while many resources focus on sexuality education, fewer address broader reproductive healthcare topics.These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive, accessible reproductive healthcare information for disabled people. Read more: zurl.co/aIX1E

Illustration of a woman with a prosthetic leg, a woman using a wheelchair, and a man with a prosthetic arm standing on one side of a large gap. Across the gap are reproductive healthcare resources represented by a stack of books, a laptop, and a magnifying glass.

Illustration of a tablet displaying a medical kit and stethoscope, with a magnifying glass in front of it.

An infographic featuring a large illustration of puzzle pieces, with one piece separated from the others and a medical cross symbol on one puzzle piece.

Preview of pages with bullet point list of resources.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 5

This webinar explores the intersection of disability, pregnancy, and doula care. Speakers discuss how disability-centered doula support can help create more accessible, equitable, and empowering birth experiences. Watch the recording on our YouTube channel: zurl.co/2rYKT

Promotional graphic for the webinar recording, How Doulas Can Help Pregnant Disabled People. A laptop screen displays two speakers alongside a quote from Taylor Banks: “Knowing that I have access to a doula who is as amazing as Dr. Bentley, it really changed my perspective on everything. It made me realize I have a voice.” Icons indicating closed captions and accessibility features are visible.

Lurie Institute for Disability Policy@lurieinstitute· Jun 3

All About the NIH Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research: zurl.co/S4QFv Housing Without Restrictions: A Key to Avoiding Homelessness and Institutionalization: zurl.co/eS98n Navigating Nursing Home to Community Transition: Barriers and Supports for Disabled People of Color: zurl.co/EVHgX