Who We Are
The Law, Health Policy, and Disability Center is an emerging leader in law, technology, education and research. We are focused on improving the quality of life for persons living with disabilities. Based at the University of Iowa College of Law, with offices in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, the center concentrates on public policy and its impact on persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on employment, self-determination and self-sufficiency.
The Center's unique location in a college of law and its partnerships with colleges of education and public health promote multidisciplinary approaches to research, education and outreach. Using a seminar and team approach with real-world projects, we educate the next generation of legal, rehabilitation, and public health professionals who will influence public policy through their work.
We collaborate with:
- Professionals in law, health care, public health, rehabilitation, and workforce development
- Policymakers at the federal and state levels
- Non-profit philanthropic organizations interested in disability, health care, and employment issues
- Major global corporations and small businesses
- Disability-related organizations and Centers for Independent Living
Work at the Center includes basic research, education, training, technical assistance, and outreach. Our knowledge utilization activities include web-based dissemination, and public speaking. We publish in both non-reviewed and peer-reviewed journals, to share our research outcomes.
Center staff specialize in:
- Examining the full spectrum of public policy from initial conceptualization to later interpretations in the courts and reformulation
- Studying, evaluating and providing assistance in the passage of laws, the regulatory process, and the implementation at federal, state and local levels
- Evaluating the impact of public policy on business practices in the hiring and accommodation of persons with disabilities
- Conducting research studies to improve understanding of the relationship of selected federal and state policies on the social and economic independence of persons with disabilities
- Using accessible technology to disseminate findings, conduct research, and provide training
The Center disseminates its findings to sponsors, partners, collaborators, and the public through presentations, publications, and other knowledge utilization activities. We invite public comment, feedback and discussion through our discussion bulletin boards or through e-mail to any of the staff. E-mail addresses, as well as mailing addresses, for individual staff members are available on our Contact Us page.