Answered Questions: National Nutrition Awareness Month 2026

Posted on March 25, 2026 by naricspotlight

Answered Questions is a resource for the disability community that fills an information need. Each month, we look through the searches on our blog and through the information requests made by our patrons and pick a topic that fills the largest need. This month’s question is: “I am a dietician that works with people with disabilities and their families. What research, resources, and information are available that can help my clients with disabilities maintain or improve their diet?”

This edition of Answered Questions includes nutrition research, articles about nutrition interventions, tools, and information products for the disability community.

Nutrition Research:

These NIDILRR-funded Model System Centers are conducting research on how nutrition supports the health of people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI):

  • Northern California SCI Model System of Care investigates the the effectiveness of an individualized medical tele-nutrition therapy program in addressing cardiometabolic disease in people with chronic SCI.
  • Rusk Rehabilitation TBI Model System investigates the effectiveness of Mindfulness, Exercise, Nutrition to Optimize Recovery (MENTOR), a remotely delivered, patient-centered wellness program that focuses on mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and wellness concepts, as well as peer/social support components to improve health-related quality of life life among people with TBI.
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham SCI Model System (UAB-SCIMS) investigates the role of bacteria in the gut (microbiome) on bowel dysfunction and other complications among persons with SCI. The researchers examined microbiome changes longitudinally from acute injury across the first year after injury.

Research Articles on Interventions from NIDILRR-funded Studies:

Modification of the diabetes prevention program lifestyle intervention in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI): Efficacy for reducing major cardiometabolic risks, increased fitness, and improved health-related quality of life, assessed the impact of a therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) based on the Diabetes Prevention Program and its maintenance phase in 20 people with SCI. The TLI consisted of circuit resistance training, a Mediterranean-style calorie-restricted diet, and tailored behavioral support. The findings support the effectiveness of TLI in reducing cardiometabolic risks, enhancing fitness, and improving health-related quality of life in people with chronic SCI.

Nutrition and exercise for wellness and recovery, A randomized controlled trial of a community-based health intervention examined the efficacy of the Nutrition and Exercise for Wellness and Recovery (NEW-R) intervention for improving competency and behaviors related to diet, physical activity, and weight management in people with psychiatric disabilities. The results showed that the intervention group had statistically significant improvements in perceived competence for exercise and healthy eating compared to a control group, but no significant differences in weight loss between the two groups. The findings suggest that NEW-R may be able to initiate the change to healthy lifestyle behaviors and boost perceived competence in a healthy lifestyle.

POWERSforID: Personalized online weight and exercise response system for individuals with intellectual disability: A randomized controlled trial examined the effects of Personalized Online Weight and Exercise Response System for Individuals with Intellectual Disability (POWERSforID), a tailored information and communication technology health intervention, on body weight and other metabolic risk factors in adults with ID. The study found that adults with ID who received the intervention were able to maintain or slightly reduce their weight and waist circumference, compared to the control group. The authors suggest that the findings of this pilot study serve as a basis for developing accessible weight management interventions for people with ID.

Research In Focus:

Peer to Peer: Training Peer Health Coaches to Lead a Health Messages Program for Their Peers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities summarizes a NIDILRR-funded study that tested a wellness program run by peer health coaches with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in collaboration with staff mentors from community-based organizations. Findings indicated that the program had led to several positive results for the program participants with IDD, including improvement in their hydration, physical activity knowledge, and total health behaviors.

Tools:

  • The Life Skills Manual: Strategies for Maintaining Residential Stability is an evidence-based curriculum developed under various NIDILRR-funded grants to help adults with psychiatric disabilities learn practical life skills to live independently in the communities of their choice. The manual includes a module on food and nutrition management that features activities to learn strategies for preparing healthy meals and snacks, eating healthily on a budget, and identifying food resources in the community.

Information Products:

If you would like to learn more about NIDILRR-funded research on nutrition or other topics, please contact NARIC’s information specialists.

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Reflecting on Living with a Traumatic Brain Injury and How NIDILRR-Funded Research and Products Have Helped

Posted on March 11, 2026 by naricspotlight

Marta Garcia is NARIC’s Bilingual Information and Media Specialist. Marta sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood and, in this week’s post, reflects on the experience of living with a TBI and how NIDILRR-funded research and informational products have helped Marta in managing physical and mental health, maintaining relationships, working, and participating in the community.

This spring will mark 40 years since my TBI, and I’ve been reflecting on how it has affected my life and about the tools and tricks that I use daily to manage my TBI. I’m also thinking about the NIDILRR-funded research and products that have helped me learn new tools and skills and given me the information I needed – right when I needed it.

Although my injury is considered mild, it still has affected my memory, my ability to process noise and light, and my ability to concentrate. This impacts how I work, learn, socialize, manage my physical and mental health, and participate in my community. Here are some examples of the tools and tricks that I use to help me manage my day:

  • I write down things that I need to remember or do. Otherwise, I will forget and not do it. I joke that I should have bought stock in Post-It Notes because I use them so frequently!
  • I use noise-cancelling headphones to help manage sensory overload in loud environments, including when I go to the movies with friends and family. I also use glare guards for my computer monitors to reduce discomfort and headaches caused by bright light or glare.
  • At work, I walk laps around the office when I need a break. This helps me refocus on the task at hand.

I have learned a lot about TBI from the NIDILRR grantee community and their research into TBI as a lifelong condition. The 16 TBI Model System Centers conduct innovative research and development on their own and in collaboration, spanning the spectrum of recovery from acute rehabilitation to managing the lifelong impact of injury. I enjoy exploring the interventions, apps, and other resources they’ve developed. Here are some examples:

Here are some other examples of recent NIDILRR-funded projects related to TBI:

Our own Research In Focus series summarizes many grantee research articles related to TBI, including:

You can explore more summaries in our Research In Focus series, or search for abstracts of these and other studies in our REHABDATA database at naric.com.

With everything I’ve learned, I know I can look forward to living another 40 years with my injury, thanks in large part to the research on TBI from the NIDILRR community!

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Reflexiones sobre vivir con una lesión cerebral traumática y cómo la investigación y los productos financiados por NIDILRR me han ayudado

Posted on March 11, 2026 by mpgarcia

Marta Garcia es el Especialista Bilingüe en Información y Medios de Comunicación de NARIC. Marta sufrió una lesión cerebral traumática (LCT) en la infancia y, en la publicación de esta semana, reflexiona sobre la experiencia de vivir con una LCT y cómo la investigación y los productos informativos financiados por NIDILRR han ayudado a gestionar su salud física y mental, mantener relaciones, trabajar, y participar en la comunidad.

Esta primavera se cumplirán 40 años desde mi LCT, y he estado reflexionando sobre cómo ha afectado mi vida y sobre los instrumentos y estrategias que utilizo para gestionar mi lesión. También he estado pensando sobre la investigación y los productos informativos financiados por NIDILRR que me han ayudado a aprender nuevos instrumentos y habilidades y me han proporcionado la información que necesitaba – justo cuando la necesitaba.

Aunque mi lesión se considera leve, ha afectado mi memoria, mi capacidad para procesar el ruido y la luz, y mi capacidad de concentración. Esto repercute en mi trabajo, mi aprendizaje, mis relaciones sociales, mi salud física y mental, y mi participación en la comunidad. A continuación, presento algunos ejemplos de los instrumentos y estrategias que utilizo para gestionar mi día:

  • Anoto las cosas que necesito recordar o hacer. De lo contrario, las olvidaré y no las haré. ¡Bromeo diciendo que debería haber invertido en Post-it porque los uso con muchísima frecuencia!

  • Utilizo auriculares con cancelación de ruido para controlar la sobrecarga sensorial en ambientes ruidosos, incluso cuando voy al cine con amigos y familiares.

  • En el trabajo, doy vueltas por la oficina cuando necesito un descanso. Esto me ayuda a concentrarme de nuevo en la tarea que estoy realizando.

He aprendido mucho sobre la LCT de la comunidad de concesionarios de NIDILRR y de sus investigaciones sobre la LCT como una afección de por vida. Los 16 Centros del Sistema Modelo sobre las LCT realizan investigaciones y desarrollos innovadores, tanto de forma individual y en colaboración, abarcando todo el espectro de la recuperación, desde la rehabilitación aguda hasta el manejo de las consecuencias a largo plazo de la lesión. Me resulta muy interesante explorar las intervenciones, aplicaciones, y otros recursos que han desarrollado. Aquí les presento algunos ejemplos:

Aquí hay otros ejemplos de proyectos recientes financiados por NIDILRR relacionados con LCT:

Nuestra serie Enfoque De Investigación resume muchos artículos de investigación de los concesionarios relacionados con LCT, incluyendo:

Puede consultar más resúmenes en nuestra serie Enfoque De Investigación, o buscar resúmenes de estos y otros estudios en nuestra base de datos REHABATA.

Con todo lo que he aprendido, sé que puedo esperar vivir otros 40 años con mi lesión, ¡gracias en gran parte a la investigación sobre la LCT de la comunidad de NIDILRR!

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: New Research and Development Supporting Community Living

Posted on March 4, 2026 by naricspotlight

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This year’s theme, We’re Here: Then, Now, Always, celebrates that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have always been a part of our communities, and always will be. Recent studies show that significantly more people with IDD are living, learning, and working in their communities than are living in institutional settings. Research and development in long-term services and supports, home and community-based services (HCBS), supported employment, and other areas have expanded opportunities for people with IDD to fully participate in the communities of their choosing.

Here are just a few of the newest NIDILRR-funded projects working to understand barriers to participation and explore innovative solutions for people with IDD and their families:

These are just a few of the grantees conducting research and development to expand opportunities for people with IDD in their communities. You can learn more about NIDILRR-funded research in this and other areas from our website.

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Mes de Concientización sobre las Discapacidades de Desarrollo: Nuevas investigaciones y desarrollo que apoyan la vida comunitaria

Posted on March 4, 2026 by mpgarcia

Marzo es el Mes de Concientización sobre las Discapacidades de Desarrollo. El tema de este año, Estamos Aquí: En Aquel Entonces, Ahora, Siempre, celebra que las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y de desarrollo (DID) siempre han sido parte de nuestras comunidades, y siempre lo serán. Los estudios recientes muestran que significativamente más personas con IDD están viviendo, aprendiendo, y trabajando en sus comunidades que en los entornos institucionales. La investigación y el desarrollo sobre los servicios y apoyos a largo plazo, servicios basados en el hogar y en la comunidad (SBHC), empleo con apoyo, y otras áreas han ampliado las oportunidades para que las personas con DID participen plenamente en las comunidades de su elección.

Aquí hay algunos de los proyectos financiados por NIDILRR más recientes que están trabajando para comprender y abordar las barreras a la participación y están explorando innovadoras soluciones para las personas con DID y sus familias:

Estos son solo algunos de los concesionarios que realizan investigaciones y desarrollo para ampliar las oportunidades para las personas con DID en sus comunidades. Puede obtener más información sobre la investigación financiada por NIDILRR en esta y otras áreas en nuestro sitio web.

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Save the Date…for Science!

Posted on February 25, 2026 by naricspotlight

If you’ve ever wondered about the latest research and developments in disability and rehabilitation, then a State of the Science Conference may be just the right event for you! These conferences bring together experts to review, synthesize, and communicate what is happening right now in their field: what does the science show, where is agreement, what gaps may exist, and where should future research or development happen.

NIDILRR grantees have organized and presented State of the Science and similar conferences over the years, including Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) sharing the results of their multi-year projects and looking ahead to next steps in their fields. Many of these conferences are held online or in-person with a live stream for some or all presentations. Often the recordings and slides are posted, so you can access them on your own time if you’re unable to attend live.

Here are two upcoming opportunities!

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) State of the Science Conference, February 26th and March 12th, 1 to 3:30 pm ET each day, hosted by the ADA Network Knowledge Translation Center. Researchers from the ADA National Network and other organizations will offer short presentations on the ADA and employment, community living and participation, health and society, and community needs and access. The conference is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest ADA research for personal or professional reasons. Free registration required.
  • The 2026 Annual Disability Statistics Conference, March 18th, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, hosted by the RRTC on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC). This hybrid event will feature the debut of the new Disability Statistics Compendium, along with collaborative research related to disability statistics and first-hand perspectives of the real-world stories behind the data. Free registration required. Previous conferences are also archived.

You may also want to explore recordings of these recent conferences (registration may be required):

  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessible Technology State of the Science Conference focused on advancing technology and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Presenters from the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology RERC and the 21st Century Caption Metrics and Usability Project highlighted the latest research outcomes, demonstrated accessible technologies, and hosted critical discussions on advancing equity and usability across communication platforms.
  • State of the Science on Employment for Individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD) focused on research studies to help reduce the high levels of unemployment among people with IDD. Hosted by the RRTC on Employment of Persons with IDD, conference speakers included experts in the field, businesses, people with disabilities, and their families.
  • State of the Science on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities highlighted research studies related to successful employment of transition-age youth with disabilities. Hosted by the RRTC on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities, participants learned about cutting-edge transition practices and strategies, resources and training materials, and student and parent/caregiver insights.
  • TechSAge State of the Science Conference highlighted research advances and priorities in technologies to support people aging with disability. Hosted by the RERC on Technologies to Support Aging-in-Place for People with Long-Term Disabilities (TechSAge), sessions focused on four areas of research: Maintain Health and Wellness; Enhance Connectivity and Community Mobility; Support Safety and Independence in Everyday Home Activities; and Facilitate Caregiving.

Follow our online Calendars of Events and sign up for our News and Notes from the NIDILRR Community and Beyond to find upcoming opportunities to learn about the current and future of disability and rehabilitation research!

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¡Reserve la fecha … para la ciencia!

Posted on February 25, 2026 by mpgarcia

Si alguna vez se ha preguntado sobre las últimas investigaciones y avances en la discapacidad y rehabilitación, ¡una Conferencia de Estado de la Ciencia podría ser el evento ideal para usted! Estas conferencias reúnen a expertos para revisar, sintetizar, y comunicar lo que está sucediendo actualmente en su campo: qué demuestra la ciencia, dónde hay consenso, qué brechas pueden existir, y dónde debería desarrollarse la investigación o el desarrollo en el futuro.

Los concesionarios de NIDILRR han organizado y presentado conferencias del Estado de la Ciencia y similares a lo largo de los años, incluyendo los Centros de Investigación de Rehabilitación y Capacitación (RRTC, por sus siglas en inglés) y los Centros de Investigación de la Ingeniería de Rehabilitación (RERC, por sus siglas en inglés), donde comparten los resultados de sus proyectos plurianuales y anticipan los próximos pasos en sus campos. Muchas de estas conferencias se realizan en línea o en persona, con transmisión en vivo de algunas o todas las presentaciones. A menudo, las grabaciones y diapositivas se publican, así que puede obtener acceso a ellas cuando lo desee si no puede asistir en persona.

¡Aquí tiene dos oportunidades próximas!

  • La Conferencia del Estado de la Ciencia sobre la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés)v (en inglés), el 26 de febrero y el 12 de marzo entre la 1 de la tarde y 3:30 de la tarde, hora del este, cada día, organizada por el Centro de Traducción de Conocimientos de la Red Nacional sobre la ADA. Los investigadores de la Red Nacional sobre la ADA y otras organizaciones ofrecerán presentaciones breves sobre la ADA y el empleo, la vida comunitaria y participación, salud y sociedad, y necesidades de y acceso a la comunidad. La conferencia está diseñada para quienes deseen obtener más información sobre las últimas investigaciones sobre la ADA por motivos personales o profesionales. La matrícula gratuita es necesaria.

  • La Conferencia Anual sobre las Estadísticas de Discapacidad de 2026 (en inglés), el 18 de marzo entre las 10:30 de la mañana y las 4:30 de la tarde, hora del este, organizada por el RRTC sobre las Estadísticas y Demografías de Discapacidad (StatsRRTC, por sus siglas en inglés). Este evento hibrido presentará el debut del nuevo Compendio de Estadísticas de Discapacidad, junto con investigaciones colaborativas relacionadas con las estadísticas de discapacidad y perspectivas directas de historias reales que respaldan los datos. La matrícula gratuita es necesaria. Las conferencias anteriores también están archivadas.

Quizás también le interese explorar grabaciones de estas conferencias recientes (la matrícula puede ser necesaria):

  • La Conferencia del Estado de la Ciencia sobre la Tecnología Accesible para Personas Sordas y con Dificultades Auditivas (en inglés) se centró en el avance de la tecnología y accesibilidad para la comunidad sorda y con dificultades auditivas. Los presentadores del RERC sobre la Tecnología para Personas Sordas/con Dificultades Auditivas y el Proyecto de Métricas y Usabilidad de Subtítulos del Siglo XXI destacaron los últimos resultados de investigaciones, demostraron tecnologías de accesibilidad, y organizaron debates cruciales sobre el avance de la equidad y la usabilidad en las plataformas de comunicación.

  • El Estado de la Ciencia sobre el Empleo para Personas con Discapacidad Intelectual y de Desarrollo (DID) (en inglés) se centró en los estudios de investigación que ayudan a reducir los altos niveles de desempleo entre las personas con DID. Organizada por el RRTC sobre el Empleo de Personas con DID, los presentadores de la conferencia incluyeron expertos en el campo, empresas, personas con discapacidades, y sus familias.

  • El Estado de la Ciencia sobre el Empleo de Jóvenes con Discapacidades en Edad de Transición (en inglés) destacó los estudios de investigación relacionados con el empleo exitoso de jóvenes con discapacidades en edad de transición. Organizado por el RRTC sobre el Empleo de Jóvenes con Discapacidades en Edad de Transición, los participantes aprendieron sobre prácticas y estrategias de transición de vanguardia, recursos y materiales de capacitación, y perspectivas de estudiantes y padres/proveedores de atención.

  • La Conferencia del Estado de la Ciencia de TechSAge (en inglés) destacó los avances en la investigación y las prioridades en las tecnologías para apoyar a las personas que envejecen con una discapacidad. Organizado por el RERC sobre las Tecnologías para Apoyar el Envejecimiento en el Hogar para Personas con Discapacidades a Largo Plazo, las sesiones se centraron en cuatro áreas de investigación: Mantener la Salud y el Bienestar; Mejorar la Conexión y Movilidad Comunitaria; Apoyar la Seguridad y la Independencia en las Actividades Domésticas Cotidianas; y Facilitar Proveer Atención.

Siga nuestros Calendarios de Eventos y suscríbase a nuestro boletín “News and Notes” de la Comunidad de NIDILRR y Más Allá para descubrir las próximas oportunidades de aprender sobre el presente y el futuro de la investigación sobre la discapacidad y rehabilitación.

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Low Vision Awareness Month: A Quick Look at the Latest NIDILRR-Funded Research and Development

Posted on February 18, 2026 by naricspotlight

Millions of people in the US are living with blindness or low vision that can’t be addressed with corrective lenses or medical treatment. They go to school, build careers, and participate in their communities, often with the support of technology and service animals. For Low Vision Awareness Month, we’re taking a quick look at some of the current NIDILRR-funded projects focusing on improving opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision to participate at school, at work, and in their communities.

These are just a few of the grantees conducting research and development to support full participation of people who are blind or have low vision. You can learn more about these and others in our NIDILRR Program Database!

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Mes de la Concientización sobre la Baja Visión: Un vistazo rápido a las últimas investigaciones y desarrollos financiados por NIDILRR

Posted on February 18, 2026 by mpgarcia

Millones de personas en los EEUU viven con ceguera o baja visión que no se puede abordar con lentes correctivos ni tratamiento médico. Asisten a la escuela, desarrollan sus carreras, y participan en sus comunidades, a menudo con el apoyo de la tecnología y animales de servicio. Para el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Baja Vision, repasamos algunos de los proyectos actuales financiados por NIDILRR que se enfocan en mejorar las oportunidades para que los ciegos y las personas con baja visión participen en la escuela, el trabajo, y en sus comunidades.

Estos son solo algunos de los concesionarios que realizan investigación y desarrollo para apoyar la plena participación de personas ciegas o con baja visión. ¡Puede obtener más información sobre estos y otros en nuestra Base de Datos del Programa de NIDILRR (en inglés)!

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211 Day: Helping People Navigate Their Communities in Their Times of Need

Posted on February 11, 2026 by naricspotlight

National 211 Day is observed on February 11th (2/11). It raises awareness about community navigation services available through the 211 helpline network and other centers like NARIC. These centers help millions of people with and without disabilities find local, non-emergency assistance like caregiver resources, assistance for food, shelter, rent/utility payments, mental health, and disaster recovery, among many other topics. In most communities, connecting to an information professional is as simple as calling 2-1-1 from a landline or cell phone, and most of these centers offer services by chat, text message, and even social media.

At NARIC, we help patrons with disabilities, their families, service providers, researchers, and other interested individuals find the resources that they need. This may include finding assistive technology centers, centers for independent living, employment or education resources, the latest research about their disability or interventions to support independence, and so much more!

NARIC isn’t the only member of the NIDILRR community to provide community navigation services on specific disability-related topics. Here are just a few examples:

These are just a few examples of the NIDILRR-funded projects that provide community navigation assistance.

Several other federally funded centers offer community navigation services:

  • AskEARN helps employers recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified people with disabilities.
  • The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps callers discover practical, high-quality services and resources that promote success for both workers with disabilities and employers.
  • The Limb Loss Resource Center helps amputees and others learn about their rights, find resources, and connect with a wide support community.
  • The National Paralysis Resource Center helps people with spinal cord injury, stroke and other paralysis-related disabilities find rehabilitation facilities, navigate insurance questions, learn about assistive technology and adaptive programs, and much more.

In addition to these, county-level Aging and Disability Resource Centers can be found through the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator.

Please contact NARIC’s information specialists if we can help you navigate to the right community resources to answer your questions!

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