Dr. Steve Kaye Named Visiting Research Scientist at Lurie Institute
December 2020
In December 2020, Dr. Steve Kaye of the Community Living Policy Center joined the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy as a visiting research scientist.
2020 News Archive
Disability Rights Are Civil Rights
October 2020
On October 8, 2020, the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy and the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy hosted “Disability Rights Are Civil Rights: A Conversation on Inclusive Democracy,” a panel discussion featuring Rebecca Cokley of the Center for American Progress, Claribel Vidal of the Ford Foundation, and Sandy Ho of the Lurie Institute.
Gabrielle Katz Named 2020–21 Hon. Jonathan Brant Endowed Doctoral Fellow
September 2020
Gabby Katz, a Lurie Institute research assistant and doctoral student, was recently named the 2020–2021 Hon. Jonathan Brant Endowed Doctoral Fellow.
Americans with Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary
July 2020
July 26, 2020, marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Passed by Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, the ADA established protections for people with disabilities in employment, government, and publicly funded spaces. To celebrate the ADA's anniversary, we will be hosting the #LurieADA30 Twitter Chat on July 20, at 1:00pm.
Statement on Racially Motivated Violence
June 2020
The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy supports the Black community and condemns racism and police brutality in all forms. Black people deserve to live in a society in which their full membership and rights are guaranteed, and not contingent on law enforcement officers with deeply ingrained racial biases.
Lurie Institute and Ford Foundation Release "Civic Engagement and People with Disabilities" Report
May 2020
We are pleased to announce the release of “Civic Engagement and People with Disabilities: A Way Forward through Cross-Movement Building,” a report produced in collaboration with the Ford Foundation about the barriers to civic engagement that people with disabilities encounter, and ways advocates and organizations can make civic engagement more accessible.
Lurie Researchers Receive Heller Awards
April 2020
Congratulations to three of our Lurie Institute team members who were recipients of esteemed Heller Awards.
Dr. Monika Mitra is the 2020 recipient of the Mentorship award. A PhD student noted of their first few weeks at Heller, "Monika immediately took me under her wing and helped me think through my goals. She then made many suggestions on steps I could take and I value her honesty and experience. She has truly demonstrated what it means to be a mentor without any other vested interests." While receiving her award Monika noted the importance and responsibility of mentorship. "We as researchers need to hold the door open for those who come after us."
Sandy Ho is the 2020 recipient of the Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity award. This honor is given to a Heller community member who goes above and beyond their roles and responsibilities to make noteworthy contributions to help advance inclusive excellence. Sandy helps enrich experiences for faculty, staff, and students both at Heller and the wider Brandeis community, and has led national initiatives though projects with the Lurie Institute and the Disability Intersectionality Summit. Sandy expressed solidarity with marginalized community members, including Brandeis dining workers. She "hopes Brandeis will be a leader by offering those marginalized workers and their families protections around health and employment."
Dr. Ilhom Akobirshoev is the 2020 recipient of the Early Career Research Investigator. A nominee stated, "in addition to the exceptional research that he conducts, what really sets Ilhom apart is his generosity and kindness and his willingness to guide, mentor, and share his knowledge and expertise with anyone who needs help." Ilhom thanked Dean Weil and Heller School leadership for setting a tone of academic freedom and empowering researchers to produce new knowledge to advance social justice.
Lurie Institute Achievement Report
February 2020
We are pleased to announce the publication of the 2019 Lurie Institute for Disability Policy Achievement Report!
Ari Ne'eman, Disability Advocate, Joins Lurie Institute as Visiting Research Scholar
January 2020
Ari Ne'eman, co-founder of the Autistic Advocacy Network, former member of the National Council on Disability, and doctoral student in Health Policy at Harvard University, will be joining the Lurie Institute as a Visiting Research Scholar. He plans to work primarily with the Community Living Policy Center, our postdoctoral program, and the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities.
Lurie Institute Releases Inclusive Language Guide
January 2020
The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy is pleased to announce the release of the Inclusive Language Guide, a quick primer on how to write about disability and health in a way that respects the dignity, autonomy, and personhood of the people being described. Rooted in disability justice and backed by extensive research, the Inclusive Language Guide is a valuable aid for people writing about disability and health.