Research


A woman in a wheelchair researching on a computer

What is Research?

At KUCD, we conduct research, evaluation, and public policy analysis in areas that affect or could affect people with disabilities and their families. Our research focuses on self-determination, early childhood education, transitions from school to adulthood, employment, supported decision-making, and quality of life. Research efforts are supported by high quality data validation and analysis services provided by our center's Data Science team.


Among our research initiatives are:

Self-Determination Logo

Self-Determination

Self-determination is about acting or causing something to happen in life. Self-determined people are causal agents who act in service to freely chosen goals. They make, or cause, things to happen in their lives through goal setting and attainment strategies.

Visit our Self-Determination Website

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Early Childhood

The mission of Early Childhood is to promote full participation and inclusion of young children and their families in home, school, and community settings.

Visit our Early Childhood Website

Group of students interacting in library, discussing ideas while using laptops. One student in wheelchair engaged with peers, creating an inclusive learning environment

Inclusive Education

Inclusion is one of the key research areas at KUCD. Current projects include a study of the academic, social, communication, and behavior outcomes associated with placement for students with significant cognitive disability.

Visit our Inclusive Education Website

Happy latin girl with down syndrome choosing cloth at home wardrobe holding dresses standing next to a mirror in her bedroom by the window

Supported Decision-Making

Supported decision-making is a personalized process that changes over the life course and involves an array of supports that are based on, at any given point in time, the person’s abilities and environmental demands for decision-making.

Visit our Supported Decision-Making Website

KUCD Research Projects

You can view a list of KUCD's research projects at kucd.ku.edu/kucd-projects.


Research Team

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  • Karrie Shogren, Ph.D.

    Karrie Shogren, Ph.D.

    Director, Kansas University Center on Disabilities