Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Disabled children treated more harshly in developing world

A study of nearly 46,000 caregivers in 17 low- to middle-income countries found that disabled children were more likely to receive violent treatment, including being hit on the head or beaten with an object. The study suggests that harsh discipline may be a result of stigma around disabilities rather than the disability itself.

SourceDuke University·JournalChild Development·DateJul 30, 2013

Children with nutritional deficiencies and lack of educational access in poorer nations are at increased risk of disability

A study by Professor Maureen S Durkin and colleagues found that children in low- and middle-income countries are at higher risk of disability due to nutritional deficiencies, lack of early-learning activities, and limited educational access. The researchers analyzed data from 18 countries and found significant associations between disa...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 26, 2009

Supports Intensity Scale is effective for identifying needs in people with intellectual disability

The Supports Intensity Scale is a planning tool that assesses individual needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 85 life areas. A new study found SIS to be effective in predicting funding needs, providing a unique opportunity for services and funding decisions to be based on person-centered goals.

SourceAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateFeb 26, 2009

Gesture recognition

Researchers developed a computer system architecture that can recognize human gestures, enabling people with physical disabilities to interact with computers. The system uses datagloves with illuminated LEDs tracked by webcams to monitor hand or shoulder movements.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Arts and Technology·DateDec 18, 2008

70 years old and going strong with Down syndrome and no dementia

A 70-year-old man with Down syndrome has aged successfully despite having the condition, challenging previous assumptions about Alzheimer's disease and increasing hopes for longer, healthier lives. Comprehensive analyses reveal potential explanations for 'Mr. C''s' remarkable case, including gene expression and an atypical genotype.

SourceAmerican Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateSep 9, 2008

Race plays a role in disability in older adults with arthritis

A new study found that racial disparities play a significant role in the development of disability among older adults with arthritis. The study, which included over 7,200 respondents, showed that African Americans and Hispanic/Spanish groups experienced significantly higher rates of disability compared to whites.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJul 30, 2007

Poor neighborhood conditions triple risk for disabilities

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that poor neighborhood conditions, such as noise and air quality, can increase the risk of disability in middle-aged African Americans by three times. The researchers assessed limitations in lower-body function among 563 participants living in St. Louis neighborhoods with ...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 1, 2006

UCLA study tackles aging issues of adults with developmental disabilities

A UCLA study suggests that comprehensive health screenings and in-home visits by nurse practitioners can significantly lower the number of health risks faced by adults with developmental disabilities. The research found that nearly half of participants were overweight or obese, while over a third experienced moderate to severe pain.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateMay 23, 2005

Fractures mean broken lives in developing world: Study

A study by Dr. Massey Beveridge highlights the importance of orthopedic care in developing countries, where road traffic injuries and falls are major causes of disease burden among children. With only 400 surgeons serving 200 million people, access to simple surgical and obstetrical procedures could prevent up to 10% of all deaths.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 20, 2004

Reading disabilities can develop quite suddenly after the primary grades

Researchers found that late-identified reading deficits can manifest differently among students, with some having difficulty comprehending text or identifying printed words. The study highlights the need for schools to use varied assessments and tailored intervention programs to address individual students' strengths and weaknesses.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJun 22, 2003

Colorado researchers develop intervention techniques for hearing-impaired infants from Spanish-speaking homes

Researchers at CU-Boulder have developed a new method to study language development in Spanish-speaking populations, enabling early identification of hearing-impaired infants and providing effective interventions. The study involved over 130 Spanish-speaking children, showing positive effects on their subsequent language abilities.

Depression, disease, and disability

A University of Michigan study found that older Americans with depressive symptoms are at a higher risk of developing new diseases within two years, comparable to those who smoke. Physical limitations and multiple symptoms of depression also significantly increase the likelihood of developing new disease.

Frog Is Prince of New Technology

Kristen Kroll's innovative technique enables the mass production of genetically modified frogs, allowing researchers to study embryonic development in unprecedented detail. By disabling specific signaling pathways, scientists can pinpoint precise stages of tissue and organ formation.