The DIVERSE Collective
We address the critical gaps in research, policy, and practice that impact the health and well-being of children with disabilities who also experience other forms of oppression due to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other identities.
- Impact Areas:
- Health & Mental Well-being
- Human Rights & Social Justice
Impact
The Disability Inclusive Vision for Engaged Research and Service for Equity (DIVERSE) Collective is a multidisciplinary research team advancing health equity and addressing the gaps in research, policy, and practice that negatively impact the health and well-being of children with disabilities who also experience other forms of oppression.
Our Approach
Children with disabilities who experience multiple forms of marginalization face significant barriers to health care, education, and community inclusion. These children often have dramatically different health outcomes compared to their peers. The DIVERSE Collective is addressing these disparities through:
- Comprehensive data analysis of disability trends and intersectionality
- In-depth interviews with multiply marginalized youth with disabilities and their caregivers
- Consultation with key experts across healthcare, education, juvenile justice, and foster care
- Extensive review of academic and community-based literature
- Development of evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice
Project Timeline & Deliverables
Research & Analysis Phase (2022–2024)
- Quantitative assessment of healthcare access for multiply marginalized children with disabilities
- Scoping review of health equity solutions
- Qualitative analysis of focus groups with young adults and caregivers
- Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews with experts across sectors
Project Team
Our team brings together healthcare professionals, academic researchers, students, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers who share a common goal. Our collective expertise spans lived experience of childhood disability, personal and political advocacy, policy creation, community collaboration, and multiple research methodologies.
Funded by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, Grant #2022-07135
Key Partners
Convergent partnerships are at the heart of what we do. We are proud to partner with federal and state agencies, non-profit and advocacy organizations, philanthropic institutions, and universities to elevate social work leadership and to create equitable health and mental health care systems for all.
