Key Staff and Contacts
Glen W. White, Ph.D , Director
James Budde, Ed.D., Director Emeritus
Michael Fox, Sc.D., Associate Director
Martha Hodgesmith, J.D., Associate Director
Amanda Reichard, Ph.D., Research Director
Catherine Rooney, M.S., Project Director
Chiaki Gonda, Student Research Assistant
Pam Willits, Chief Financial Officer
Val Renault, M.A., Project Coordinator
Joan Ring, M.A., Office Manager
Edward Patterson, Student Office Assistant
Organization
The Research and Training Center on Independent Living is made up of a team committed to the research and its use that enhances Independent Living for people with disabilities. Most of the team are based at The University of Kansas; however, researchers at other universities and organizations often participate in RTC/IL studies.
Research
We use a variety of research methods and designs, including policy analysis and empirical research, as well as qualitative, group, and single subject designs.
Training, Dissemination, and Knowledge Utilization
Our research is used in a variety of ways, including training in the field, conference presentations, policy decision making, and useful products.
Academic Training
Students, many with disabilities, who are committed to the philosophy of Independent Living are recruited to join the RTC/IL and to earn graduate degrees while they participate in research and development. Several students who enter the University of Kansas Human Development and Family Life graduate program and join the Research Group on Rehabilitation and Independent Living (RGRIL) work on RTC/IL projects and receive stipends for their work. Often, their project work counts toward academic program requirements.
Consumer Involvement
Consumers and service providers identify their critical needs and then work closely with center staff to develop research and products that address these needs throughout project research and development phases. This process ensures that our research and products meet real, as opposed to perceived, needs in the field.
Funding
The Research and Training Center on Independent Living was established with funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education. NIDRR continues to be a major supporter of the RTCI/IL as well as the Centers for Disease Control, Paralyzed Veterans Administration, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and other organizations working with us to better the lives of people with disabilities.
More information about the RTC/IL and its past accomplishments can be found at History of the Research and Training Center on Independent Living. Also view this description.