Being a teacher can be ... a lot. @mariahugh.bsky.social at @kucdisabilities.bsky.social researches how to help educators more easily learn, equip & sustain evidence based practices. Get to know her: https://loom.ly/uHyoCKI

The Life Span Institute is made up of more than 400 scientists, students, and staff. This week, we’re highlighting our Q&A with Maria Hugh, at @kucdisabilities.bsky.social, and her work to improve access to education and learning. https://loom.ly/uHyoCKI

Why does literacy matter? KU researchers are partnering with the state to improve literacy in Kansas schools, with an impact goes far beyond the classroom. Here's how: 1. It influences how much people earn 2. It’s linked to incarceration rates 3. It can shape health outcomes and lifespan

Local educators are eager for science-based #literacy training, but in a recent statewide needs assessment, less than half (45%) said their district has personnel with science-based literacy preparation. Find out how we're working with the state to bridge that gap. 🔗 https://loom.ly/5T5UfQM

In case you missed it, you can still check out our article on accessibility in fitness: loom.ly/qAv3J9A

KU Life Span Institute@kulifespan.bsky.social · 2y ago

Did you see us in the University of Kansas Alumni magazine? Life Span Institute researcher Lindsey Koon's effort to improve health and #fitness for people with #disabilities is highlighted on the cover of latest issue. 🏅 Check it out! loom.ly/qAv3J9A

An online repository of literacy solutions and resources that will be accessible to Kansans across the state. Literacy Bridges website will contain tools and information tailored to the needs of Kansas schools, students and families. https://loom.ly/5T5UfQM

During #NationalFragileXAwarenessMonth, did you know the KU Life Span Institute is home to one of the nation's longest-running studies on #FragileX and its impact on families? Interested in learning more about our work in understanding #FXS? Visit https://fragilexlab.ku.edu

Did you catch today's On the Record interview? KU Life Span Institute staff and scientists explained the expertly-trained chatbot designed to connect families in Kansas to local autism resources. Want to learn more? Stream the show now at: https://loom.ly/nvUIEwM

Set your alarm! Tomorrow at 8 a.m., KU #autism experts will go live on 101.7 FM to explain all about the chatbot designed to connect Kansas families to autism resources in their area. 🔗 https://www.klwn.com

Looking for summer food options for kids? SUN Meals makes it easy with free meals at neighborhood locations for children ages 1–18. Find a meal site near you: buff.ly/Pj2KCh0

Navigating disability support in rural areas is challenging. The Kansas Family Support Center at KU provides statewide education, training, and resources for youth with #autism and #IDD, no matter where in #Kansas they live. Learn more: kfsc.ku.edu

Come celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)’s passing into law with us! Join us at the Dole Institute of Politics from 1-5PM on Saturday, June 25, 2026, and learn about the history and impact of the ADA. Learn and register @ bit.ly/ada_celebration_lawrence

KU researchers and staff recently briefed the #Kansas Legislature on the impact of the Kansas Family Support Center, including their newly launched custom AI resource navigator. Details at https://loom.ly/AivcJWo

We are proud to highlight the work of Lyndsie Koon, KU Life Span Institute researcher. The latest "I Am Striving" series shared how she's helping to change expectations of what people with mobility disabilities can achieve through inclusive functional fitness. https://loom.ly/-qmQ8Yg #KUresearch

KU researchers were honored by @aaidd.bsky.social for contributions to research in #IDD. Help us celebrate honorees Lauren Bruno and Karrie Shogren at @kucdisabilities.bsky.social for their efforts! 🔗 https://loom.ly/RkjcGo4

Not all disabilities are obvious to others. Examples of invisible disabilities include chronic pain, mental health disorders, and developmental conditions. That's why KU researchers work to understand and develop supports for individuals with disabilities in Kansas and across the U.S.

Roughly 20% of Americans live with #ChronicPain, but the health impacts go much deeper. Researchers found people living with chronic pain are much more likely to smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine, with the highest rates among people with the most severe pain. Learn more: https://loom.ly/lZI050M

📚 Did you know? 80% of students with learning disabilities read below grade level. This #DisabilityPrideMonth, we’re highlighting the importance of access to literacy education. KU researchers are working with partners across #Kansas so that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

How does our childhood environment shape the decisions we make as adults? 🧠🌱 A recent meta-analysis from the KU Life Span Institute reveals a powerful link between early home environments and adult decision-making. 🧪 📖 Read the full report: https://loom.ly/VLKzY8U #KUresearch #AddictionScience

Why do so many great public health, rehab, and financial literacy programs suffer from high dropout rates? Communities and clinicians looking to improve public health can look to promote engaging initiatives that encourage participation over lecture-based programs.

When diagnoses shift but symptoms persist, patients can fall through the cracks. #kuResearch highlights why symptom-level understanding may improve treatment planning. Read about the study: https://loom.ly/RKjFEvw

Today, we’re highlighting our 6‑question Q&A with Christina Holt, Interim Director at KU Center for Community Health. Her work helps communities tackle big challenges and create lasting improvements in health and well‑being. https://loom.ly/TWmPrrQ

Eating disorders often appear differently in men and boys. However, gender bias means they are less likely to be assessed or diagnosed. #KUresearch is looking to better understand the diversity of this mental health condition to better diagnosis and treat #EatingDisorders. #MensHealthMonth

On this day 27 years ago, Lois Curtis helped secure a landmark victory for disability rights—affirming the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities, not institutions. Today, that legacy is facing new challenges. Learn why this ruling still matters: https://loom.ly/X90LfH0

A growing body of research is examining the health impacts of ultra‑processed foods. The American Journal of Public Health dives into this topic in an issue dedicated to these concerns with Life Span Institute researcher Tera Fazzino. #AddictionScience Explore the full issue: https://loom.ly/EhY4sPg

Ultra-processed foods are in the news a lot lately, but KU researcher Tera Fazzino traces this trend to when Big Tobacco took over food companies. @npr.org spoke with Dr. Fazzino about the impact of this shift. https://loom.ly/4vusi6I #KUresearch #AddictionScience

How did tobacco marketing strategies shape today’s ultra-processed food industry? New research reveals how cigarette-selling tactics were adapted to promote food products worldwide — with far-reaching health impacts. https://loom.ly/TL-Lmzo #UPF #UltraProcessedFood #KUresearch

Get to know us with our 6 Question Series with researchers and staff. Today, we're highlighting Austin Myers, Communications Coordinator at the @kucdisabilities.bsky.social. 🔗 Read the Q&A: https://loom.ly/SO4ZKgY

Just 1 out of 3 Kansas students are at grade-level reading proficiency. To improve statewide literacy, a one-size-fits-all approach won't cut it. KU researchers are partnering to build practical, real-world solutions through the Blueprint for Literacy initiative. Details: https://loom.ly/5T5UfQM

KU researchers have been partnering with the state to expand access to competitive, integrated employment for #Kansans with #disabilities. With an initial goal to connect 20 people to jobs, researchers saw nearly 200 people employed at the end of a year. Read the full story: https://loom.ly/bPtjM9A