Life Span Institute

Get to know us! The Life Span Institute is made up of more than 400 researchers, staff and students. Today, we're introducing Lisa Hallberg, a senior research database and software engineer in Research Design and Analysis at our Central Office.

What is she most proud of in her role at KU?

"I love knowing that I'm helping improve the chances that these research projects will succeed. I'm supporting people who are doing amazing work to help others, and by supporting them, I get to support that bigger mission," Hallberg says.

Q&A: 6 Questions with Lisa Hallberg Q&A: 6 Questions with Lisa Hallberg Lisa Hallberg is a senior research database and software engineer in Research Design and Analysis at the KU Life Span Institute's Central Office. Mon, 07/27/2026 author Christina Marie Knott Share Share by Email Share on LinkedIn Share on Facebook Share on Twitter...

Help us congratulate Sean Smith, professor of special education at KU and Life Span Institute-affiliated researcher. He was named the 2026 David Rose UDL Research Award winner from CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology).

This honor recognizes innovative research that advances principles of universal design for learning. Read more: https://loom.ly/5savO1g

National association recognizes KU researchers for contributions that advance the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities National association recognizes KU researchers for contributions that advance the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities Awardees and KUCD staff attending the 2026 AAIDD conference included, from left to right, Shea Tanis, Lauren Bruno, Karrie Shogren, Evan Dean, Jessica Schuttler, Luc...

Despite training and awareness, educators often struggle to put evidence-based practices into action, an earlier study by KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities researcher Maria Hugh found.

Dr. Hugh's latest research addresses this implementation gap by helping educators anticipate barriers and develop action plans, a strategy that led educators to adopt evidence-based practices more quickly and with greater fidelity. Learn more: https://loom.ly/7dU1hlY

KU researcher Maria Hugh at KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities works to support the work of teachers through science, answering questions like:
❓ What do educators need to understand and implement best practices for their students?
❓ What supports make it easier for teachers to deliver evidence-based interventions?
❓ How can schools better equip educators to sustain these practices over time?

By bridging the gap between research and real-world classrooms, Dr. Hugh and her team at the Life Span Institute are dedicated to discoveries that improve the lives of people in Kansas, across the nation, and around the world.

Learn more about Maria Hugh: https://loom.ly/uHyoCKI

The Life Span Institute is made up of more than 400 scientists, students, and staff. Get to know us! This week, we’re highlighting our 6‑question Q&A with Maria Hugh, affiliated investigator at the KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities. Her work aims to improve access to education and learning. Read the article and get to know Dr. Hugh: https://loom.ly/uHyoCKI

Have a look at these great ideas to make fun more accessible!

Whether you're playing cards, rolling dice, or enjoying a game of dominoes, assistive technology can make game night more accessible, independent, and fun.

Featured items include:
• Assistive Card Holder
• Automatic Card Shuffler
• Automatic Dice Roller
• Tactile Dominoes

Interested in trying one before purchasing? These items are available to borrow through the Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) Statewide Loan System.

Request a free loan today at www.atkloan.org.



Image Description:
A colorful Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) flyer titled "Adaptive Gaming for Everyone!" features four adaptive gaming tools: an assistive card holder, an automatic card shuffler, an automatic dice roller, and tactile dominoes. The flyer explains that the card holder can be used with one hand, the card shuffler and dice roller can be operated with a switch, and the tactile dominoes have raised markings for people with low vision or blindness. The flyer also states that these items can be borrowed through the ATK Statewide Loan System at www.atkloan.org.

Why does literacy matter? It's not just about being able to enjoy a good book. KU researchers with University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning 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

📣 Heads up to anyone in Virginia next week!

We're excited to share that University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning researchers Jocelyn Washburn, Suzy Myers, and Bonnie Palasak will be at next week's OSEP Conference in Arlington, VA (Aug. 4–5)! 🎉 If you'll be there, say hello and connect with our team.