Opportunities to participate

The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities promotes an interdisciplinary approach to research. To address the needs of our diverse community, we support research on a variety of topics to advance knowledge and improve services.

Children and adults with disabilities, caregivers and professionals are invited to take part in the research opportunities listed below. For specific information about a research study, please contact the principle investigator (PI) listed.

CED research opportunities

IMPACT WV Family Survey

The IMPACT WV program is assessing the needs of women who are currently or have used substances in the past. The answers to this survey will tell us what trainings and resources we need to provide to help them and their families. Participation will take about 10 minutes.

This survey is for anyone who fits into one of these groups:

Pregnant women or mothers who have misused at least one substance and have a child under the age of 5
Family member of persons who have someone in their home who is currently using or has previously used substances and has a child under the age of 5

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact the PI, Dr. Lesley Cottrell, by email at lcottrell@hsc.wvu.edu or call 304-293-2914.

Take the IMPACT WV Family Survey

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

IMPACT WV Provider Survey

The IMPACT WV program is working to better understand service providers’ needs and additional training deemed useful when serving women who are using or have used substances, their families and/or their infants. Responses will be used to find existing or develop needed training materials and technical assistance to respond to service provider needs. Participation will take about 10 minutes.

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact the PI, Dr. Lesley Cottrell, by email at lcottrell@hsc.wvu.edu or call 304-293-2914.

Take the IMPACT WV Provider Survey

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

Traumatic Brain Injury Needs Assessment Survey

The WVU CED is seeking participants to complete a survey for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) needs assessment study, including people with a TBI, family members and professionals.

This study will use information obtained through surveys to identify needs, gaps and barriers to further improve access to services for individuals with a TBI and their families. This is an opportunity to provide valuable, individualized feedback that can assist in steering TBI service efforts across West Virginia.

Who can participate?

Residents of West Virginia who are at least 18 years of age
You must belong to one of the following three groups:
1. Person who had a traumatic brain injury or concussion in the last 10 years
2. Family members to individuals with traumatic brain injury
3. Professionals who serve individuals with traumatic brain injury

You can participate by completing the survey which will take approximately 10-30 minutes to complete. The survey is available electronically at the link below, or a paper copy can be requested by calling 877-724-8244 or emailing us at TBI@hsc.wvu.edu.

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

Dance for All: Perceived barriers for access to dance training for individuals with disabilities

The WVU CED is seeking participants to complete an online survey to better understand the perceived barriers for dance training for individuals with disabilities.

Study eligibility:

Dance studio owner or dance instructor in West Virginia
Ability to read and write in English

Study details:

Participants will be asked to complete a short 10-minute online survey about dance training for individuals with disabilities
Participation in this study is completely voluntary

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact the PI, Dr. Krestin Radonovich, Ph.D by email at pedbrainlab@wvuhsc.onmicrosoft.com or call 304-598-4300. This study is being conducted by the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) and the WVU Medicine Children’s Neurodevelopmental Center (NDC).

Take the Dance for All Research Study

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

Providers’ Perceived Needs and Barriers to Care for Children with Possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in West Virginia Survey

The WVU CED is seeking participants to complete an online research study to better understand providers’ needs and barriers to care for children with possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in West Virginia.

Study eligibility:

Pediatric care provider (nurse, nurse practitioner, MD, DO, etc.)
Practices in West Virginia
Ability to read and write in English

Study details:

Participants will be asked to complete a short 10-minute online survey about about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
Participation in this study is completely voluntar

Take the Providers’ Perceived Needs and Barriers to Care for Children with Possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in West Virginia Survey

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

Partner research opportunities

Special Education System Comfort and Knowledge Study

WVU Medicine and WVU Medical School are distributing the survey below to West Virginia parents of elementary-aged children ages 5-10 with special healthcare needs to assess comfort and knowledge about the special education system. Your participation in this project will take about 5-10 minutes.

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact Katherine Carpenter by email at kfc0002@mix.wvu.edu, or the PI, Dr. Linda Friehling, by email at linda.friehling@hsc.wvu.edu.

Take the Special Education System Comfort and Knowledge Study

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

Resources and Perception of Caring for a Child with Special Healthcare Needs

The WVU School of Nursing is conducting a research study of West Virginia parents of children with special healthcare needs to better understand how resources are associated with the perception of caring for a child with special healthcare needs. Your participation in this project will take about 10-15 minutes.

Criteria needed to participate in the study are listed below:

18 years of age or older
Able to read and write in English
Primary caregiver for a child with special healthcare needs, regardless of child age
Currently living or obtaining healthcare in West Virginia

To participate in this survey, click the QR code on the study flyer or click the link below. If you have any questions about this research project, please feel free to contact the PI on the study, Dr. Brad Phillips, PhD, RN at brad.phillips@hsc.wvu.edu.

Take the Resources and Perception of Caring for a Child with Special Healthcare Needs Survey

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board. Alternate formats of flyer and cover letter available on request.

Supporting Transitional Age Youth

The Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery is conducting grant-funded research to assess the needs of transitional age youth ages 18-25 in West Virginia by examining supports and barriers in services. We are asking individuals ages 18-25 who have experiences in the foster care, residential care, and/or juvenile justice systems to complete this online survey on these experiences. The information about these experiences will help identify needs, strengths and resources in this area. To participate in the survey, click the button below.

If you have questions about this study, please contact Amy Saunders at 304-696-4800.

Take the Supporting Transitional Age Youth Survey

*This study has been approved by the WVU Institutional Review Board

Developing an Automated Movement Detection System in Babies Born Preterm

Dr. Ketaki Inamdar from the WVU School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy is conducting a study focusing on specific movement of the head in the prone position for babies born preterm and aged 3-6 months. Selected participants will wear a safe, specialized onesie and headband to track the child’s 3D head and back movements for 10 minutes. Compensation via gift card will be provided.

To have your child be considered to participate in this survey, please contact the PI, Dr. Ketaki Inamdar at 804-415-8603 or ketaki.inamdar@hsc.wvu.edu

Infant Development Study

This study will look at the influence of the caregiving environment (places, toys, stress) on a baby’s development using three questionnaires. Parents/caregivers will complete three self-report surveys about their baby’s home space and toys, their developmental milestones, and the stress levels of the parent/caregiver.

Babies aged 3-11 months who were born at or after 34 weeks are eligible for participation. Surveys can be completed virtually or in person.

To be considered to participate in this survey, please contact the PI, Dr. Ketaki Inamdar at 804-415-8603 or ketaki.inamdar@hsc.wvu.edu.

Mobile Minds: Infant Research Study

This study will assess motor learning and memory in infants aged 3-4 months who have been diagnosed with neonatal abstinence disorder (NAS). The child’s development will be assessed while they are recorded playing with an overhead mobile in their home. This study lasts 2-6 days depending on how quickly the child adapts to the toy. Compensation via gift card will be provided.

To be considered to participate in this survey, please contact the PI, Dr. Ketaki Inamdar at 804-415-8603 or ketaki.inamdar@hsc.wvu.edu.