Background
In 2004, the Institute for the Study of Disadvantage and Disability was formed to address the relationship between social and economic disadvantage and the prevalence of developmental disabilities and to reduce health disparities and the disparity in services available for this vulnerable population. The mission of ISDD is to “break the cycle” of disadvantage and disability and to reduce the environmental impact of adverse social and economic factors on the growth, health and development of children by:
- Supporting and developing programs for families that will reduce the impact of social and economic disadvantage on the health, growth and development of children and adults
- Supporting and coordinating research to reduce the environmental factors that predispose children to developmental disabilities and other chronic health related problems throughout the life span
- Influencing health care policy and practices, training of health care professionals and cultivating future leaders in reducing the impact of social and economic disadvantage on disabilities and other health related problems in children and adults.