If you are interested in learning more about or participating in a study, please email us at LearningLab@unl.edu.
NIH Grant: Language and Reading Comprehension of Students with and without Developmental Disabilities
This NIH-funded study assesses reading in children with intellectual disability (including Down syndrome and mosaic Down syndrome) compared to children who are typically developing. It is a collaborative project with the University of Mississippi and the University of Alabama. We are specifically interested in understanding how language skills relate to reading skills. We have an idea of what slows reading progress for children with Down syndrome and intellectual disability, and we will test our idea in this study. We feel that this information could lead to better ways of teaching reading to kids with intellectual disabilities/Down syndrome. Participants will complete a series of standardized reading, language, and cognitive assessments. Testing will take approximately 2.5-3 hours, but it can be broken up across multiple days. Participants will receive a $40 gift card for participating.
Participants: Readers with mosaic Down syndrome, 9-18 years old.
Participation Location: In-person on campus at UNL, the University of Alabama, or another location of participant's choosing.
A Foundational Study of Adaptive Behaviors in Individuals with Down Syndrome
We are conducting a remote study to learn more about the adaptive functioning skills of individuals with Down syndrome. Adaptive functioning skills are the social, practical, and conceptual skills needed for everyday functioning and are predictive of a host of outcomes across the lifespan, including academic achievement, occupational success, and independent living. Questionnaires will take 2-2.5 hours to complete. They can be completed across multiple days. Participants receive a $30 gift card for participating.
Participants: Participants must be 19+ years and the parent/caregiver of an individual with Down syndrome who is between the ages of birth to 22 years.
Participation Location: Questionnaires can be completed online, over the phone, or via U.S. mail.
Partnering with Nebraska Families: Accessibility and Success of Early Intervention
The Learning Lab and the SCADD Lab are partnering on a new online research study! The goal of this study is to learn more about families’ experiences parenting children with disabilities, delays, and differences. We are looking for caregivers of children ages birth to 5 years who are currently enrolled in Nebraska early intervention services, and who can participate in English. If you or someone you know is interested, follow the link below, or contact us at learninglab@unl.edu.