The Institute on Disability and Public Policy at American University is a multidisciplinary, cross-campus research center that creates and disseminates knowledge that enables all persons to participate effectively in local, national, and global governance through the use of accessible information and communication technologies. IDPP leads the AU 2030 Strategic Initiative on Global Disability and Development, and helps to facilitate collaborative research, teaching and outreach programs through its partnerships.

Since 2009, IDPP has been creating groundbreaking, innovative pathways to accessible learning. It built the world's first virtual graduate institute on disability and public policy through the vision and support of The Nippon Foundation.

Our Core Focus Areas:

  • Global, Regional and National Disability Policy

  • Inclusive Sustainable Development

  • Accessible Global Governance

  • Inclusive Cities and Urban Development

  • Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction

  • Information and Communication Technologies for Development

  • Accessible Robotics

  • Accessible Cyberlearning

  • Accessibility, Assistive Technologies and Universal Design

Latest News

Featured
Disability Rights are Human Rights: IDPP Co-Sponsoring Symposium on Disability Rights
Disability Rights are Human Rights: IDPP Co-Sponsoring Symposium on Disability Rights

The Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP) is proudly co-sponsoring and participating in the upcoming 2019 Symposium on Disability Rights, hosted by the Institute for Human Rights at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Filippo Trevisan to Present on Storytelling and Advocacy in Australia and the U.S.
Dr. Filippo Trevisan to Present on Storytelling and Advocacy in Australia and the U.S.

Dr. Filippo Trevisan, Deputy Director of the Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP), will be participating in a talk on a new paper analyzing the use of storytelling in grassroots advocacy in Australia and the U.S.

Storytelling and Disability: Dr. Filippo Trevisan to Present at the University of Technology Sydney
Storytelling and Disability: Dr. Filippo Trevisan to Present at the University of Technology Sydney

Dr. Filippo Trevisan will be presenting on his current work in disability advocacy at the University of Technology Sydney’s Graduate School of Health on February 7, 2019.

Technology, Data Analytics, and Inclusion: IDPP and AU Participate in HICSS-52
Technology, Data Analytics, and Inclusion: IDPP and AU Participate in HICSS-52

Dr. Cogburn and Dr. Trevisan will be leading a variety of tutorials, minitrack sessions and paper presentations at the 52nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS-52).

IDPP and Special Olympics D.C. Launch Chapter at American University
IDPP and Special Olympics D.C. Launch Chapter at American University

The Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP) and the Special Olympics of D.C. are pleased to announce the launch of a collegiate chapter at American University. The chapter – AU Special Olympics (AUSO) – was officially recognized in early December 2018.

IDPP Student Spotlight: Kathryn Scavuzzo
IDPP Student Spotlight: Kathryn Scavuzzo

“The most rewarding part of my work is that I am contributing to supporting the disability community. As someone with a learning disability, I understand first-hand the struggles it takes to making sure you have the accommodations and accessibility you need.”

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