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
Alumnus Spotlight: Ruby Holmes
Alumnus Spotlight: Ruby Holmes

Ruby Holmes is a Technical Advisor on Inclusive Governance at Humanity and Inclusion (HI) and IDPP alumnus. Ruby receiver her M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University’s School of International Service.  

IDPP Partnering With CRGC to Host Disability, Access, and Teaching Symposium
IDPP Partnering With CRGC to Host Disability, Access, and Teaching Symposium

IDPP is proud to partner with the Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies Collaborative (CRGC) to host “Disability, Access, & Teaching: A One-Day Symposium” on April 10, 2019. The symposium will seek to foster dialogue around these questions to promote accessible and inclusive learning at AU and beyond.

IDPP Student Spotlight: Marissa Zuckerman
IDPP Student Spotlight: Marissa Zuckerman

Through her past volunteer experiences, Marissa Zuckerman has developed a life-changing passion for supporting marginalized communities. She is passionate about using her studies at American University and work at IDPP for social good.

IDPP Student Spotlight: Nathan Banks
IDPP Student Spotlight: Nathan Banks

Since working with persons with disabilities as an undergrad, Nathan Banks has developed a strong interest in studying international issues through the lens of diverse stakeholders like minorities, women, and persons with disabilities of course.

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.

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