Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt takes on the role of Director of Research at the American Association on Health and Disability, promising to propel the integration of disability perspectives in health research and enhance participation in the NIH’s All of Us Research Program.
The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) has announced the appointment of Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt as their new Director of Research, a position she will commence in July 2024. Dr. Forber-Pratt will play a pivotal role in directing the organization’s outreach initiatives, particularly focusing on engaging individuals with disabilities in the All of Us Research Program, including a pilot project aimed at supporting pediatric enrollment.
Dr. Forber-Pratt brings a remarkable blend of academic achievement and real-world experience to the AAHD. Her previous role as Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), coupled with her position as an educator at prominent institutions like Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas, provides her with a strong foundation in both disability research and policy. Additionally, her experience as a two-time Paralympian and medalist has made her an internationally recognized advocate for disability rights.
The significance of Dr. Forber-Pratt’s appointment extends beyond her academic and athletic credentials. Her extensive research, which includes authoring over 65 peer-reviewed journal articles, predominantly explores the psychosocial aspects of disability, including identity development and the impacts of bullying and victimization on students with disabilities. Her methodical focus on qualitative research and inclusion will serve as a critical asset in her new role, ensuring that disability perspectives are centrally integrated into health research initiatives.
The Director of the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center, Bonnielin Swenor, has praised Dr. Forber-Pratt as an internationally renowned researcher whose work underscores the vital importance of disability inclusion in the research process.
This transition comes as the outgoing Director of Research, Dr. Charles Drum, moves on after spearheading several critical projects during his tenure, including a notable collaboration on blood clot knowledge translation and a COVID-19 survey assessing the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare needs of individuals with disabilities.
AAHD’s Executive Director, Karl Cooper, has expressed confidence in Dr. Forber-Pratt’s capabilities to build on the work accomplished by Dr. Drum, particularly emphasizing her combined professional expertise and personal insights as a member of the disability community.
Dr. Forber-Pratt’s forthcoming role at AAHD is more than a personnel change; it represents a strategic enhancement in the organization’s ongoing commitment to health equity. It affirms AAHD’s dedication to serving as a bridge between disability advocacy and impactful health research, ultimately aiming to reduce disparities and promote inclusivity.
Her leadership is set to enrich AAHD’s mission to advocate for health equity and increase the participation of individuals with disabilities in comprehensive health research, aligning with broader ambitions of national health initiatives like the NIH’s All of Us Research Program. With such a dynamic and experienced figure at the helm of research, the American Association on Health and Disability looks poised to make significant strides in fostering a more inclusive approach to health research and policy development.
