Advancing Equity through Accessible Scholarship: Lessons from the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal
The National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is proud to host the next installment in our webinar series! You can register for the webinar here. If you have any questions or accessibility requests, please reach out to iod.mhidd@unh.edu.
Webinar Description: In human services, the value of research is measured by its impact on the community. However, traditional academic publishing often creates barriers—both in how research is reviewed and how it is shared. The Developmental Disabilities Network Journal (DDNJ) is working to dismantle these barriers by prioritizing accessible review processes and innovative dissemination strategies.
This webinar explores the global role of DDNJ as a platform for highlighting practical outcomes from community-engaged DD Network programs. We will discuss how the journal bridges the gap between scholarly inquiry and real-world application, ensuring that findings directly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and the professionals who support them.
Join us to learn how we can redefine scholarly publishing to be more inclusive, practical, and impactful for everyone.
Speaker: Matthew Wappett is the executive director of the Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice, with an affiliate appointment as a research associate professor in the USU College of Education and Human Services. He is also the Editor in Chief of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal. Dr. Wappett has worked with the UCEDD system for over 25 years, and has a demonstrated commitment to supporting real-world programs that make real-world impacts on the lives of people with disabilities. He is committed to creating inclusive environments that foster a sense of purpose and belonging.
Dr. Wappett earned his doctorate degree in Special Education, an Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah. Dr. Wappett has also participated in Clinical Training for Mind Body Medicine through the Harvard Medical School. He completed his public-school teaching certification while pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of Utah. He is a former whitewater guide and Swiftwater Rescue Technician and has run most of the major wilderness rivers in the Western U.S. and Alaska.
