(approved at the BoD meeting on December 7th, 2016, Meeting Minutes Report No. 66)

The Disability Research Centre (DRC) was founded on December 7th, 2016 at the University of International Studies in Rome (UNINT) to address the pressing national demand for active monitoring of diagnostic, rehabilitation, and educational pathways related to disability caregiving. Over the past four years, the exploration of neurodevelopmental conditions has facilitated a comprehensive examination of novel research models within the realms of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Neuroscience, Teaching, and Special Education.

Objectives and target audience

The primary objective of the DRC is applied research in the areas of epidemiology, prevention, rehabilitation, and educational psychology. In addition, this research activity is complemented by specific educational offerings. The Centre's activities engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including public agencies such as Local Health Authorities, schools, and rehabilitation centres, as well as parent associations and practitioners interested in supporting research or pursuing specialised training in the psycho-pedagogical field, with the following focuses:

• framing and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions (autism, BES, intellectual disabilities, etc.);
• functional assessment for preparing rehabilitative treatment plans and individualised educational projects (IEPs);
• intervention models and operational strategies for the treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions;
• evaluation of outcomes and social inclusion in school and work settings.

Research activities

Through collaboration with both public and private entities, the Centre has played a crucial role in fostering the development of the following areas:

• reconstruction of innovative models of studying and interpreting cognitive and learning processes in the field of neuroscience;
• in-depth research into typical and atypical developmental issues through the active study of major cognitive functions;
• identification of innovative teaching and rehabilitation methodologies aimed at fostering the development of communicative, cognitive, and inclusive strategies in the main disability situations;
• development of scientifically validated aids to enhance augmentative/alternative communication and the use of sign language;
• introduction of new models of Parent Training and Peer Tutoring;
• creation of standardised and useful tools for functional assessment and adoption of rehabilitation/IEP programmes.
   

Scientific chair

Alessandro Frolli
Child Neuropsychiatrist, PhD in Behavioural Sciences
and Learning Processes, UNINT 

Coordinatrice scientifica

Sara Rizzo
Sociologist and expert in Special Education and Teaching, UNINT 

Help desk

The Research Centre, through its Help desk, provides support for the development of individual identity and subjectivity by actively and attentively listening to each learner. This helps facilitate the learning process and the formation of the learners' social personality. Find out more in the dedicated section via the following link.