Research & Evaluation

Evidence-Based Knowledge for IDD Leadership

Strong leadership in the IDD field requires more than instinct—it relies on evidence. For over 20 years, NLCDD has conducted research that tracks what works, evaluates outcomes, and translates findings into actionable knowledge that leaders can use immediately.

Our research and evaluation work serves several purposes: we measure the long-term impact of leadership development to continuously improve our programs and share information about the needs, trajectories, and interests of leaders in the IDD field, and we conduct studies that inform policy and practice. We do this work in partnership—with leadership training graduates, people with IDD, family members, and professionals who contribute their experiences to shape how services are delivered, and systems are designed.

Every study is designed with one question in mind: how does this help leaders create better outcomes for people with IDD?

Our Research Portfolio

Current and Upcoming Studies

Active research projects seeking participants

We conduct research on several topics that are relevant to the IDD field, including leadership effectiveness, organizational practices, and systems change. Your participation helps build the evidence base that improves services and supports for people with disabilities.

Explore current studies & participate

Past Studies & Reports

Published findings and actionable insights

Over two decades of research examining leadership development outcomes, organizational culture, person-centered practices, and systems challenges, opportunities, and transformation. Our reports are designed to be immediately useful—giving leaders across the field access to evidence-based strategies.

View past studies & reports

Quarterly Leadership Publication

The NLCDD Bulletin: Bridging research and practice

Each quarter, the Bulletin explores a specific topic through accessible articles written by researchers, providers, and practitioners from across the IDD field. We translate evidence-based practices into actionable insights and spotlight innovative initiatives—all designed to inform and inspire leaders at every level.

Read the NLCDD Bulletin and subscribe to future issues

Why Our Research Matters

NLCDD’s research stands apart because we focus on what leaders can actually use. Our 20-year longitudinal study tracks Leadership Institute graduates’ career trajectories and organizational impact—rare evidence of how leadership development creates lasting change. We partner with state agencies, foundations, and developmental disability councils on studies that inform policy decisions about workforce challenges, organizational practices, and service delivery.

Partnership, not just participation. People with IDD are research partners in designing our studies—ensuring their voices and lived experiences shape the research that affects their lives.

Immediately actionable, not academic. We translate findings into practical strategies you can implement, shared in plain language that engages rather than excludes.

Built on diverse contributions. Leadership training graduates, people with IDD, family members, and professionals across the IDD field contribute their experiences to build evidence that advances how services are delivered and systems are designed.

Research & Evaluation by the Numbers

of longitudinal research tracking leadership impact
on average to inform IDD policy and practice
completed annually, leading to improvement of NLCDD programs

2,000 to 3,000 research participants contribute their voices and experiences each year

10+ state systems using our research to inform policy direction

Ready to Explore Evidence-Based Knowledge?

Access research findings that inform leadership decisions, or contribute your voice to studies that advance the IDD field.

Explore current studies

View past studies & reports

Read and subscribe to The Bulletin