Advancing Health Equity and Disability Justice Through Research, Policy and Practice
The Ayers Lab focuses on eliminating health inequities for people with disabilities through patient-centered research, policy advocacy and systems change. Our work addresses ableism in healthcare systems, supports parents with disabilities and promotes intersectional approaches to disability equity. We combine rigorous research methodologies with community-engaged practices to transform care delivery and inform evidence-based policy at local, state and national levels.
The Disability Research Lab
In 2020, Ayers founded the Disability Research Lab, an international community of practice bringing together disabled researchers committed to building research capacity and advancing disability scholarship. Recognizing that disabled researchers bring invaluable lived expertise to the research enterprise, the Disability Research Lab creates infrastructure for mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination across disciplines and institutions. In 2025, the Lab received the Health Excellence Award from Cincinnati Children's, enabling expansion of our capacity-building initiatives and research dissemination efforts. The Lab represents both a professional network and a deliberate effort to center disabled scholars in shaping the future of disability research.
Other Interests
- Training interdisciplinary healthcare professionals in family-centered, culturally competent care for individuals with developmental disabilities
- Teaching foundational disability studies courses at the University of Cincinnati
- Leading patient engagement and research transformation efforts at the national level
- Providing expert testimony for state and federal legislation on disability rights
- Holding national advisory roles
