This research examines how “sitting is the new smoking” headlines affect people with spinal cord injury. Interviews revealed these messages are harmful and exclusionary. Reframing sedentary behavior as low energy expenditure, rather than sitting itself, improves understanding. The work promotes inclusive, evidence-based public health communication.

This talk highlights the lack of ADRD resources and care access for capital-D Deaf communities despite their elevated risk. Through community engagement, sign-language translations, and caregiver-informed guidelines, the research seeks to improve equitable aging and end-of-life support for Deaf individuals until a cure for Alzheimer’s becomes reality.

Digital health expanded during COVID-19, but many services exclude people seeking support for alcohol and drug use. This research uses inclusive design, interviews, and workshops with people with lived experience to identify barriers, reduce stigma, improve usability, and guide industry toward creating accessible, equitable digital care for all.