Research at the National Center

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB, 2002) defines scientifically based research as "the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge" (Title I (B) (1208). Spooner and Browder (2003) have argued that the NCLB definition fails to acknowledge the challenges of conducting research in the area of low-incidence disabilities.

NCSSD recognizes the challenges for conducting research on children with low-incidence disabilities including deficits in scientifically based research and isolation of researchers. One of the goals of NCSSD is to address these challenges by contributing to the research base, facilitating research-to-practice, and promoting collaborative research among the fields of visual impairment, deaf and hard of hearing, and severe disabilities.

NCSSD Research Completed and In Progress
To contribute new knowledge about educational practices in the fields of severe and sensory disabilties, completed research projects NCSSD and its partners are available for review and replication via the above link.
Research Summits
NCSSD supports and encourages collaborative research in low-incidence disability fields by hosting the biennial Research in the Rockies Summit for doctoral learners and faculty across the country.
  • The 2008 Research in the Rockies Summit was held at the University of Northern Colorado’s Michener Library, Room L-08, located at 14th Avenue and  20th street in Greeley, Colorado October 15-18, 2008.
  • Included in this year's Summit was training in the use of the SEELS and NLTS2 data bases.
  • an SPSS refresher session prior to the SEELS and NLTS2 training.
  • Printable Summit Information
Project PRISM
A Longitudinal Study of Developmental Patterns of Children Who Are Visually Impaired
State Assessment Data
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Dissertations in Low-Incidence Disabilities
Dissertations provide the opportunity to become informed about research trends and emerging leaders. View citations in the areas of visual impairment, deaf and hard of hearing, and severe disabilities since 1996.