FASEB Responds to NIH RFI on Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research

By: France-Elvie Banda
Thursday, February 13, 2025
FASEB recently submitted comments to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in response to its Request for Information (RFI) on a strategic plan for disability health research. The RFI specifically requests feedback on four main areas: cross-cutting themes, strategic goals, progress measuring indicators, and methods of dissemination and communication. The NIH Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research FY26-FY30 intends to promote the health and well-being of people with disabilities by improving disability inclusion in the biomedical and behavioral research ecosystem. 

In its response, FASEB highlighted the importance of addressing the complexity of disability through examining the intersectionality of disability, race, gender, and socioeconomic status in health research. Recognizing this intersectionality is crucial to ensure the experiences of all people with disabilities, especially those from historically excluded communities, are adequately represented in research. FASEB encourages NIH to create an integrative, interactive, and accessible online portal to report progress made toward the goals outlined in the strategic plan. The portal should track progress on key indicators such as research inclusion, assistive technology development, and promotion of leadership diversity and community engagement. 

NIH is requesting feedback from a wide range of interested individuals, science professionals, and organizations. Responses to this RFI are due by 11:50 pm ET on March 12.