Scientists to speak on cultural issues pertinent to rehabilitation research

Denise Krch, Ph.D, and Lawanda Ford-Johnson, Psy.D speak on cultural issues pertinent to rehabilitation research

Two scientists will represent Kessler Foundation at the 2012 Race, Ethnicity and Disabilities State of the Science Conference on March 1-2 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. Denise Krch, PhD, research scientist, and Lawanda Ford-Johnson, PsyD, postdoctoral fellow, join a national faculty of multidisciplinary experts for this conference sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Both researchers focus on cognitive issues secondary to multiple sclerosis (MS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in diverse populations at Kessler Foundation.

Dr. Krch, a neuropsychologist, has a special interest in the development of culturally competent interventions that maximize the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in individuals of Hispanic descent. Her topics are "Training Culturally Competent Staff: A Strategy for Recruitment and Retention of Minority Participants in Research" and "Culturally Sensitive Interventions in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation."

Dr. Ford-Johnson, a clinical psychologist, is interested in health disparities in minority populations with a focus on individuals with MS and TBI, and the impact of TBI/human immunodeficiency infection comorbidity on cognition and function. She will speak on "Bridging the Gap between Lab and Community: Successful Recruitment and Retention" and "Neurological Disorders Affecting the Black Community."

The Conference goals are to advance the state of the science of disability research involving racial and ethnic minorities, build the capacity of researchers in methodologies and recruitment methods, and to provide networking opportunities for professionals interested in improving disability research and services for minorities.