NIH-funded research R01 grant

Making primary care accessible for patients with communication disabilities

Official title: Implementation of Communication Disability Collection and Accommodations in Primary Care Settings

Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11386442 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aimed at helping clinics reliably document and accommodate patients with communication disabilities so they receive equitable care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 16, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$661,378
NIH project number5R01DC020188-06
Project IDNIH-11386442 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with communication disabilities who receive care in primary care clinics and whose care teams are adopting the new documentation and accommodation practices.

Less likely to help

Clinics or patients not experiencing communication barriers or not engaged in the implemented processes may see limited benefit.

What this research studies

This project provides a practical package of strategies that primary care clinics can use to document whether a patient has a communication disability and to implement needed accommodations. It will test how well the package works in real clinic settings and how it affects the quality and accessibility of care for adults with communication disabilities. By focusing on EHR documentation and ADA-aligned accommodations, the effort seeks to reduce disparities and improve patient experiences in everyday healthcare visits.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, clinics may provide more equitable care and better communication for patients with disabilities.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that structured ADA-focused implementations can improve documentation and accessibility in healthcare settings, with ongoing research expanding on effective strategies.

Where this research is happening

  • New York University School of Medicine
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Morris, Megan a — New York University School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Morris, Megan a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving healthcare access for patients with communication disabilities

    This study is all about making it easier for people with communication disabilities to get the healthcare they need by helping doctors better understand and record their specific needs in their health records.

    NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11264097

  • Making communication needs and accommodations visible in primary care

    This project will help primary care clinics record adults' communication disabilities and arrange accommodations so patients can communicate better during visits.

    NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11117133

  • HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala

    This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11645315

  • Primary Care HEART-NET: boosting access to research in the Deep South

    A collaboration across three universities will build primary care research networks in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi to improve access to care and help prevent and manage chronic diseases.

    NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11618658

  • Primary Care Bridge: Building Research in Diverse Geographic Settings

    A national network hub in New Mexico will connect rural clinics and communities to faster, more usable primary care research so patients in underserved areas can benefit from new evidence.

    NIH research University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · Albuquerque, United States · NIH-11618652

  • WREN: Expanding Research Capacity in Rural Primary Care Clinics

    A nationwide network in Wisconsin will strengthen rural primary care clinics to participate in real-world research and bring more clinical trials to communities.

    NIH research University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, United States · NIH-11618649

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.