Researchers from Columbia University and The Arc of the United States are interested in speaking to workers with disabilities and those who provide support to a friend or family member with a disability in New York, California, New Jersey and North Carolina.
They are looking for people who:
Work in California, New Jersey, New York, or North Carolina AND
Have a disability OR provide support to a friend or a family member with a disability
As part of this project, researchers will interview people one-on-one either over the phone or by video conference to hear about their experiences needing leave from work for reasons related to their own disability or that of a family member or friend. During these interviews, participants will be asked about their
Experiences balancing work responsibilities and medical needs
Experiences balancing work and family responsibilities
Opinions on paid family and medical leave programs
Experiences with paid leave programs if they did use it
Opinions on how the program(s) could be improved
NAMI-NYS and our members advocated hard for Paid Family Leave and it is crucial researchers hear from individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Paid Family Leave has huge implications for our community including improving the caregiver experience and enhancing mental health in the workplace.
