People

Administrators

Dr. Laura Rice is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is also a Program Director of CARD (Collaborations in the Advancement of Research on Disability).

She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University in 2004. Professor Rice’s research interests are in the area of disability & health. She is specifically interested in the prevention of secondary impairments associated with disability to maximize quality of life and community participation among wheelchair users.

A related interest is in examining education techniques to enhance functional mobility, prevent the development of secondary impairments and effective utilization of assistive technology to promote health and well-being among individuals with disabilities.

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Carrie Wennerdahl began her role as CARD Coordinator in September 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health with a focus on Aging Studies from Eastern Illinois University in 2022, followed by a Master’s degree in Health Promotion from the same institution in December 2024.

With more than 30 years of professional experience in social services, direct healthcare, and healthcare coordination, Carrie has primarily worked with older adults and individuals with disabilities. In addition to her role as CARD Coordinator, she serves as the Coordinator for Collaborations in Health, Aging, Research, and Technology (CHART) and as a Research Coordinator for the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability (CHAD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Her research interests include the benefits of exercise in aging, aging with disabilities, aging in place, and the development of age friendly communities.

Steering Committee

The CARD Steering Committee consists of stakeholders including end-users, industry representatives, and clinicians who provide guidance on disability-related research and outreach. The Steering Committee members are invited to serve a 2 year term.

The CARD Steering Committee meets 2 times a year to discuss ways to better engage with faculty, staff, and students at the University of Illinois and the local community who support individuals who live with disabilities, gather feedback on our current endeavors, and future activities.

Interns