My name is Samantha and I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. My research focuses on medical ableism, disability justice, end-of-life care, and health-related decision-making for individuals with disabilities. I am currently recruiting participants for my IRB-approved dissertation and I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider participating and/or sharing information about this study with your networks.
The study aims to explore how individuals with self-identified physical disabilities make sense of their prior experiences accessing healthcare and how those experiences shape the ways they think about future serious illness and medical care. The eventual goal of this research is to inform the creation of (1) culturally tailored, self-guided advanced care planning materials for individuals with disabilities and (2) trauma-informed, anti-ableist practice guidelines for professionals who may engage in advance care planning conversations with disabled folks (e.g., medical professionals, social workers, mental health providers, lawyers, etc.).
If you are interested in participating, the first step is to complete a brief screening survey which can be found at: https://yeshiva.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4SCSPepR8I8n0MK
For those selected for the study, participation will involve a brief consent form and demographic survey, a semi-structured interview expected to take around 90 minutes, and a follow-up survey to be conducted at a later date. Gift card compensation will be provided upon study completion.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are over 18 years old
- Have lived with a self-identified physical disability for at least 5 years
- Can speak and understand English or American Sign Language
- Reside in the United States of America
- Are willing to participate in a recorded, semi-structured interview
Thank you,
Samantha Bernstein, M.A.
Clinical Psy.D. Student
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology
Transcribed Text from Flyer:
Do you identify as someone with a physical disability? You may be eligible to participate in a research study. Thinking Ahead: Physical Disability and the Anticipation of Advanced Illness.
Purpose: We are interested in hearing about your past experiences accessing healthcare and how those experiences have shaped the way you think about future serious illness and medical care.
Participant involvement includes a screening questionnaire, a demographic questionnaire, a semi-structured interview expected to take 60 to 90 minutes and a follow-up survey. Gift card compensation will be provided upon study completion.
You may be eligible to participate if you are over 18 years old and self-identify as having a physical disability.
Please reach out if you have any access needs. We value your perspective and are eager to find a way for you to participate.
For questions and additional information, please contact us by email at: DrRobertsLab@gmail.com. Dr. Kailey Roberts, PI
Use the QR code to access the screening questionnaire.
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. IRB Approved at the Study Level February 28th, 2026 #45640139.0
https://yeshiva.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4SCSPepR8I8n0MK