SHRS’ Beth Skidmore Helps Address Rehabilitation Needs for Biden Transition Team

Elizabeth Skidmore, associate dean for research in Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, was recently selected to represent the American Occupational Therapy Association and the greater rehab research community in an invited meeting with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team. “It was pretty exciting to talk with a member of the transition team. They want to understand the problems that people are facing and get to effective solutions,” she said.

As a partner with the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Consortium, Skidmore has been addressing the needs of people with disabilities and the disparities they face, including how the COVID-19 pandemic has increased hardships for the disability community. The consortium consists of scientists, disability advocates and legal experts.

Along with being chair and a professor for Pitt’s Department of Occupational Therapy, Skidmore’s research focuses on innovative rehabilitation treatments that promote greater independence and community re-engagement for those with cognitive impairments.

Skidmore is a 2013 recipient of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.