Chapman building on campus.
Thompson Policy Institute on Disability

» About

Vision

We work towards a world in which all people in the disability community thrive. 

Mission

We work alongside the disability community to develop and improve equitable, accessible, and nurturing learning and community environments for all through integrated research, policy, and practice.

Core Beliefs

• We believe in inclusivity for all, centering those with disabilities.

• We believe that the intersection of disability, race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other identities uniquely impacts how a person moves through the world.

• We believe that individuals with disabilities are experts in their own experiences, and must inform creating innovative and effective living, learning, and working environments.

• We believe in science and the systematic gathering and analysis of data to inform and improve our work.

• We believe in collaborative innovation as the means to adapting cutting-edge practices to the unique needs of schools, agencies, and families.

Community Partners

TPI is involved in many research and project-based collaborations and partnerships. These collaborative efforts are an important component of many TPI activities, including conducting research, disseminating critical information to key stakeholders, and supporting community-wide change.

Logos of the partner organizations

Partners shown above: William & Nancy Thompson Family Foundation; Chapman University Attallah College of Educational Studies; The California State University; California Council on Teacher Education; Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform (CEEDAR Center); Dayle McIntosh Center; Department of Rehabilitation (DOR); Regional Center of Orange County (ROCC); Orange County Department of Education (OCDE); Multi-Tiered System of Supports (OCDE); Goodwill of Orange County; Machine Learning and Assistive Technology (MLAT); Padres Unidos; Project SEARCH High School Transition Program; Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University; IATSE Local 504; WestEd; Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation Education Center (SWIFT); The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Thompson Autism Center at CHOC Children's; Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders at University of Missouri; TLC Public Charter School; UCI Center for Statistical Consulting; Easterseals of Southern California; Children & Families Commission of Orange County; California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)