Dr. Derek Nord is a nationally recognized scholar and leader in disability research, public policy, and systems change. He serves as executive director of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC)—Indiana’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities—and is a professor in the IU School of Education.
His work focuses on improving how systems support the full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all areas of life, including education, employment, health, and community living. With a focus on applied research and partnership, Dr. Nord leads efforts that inform policy, strengthen practice, and remove barriers across state and national service systems.
Dr. Nord’s research explores how disability policy, service systems, and community practices interact to shape real-world outcomes. His work has directly informed policy discussions at the state, federal, and international levels—including in reports to the U.S. Congress and president, briefings with lawmakers, Medicaid redesign efforts, and global initiatives led by UNESCO. He is also known for his data-driven work on employment, inclusion, guardianship reform, and long-term services and supports.
Across his career, Dr. Nord has authored or contributed to nearly 100 publications and delivered more than 80 research and policy presentations at national, international, and state conferences. He has secured over $30 million in external funding and served as a principal investigator or director on dozens of research, training, and policy projects. He is a Fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and past president of the Association for People Supporting Employment First.
Dr. Nord also co-created and co-leads Indiana University's Disability Rights, Policy, and Services Certificate program, an interdisciplinary academic initiative that prepares students to become future leaders and advocates across sectors. Through this work, he helps shape the next generation of professionals committed to advancing disability inclusion and justice.
Under Dr. Nord’s direction, the IIDC works in close collaboration with state agencies, educators, researchers, advocates, and people with disabilities to advance its mission to support disability communities at every stage of life. He oversees a multidisciplinary team of experts who lead nationally recognized work across a broad range of issues—from early childhood and education to employment, health equity, and systems innovation. Through research, training, and technical assistance, the IIDC supports meaningful change in policy and practice throughout Indiana and beyond.
Degrees
- Bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology, St. Olaf College
- Master’s in social work, Augsburg College
- Doctorate in educational policy and administration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis