Pace University Receives $206K Grant to Expand Disability Inclusion

The Lienhard School of Nursing, part of the College of Health Professions at Pace University, has received a $206,711 grant from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation to lead a three-year initiative aimed at removing barriers for students with physical disabilities in nursing education.

Founded in 1930, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation is the only national foundation solely dedicated to improving the education of health professionals. Its Disability Inclusion in Nursing initiative supports the inclusion of learners with disabilities to help build a nursing workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Support for the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation grant program was provided in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The project, Enhancing Inclusivity in Nursing Programs for Students with Disabilities, will implement infrastructure improvements, educational programming, and policy revisions—all designed to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Based at Pace’s Pleasantville Campus, the initiative aims to reimagine how students with physical disabilities access and experience nursing education.

“Pace University and the Lienhard School of Nursing are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation to build a nursing workforce that is representative of the patients we serve,” said Michele Lucille Lopez, DHEd, MA, RN, CNE, assistant professor of nursing. “Our project aims to reimagine the role of the nurse and foster an inclusive learning environment by removing barriers that may otherwise prevent students with disabilities from being successful.”

Led by Dr. Lopez, the team includes Elizabeth A. Berro, Ph.D., RN, CHSE, CNE, assistant professor and director of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program; and Marie Lourdes Charles, Ed.D., RN-BC, FNYAM, associate professor of nursing. The team will work alongside Jennifer Tokash, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, CPAM, and John Damiao, Ph.D., OTR/L, of Pace’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. Together with clinical partners, they will develop inclusive, hands-on learning environments and ensure equitable clinical experiences for students with disabilities.

The initiative also seeks to build partnerships with clinical agencies and raise awareness among health care educators and providers. By addressing systemic obstacles in nursing education and clinical training, the program aims to expand access, strengthen workforce diversity and advance health equity.

“Creating inclusive and accessible environments in nursing education and practice is essential to advancing health equity and supporting the potential of all of our learners,” said Macy Foundation President Dr. Holly Humphrey. “These six projects will identify strategies to promote inclusion for those with disabilities so that we may build learning environments and a nursing workforce that reflect and serve the diverse needs of all students and patients. The Macy Foundation is delighted to collaborate with the project leaders at local nursing schools alongside our exceptional Advisory Committee to achieve this vital goal."

For more information, visit macyfoundation.org.