Bethany RiglesDr. Bethany Rigles is a Research Scientist in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies' Prevention Research Center at Colorado State University. For over a decade, Dr. Rigles has been conducting research at the intersection of preventio science and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Rigles' research focuses on understanding and addressing health disparities among individuals with IDD, with a particular emphasis on racial/ethnic minorities with IDD. Dr. Rigles is particularly interested in the development of health interventions to ultimately reduce health disparities and improve quality of life for this population. Prior to her role at the Prevention Research Center, Dr. Rigles worked at the University of Montana's Rural Institute (Montana's University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) developing interventions to improve health among adults with IDD. Among other things, this work included the development of a violence prevention program for women with disabilities, a nutritional intervention for adults with IDD, and a health promotion intervention for adults in Vocational Rehabilitation. She also served as the Montana State Coordinator for the Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (UR-LEND).

Dr. Rigles' recent research has continued to explore health, IDD, and families by investigating the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on diverse youth with autism spectrum disorder and their families, and the impact of ACEs on long-term physical and mental health as well as resilience. She is also exploring the concept of health-related quality of life among diverse individuals with Down syndrome. Her ultimate goal with this research is to develop culturally responsive preventative interventions aimed at improving health and quality of life for specific IDD populations. Dr. Rigles' previous and current research demonstrates the importance of creating, adapting, and implementing preventative interventions within the IDD population to improve health and well-being outcomes. Read More Read Less