Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar
Professor
Disability and Human Development
Occupational Therapy
Contact
Building & Room:
354 AHSB
Address:
1919 W. Taylor St.
Office Phone:
Email:
CV Download:
Related Sites:
About
Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, PhD is Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and Department of Disability and Human Development. She is an Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Psychology at UIC. Trained as a community psychologist, Dr. Suarez-Balcazar’s research focuses on the nexus between race, culture, and health disparities. She studies the social determinants of health and well-being impacting diverse individuals with disabilities and their families. Her work focuses on the development of culturally tailored interventions to address disparities and promote health equity. Dr. Suarez-Balcazar is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and a past-president of the Society for Community Research and Action. In 2022-2023 she was named University Scholar.
Selected Grants
The Chicago Community Trust, Healthy Families: Community Coalition to Promote Healthy Lifestyles among Latino Youth with Disabilities and their Families, PI
DHHS, NIDILRR, Administration for Community Living, Advanced Training in Translational and Community-Engaged Scholarship to Improve Community Living and Participation of People with Disabilities, PI
Selected Publications
Service to Community
Yolanda serves as a volunteer consultant to El Valor, a community-based organization serving individuals with disabilities. She is a member of the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC). She co-chairs the OTD international advanced placement at the Center Ann Sullivan of Peru (CASP). She developed the collaboration with CASP in 2008 and often consults for CASP.
Professional Leadership
President-elect, Society for Community Research and Action (APA, Division 27)
Hispanic Workgroup Member - Consults on cultural competency and often delivers webinars on the topic, US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families
Member, American Occupational Therapy Association Obesity Prevention Workgroup
Lead mentor (2016), The Annie E. Casey Foundation - Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) Scholars progr
Notable Honors
2016, AHS Professor of the Year, UIC College of Applied Health Science
2015, Leaders and Legacies Society, American Occupational Therapy Foundation
2015, Influential Hispanics in Chicago, Who is Who in Hispanic Business
2012, AHS Leadership Award, UIC College of Applied Health Sciences
Education
PhD, Developmental and Child Psychology, University of Kansas
MA, Developmental and Child Psychology, University of Kansas
BA, Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia