Author: Renee R. Taylor

Renee R. Taylor, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor within the Department of Occupational Therapy at UIC. She currently serves as the Principal Investigator of a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) research and outcomes demonstration project funded by the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research within the US Department of Education. This project is designed to evaluate the the efficacy, replicability, and sustainability of peer-based intervention strategies applied to individuals with CFS as implemented within a Center for Independent Living setting. Applying theoretical frameworks of empowerment theory, participatory action research, control theory, and the new paradigm of disability, it is predicted that this community-based intervention will improve overall quality of life, functional capacity, illness severity, coping, and service utilization among individuals with CFS. Dr. Taylor”s particular areas of expertise include developing community-based treatment programs for individuals with chronic illnesses, examining the relationship between interpersonal stress, resource loss, and illnesses involving chronic fatigue, and examining different approaches to the treatment of social and environmental issues experienced by individuals with chronic illness.