Karen Volle to Retire After 18 Years at the Institute on Disability

Karen Volle will retire from the Institute on Disability (IOD) within UNH's College of Health and Human Services after 18 years of service, concluding a career marked by systems-level impact, inclusive practice, and deep commitment to people and families affected by disability in New Hampshire and beyond.

Volle's path to the IOD was both professional and personal. Shortly after moving to New Hampshire, she read an article about a newly launched IOD initiative, the New England Genetics Collaborative (NEGC), focused on a system of care for people with genetic conditions. The work deeply resonated with her, given her family’s lived experience with disability, including genetic conditions.

“Nothing could be more meaningful to me than helping families impacted by disability, especially genetic conditions,” says Volle.

Shortly after, she applied, joined the project team, and went on to support NEGC as it evolved into the New England Regional Genetics Network (NERGN), a central focus of her tenure.

Among her most significant contributions was her role in developing and refining Genetic Education Materials for School Success (GEMSS)—a practical, well-vetted resource designed to support educators and school nurses working with children who may have genetic diagnoses. GEMSS now includes information on 37 rare genetic conditions and has been used by families and professionals across the U.S. and internationally.

During her time at the IOD, Volle has worked across a range of initiatives related to disability, including statistics, employment, health, and food insecurity. She supported national disability employment research through the Center for Research on Disability, serving behind the scenes for the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) webinar series and the Annual Disability Statistics Conference in Washington, D.C. In these roles, she focused on accessibility, preparation, and creating inclusive environments where experts could share research and insights effectively. In her concluding years at the IOD, Volle worked with the New Hampshire Disability and Health Program, including the Health Linkage Project, deepening her understanding of the state’s disability community through partnerships throughout the state.

Reflecting on her time at UNH, Volle credits the IOD’s integrity, leadership, and shared commitment to growth for its continued impact. She also points to the organization’s culture of care — where relationships, collaboration, and everyday connection matter.

“We are so lucky to have a culture that values getting to know each other, surprising each other, accepting each other, and work-life balance. I will always treasure my time here,” says Volle.