Research team

Expertise

Disability studies. Use of ICF in mapping disability; in assessment of disability situation and planning intervention. Children and adults with developmental disabilities and/ or acquired brain damage; dynamic assessment of learning potential; conditions of inclusive education, cognitive learning enhancement Modifiability of cognitive functioning of individuals with cognitive developmental disabilities; ecology, modifiability and plasticity Ethical issues of prenatal diagnostics Down syndrome: health issues, follow up, cognitive development, inclusion

Research on European children and adults born preterm (RECAP preterm). 01/01/2017 - 30/09/2021

Abstract

The project's overall aim is to improve the health, development and quality of life of children and adults born very preterm (VPT, < 32 weeks of gestation) or very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1500g) – approximately 50 000 births each year in Europe – by establishing an ICT platform to integrate, harmonise and exploit the wealth of data from 20 European cohorts of VPT/VLBW children and adults and their families constituted from the early 1980s to the present, together with data from national registries.

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  • Research Project

Screening to improve health in very preterm infants in Europe (SHIPS). 01/09/2015 - 31/01/2019

Abstract

Very preterm birth is a principal determinant of motor and cognitive impairment in later life. About 50 000 infants in the EU survive very preterm birth annually and are at much higher risk of cerebral palsy, visual and auditory deficits, impaired cognitive ability, psychiatric disorders and behavioural problems than infants born at term. However, the long term prognosis at initial discharge from hospital for each individual infant is unknown. Follow-up screening and prevention programmes aim to identify health problems early, enable interventions to improve outcome and to allow optimal management of health care. Despite the recognised importance of these programmes, little is known about their actual application and impact. These programmes consume significant resources because of the multidisciplinary staff required for clinical and developmental assessments and interventions, the coordination required to maintain contact with children after discharge and the time input from families. This project uses a unique resource – the EPICE cohort of 6675 babies born before 32 weeks of gestational age and surviving to discharge home in 18 geographically diverse regions in 2011/2012 – to assess the impact of these screening programmes on health, care and quality of life for very preterm infants and their families as well as on coverage, ability to meet needs, health equity and costs at the population-level. It will also generate new knowledge about assessment tools and methods. Four inter-related studies will be carried out in 11 EU countries by a multi-disciplinary consortium of clinicians (in obstetrics, paediatrics, and child development), researchers (in epidemiology, health services research and health economics) and a user organisation. Partners have the expertise to implement this project and the national and international renown to translate its result into better programmes and policies.

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  • Research Project

Enabling and including young people with complex and intense support needs (ENABLIN). 01/01/2014 - 30/06/2017

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand EU. UA provides EU research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Differentiated classroom practices 'effectively engrafted'. 01/09/2013 - 31/08/2014

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand KdG. UA provides KdG research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Valorisation Practice test within the framework of learning care. 01/12/2008 - 03/04/2009

Abstract

In a previous research project, an aselecte series of samples of 8600 pupils from the various types of regular and special primary and secondary education, were assigned, by collaborators of each of the 73 School Psychological Services to one of the 5 levels of educational needs, 4 clusters of impairments and target groups, based on the data of the pupils' files, known to the SPS in June 2008, according to criteria laid down by the Steering Committee on Needs' Indicators, with the objective of determining feasibility, validity and reliability of the new educational framework indicators. To this end, a manual, wizard and electronic web-based form have been designed, a helpdesk installed, and remarks made by SF5 collaborators, collected and analysed. Results were analysed in a quantitative and qualitative way. Shifts from the present allocation to the new educational allocation have been analysed, as well as a comparison has been made with the theoretical expected allocations. The present project wants to valorize these results, on the one hand by communicating results to the public of SF5 collaborators and schools, and on the other hand suggest a possible trajectory of professionalization in the new educational framework.

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  • Research Project

Practice test within the framework of learning care. 13/05/2008 - 31/12/2008

Abstract

This project is a practice test for the implementation of the new framework for educational assistance in regular education; it wants to develop a web-based form, on the basis of a list of indicators, as developed by a working party of the Ministry of Education of the Flanders Region, to allow the School Guidance Centres to allocate pupils in an efficient way into one of levels of assistance needed, and check validity and practicability, with a representative sample of 8600 pupils from kindergarten, elementary and secondary education

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  • Research Project

Starting a regional consulting network for inclusive education in primary schools in the province of Antwerp. 01/10/2005 - 15/09/2008

Abstract

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  • Research Project

Just a minute, let me think 01/09/1998 - 31/08/1999

Abstract

Post-graduate teacher training program , on initiative by the Flemish Government, in the framework of targets of basis education: promotion of learning to learn, social competencies, inclusive education for at risk groups Target group: teachers of pre-school, primary school and middle school, SENCO's (special needs teachers) Objectives: raising awareness and understanding of teachers in causes and prevention of learning disabilities in so-called 'at-risk' children (children with developmental disturbances, socio-economic deprivation); improving didactic competence of teachers in developing general thinking and learning skills; differentiation of teaching styles and contents, inclusive education Activities: training in the theory and practice of Structural Cognitive Modifiability and Mediated Learning Experience, and its applied system of Instrumental Enrichment (4 out of 14 instruments) of Reuven Feuerstein Format: 14 session group seminars in small groups ( +/- 15 people) + Classroom supervision Method: awareness-raising paper- and pencil exercises with general thinking tasks, groups discussion, video illustration, application to classroom practice and feedback.

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    • Research Project

    MENTOR - modifying environments towards better teaching, rehabilitation, & integration. 01/07/1997 - 30/06/1999

    Abstract

    The MENTOR project one of 30 selected European pilot projects with the support of the European Commission DGV, within the programme "Equal Opportunities for the disabled" Its objectives are creating optimal environments fostering development and learning processes for children and adults with a developmental impairment; not apart but together with others in an inclusive environment, i.e. including children with disabilities in mainstream schools, leisure and workplace; making educators (parents, teachers etc.) more aware of their influence on development. MENTOR wants to establish a resource centre for research, intervention, counselling and documentation regarding inclusion Activities: - training for profesionals and parents; themes: enhancement of learning potential (cognitive, social and emotional)and inclusion - awareness raising via campaigns, articles, evening sessions for public, school visits - lobbying politically: participation in councils (workgroup FlemishEducation Council) - service: to parents, school teachers and team in order to realizeinclusion in mainstream schools (school visits) - elaborate and automatize a documentation centre about handicap and inclusion.

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      • Research Project

      SMILEGH : pilot project ; experimenting new methodologies for integration of youngsters with a handicap in employment and at school. 01/04/1997 - 31/03/1999

      Abstract

      Pilot project within the framework of the LEONARDO Programme for Vocational Training of the European Commission. The project wants to reform vocational training of intellectually disabled adolescents towards a better cognitive education of general thinking skills: its aim is to increase problem-solving capacity, dealing with information and social adaptation. For this purpose, 35 teaching staff of different vocational training centres administered by the City of Rome, receive a 25 day training in the methodology of Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment Programme, by a Belgian expert, who will also monitor the application in the field. In parallel a similar training project is being monitored in Antwerp and Brussels.

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        • Research Project

        Mediated learning experience in cognitive development. 01/04/1995 - 31/08/1995

        Abstract

        On the basis of Feuerstein's theory of structural cognitive modifiability and other ecological theories of intelligence, a model is constructed which is practically applicable in education (home and school) with the aim of reducing intellectual retardation.

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          • Research Project

          Credit : creating environments for development towards integration training : a training project for integration of retarted performers into the community. 01/01/1993 - 31/12/1994

          Abstract

          Intervention with cognitive training (FEI = Feuerstein's instrumental enrichment). Target group : young adults with mental retardation. Target : integration into the normal worksite.

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            • Research Project