Beatrijs Maes

Beatrijs Maes is a full professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, where she works in the Department of Family and Orthopedagogics. She is an active researcher and educator specializing in intellectual disabilities, inclusive education, and family support systems. Maes serves as a member of multiple academic committees including the PPW Faculty Council, Assessment Committee of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, and various Program and Examination Committees.

Her research focuses on inclusive support for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, with particular attention to quality of life, educational approaches for children with severe disabilities, and partnership development between families and support systems. Maes leads multiple significant research projects including 'Quality of life of elderly people with intellectual disability' and 'Exploring and strengthening partnerships between families with a child with severe disabilities and their informal and formal support systems.'

Analysis of Maes' recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a consistent focus on person-centered approaches for individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Her work employs diverse methodologies including photo-elicitation, shadowing techniques, diary studies, and interdisciplinary approaches combining design thinking with social science. Key thematic areas include family partnerships, staff-client interactions, personhood recognition, and quality measurement in care settings.

Maes has received research funding through KU Leuven's Special Research Fund for her sabbatical project focused on developing a multi-year research program on inclusive support for people with intellectual disabilities and their environments. She has also secured funding for numerous collaborative projects addressing quality frameworks, stress regulation in children with disabilities, and inclusive educational practices.

As an educator, Maes teaches courses including 'Handicaps in pedagogical perspective,' 'Themes in orthopedagogy: disability and developmental disorders,' and 'Evidence-based practice in orthopedagogical support.' Her teaching reflects her research expertise in disability studies and inclusive educational approaches.

Maes is affiliated with the Center for Orthopedagogics and the KU Leuven Institute for Child and Youth (LC&Y), demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of child and youth development. Her ORCID identifier is 0000-0002-5011-1134, and she maintains an active research profile through KU Leuven's research portal.