Annette van der Putten

Prof. Annette van der Putten is a Professor (Aletta Jacobs Chair) at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, specializing in supporting individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Her work focuses on improving quality of life, healthcare, and family support systems for this population. She leads interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborates with institutions globally. She is affiliated with the Department of Developmental and Behavioural Disorders in Education and Care.

Her research interests include disability support technologies, family resilience, and the intersection of healthcare and education for individuals with severe disabilities. Notable projects include developing training programs for government employees and evaluating assistive technologies. She has contributed to international surveys on sensory integration therapies and authored guidelines for constipation management in disabled populations.

She has been involved in the Academic Workshop on Profound Multiple Disabilities (EMB) and initiatives like the 'Care for Participation+' program, enhancing participation for visually impaired individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her work emphasizes evidence-based interventions and policy development.