Aud Elisabeth Witsø

Aud Elisabeth Witsø is an Associate Professor at the National Competence Center on Intellectual Disability (NAKU), hosted within the Department of Mental Health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her work is centrally focused on advancing inclusion, equity, and rights for individuals with intellectual disabilities, particularly within higher education and employment contexts.

Her research delves into the systemic and cultural barriers faced by disabled students, especially the reproduction of ableism in academic institutions. Using qualitative and participatory methods, she investigates how societal norms shape the experiences of disabled students and how inclusive practices can be co-produced with stakeholders. Key themes include transition pathways from education to work, frontline worker attitudes, and institutional policies that affect inclusion.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward critical disability studies, examining ableism through empirical and theoretical lenses. Her work frequently employs collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches, often involving co-authorship with researchers across sociology, education, and social policy. The focus remains on actionable insights for creating more inclusive systems.

She is actively involved in multiple research projects aimed at breaking down structural barriers. Notably, she leads the project Pathways to the world of work for students with disabilities in higher education, which investigates employment inclusion strategies. Other projects include collaborations with municipal services and national guidelines for health and care services for people with intellectual disabilities.

Her work is grounded in principles of diversity, civil rights, and participation, emphasizing the importance of lived experience in research and policy development. She contributes significantly to NTNU’s mission of socially responsible research and inclusive education.