Maaike Hermsen

Maaike Hermsen is a Professor at the HAN University of Applied Sciences, leading the Lectoraat Ethiek van Verbinding met Mensen met een Verstandelijke Beperking (Ethics of Connection with People with Intellectual Disabilities). Her research focuses on ethical dilemmas in caregiving, moral reflection, and inclusive practices to improve quality of care. She emphasizes centering the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in care decisions.

Her expertise includes professionalization of supervisors, collaboration with experiential experts, and network-oriented approaches to care. Key projects include the Sensory Labo (exploring non-verbal communication), EVB+ in Beeld (researching support for individuals with severe disabilities), and the SPRONG group for meaningful collaboration in long-term care.

Maaike actively publishes on disability ethics, caregiver training, and community integration. Recent work highlights storytelling as advocacy, sensory-based communication, and art-based communities to combat social isolation. She collaborates with stakeholders across healthcare, education, and policy sectors to translate research into actionable practices.

• Key Themes: Ethical caregiving, disability inclusion, professional development
• Notable Projects: Waardenkompas (ethical decision-making tool), Zintuigenlabo, Art-Based Communities
• Grants: SPRONG group funding for participatory research

Her work bridges academic research with practical care solutions, fostering systemic change in how vulnerable populations are supported.