Sander Hilberink

Dr. Sander Hilberink is a Professor of Support Needs: Lifelong & Lifewide at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (HR), focusing on disability studies, citizenship, and participation. His work emphasizes the importance of relational autonomy and the social model of disability rather than the medical model. He advocates for equal treatment of people with disabilities and focuses on living with conditions rather than caring for disabilities.

His educational background includes a psychology degree from Radboud University Nijmegen (2000) and a PhD (2013) on smoking cessation support for CPD patients.

Dr. Hilberink's research interests span several critical areas in disability studies:

• Aging with lifelong disabilities across different life stages
• Social-erotic care and sexuality for people with disabilities
• Family formation and parenthood for people with disabilities
• Citizenship and relational autonomy for people with disabilities
• Challenges in long-term care systems

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding the lived experiences of people with disabilities across their lifespan. Recent work examines stress experiences of students with relatives with addiction problems, public disability representations, and perspectives on genetic conditions. His research often employs qualitative methodologies to capture nuanced experiences and advocate for systemic changes in care approaches.

Scientific awards include:

• Shaking Tree Award 2020 - for drawing attention to improvements in healthcare in a positive way

Dr. Hilberink leads the Lectorate Support Needs: Lifelong & Lifewide, which collaborates with various knowledge centers, particularly the Knowledge Center for Healthcare Innovation. His work has influenced policy discussions around disability care in the Netherlands, with his public lecture on lifelong support needs being described as 'the best open lecture ever seen' by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

His research projects address critical transitions in life for people with disabilities, including growing up, aging, and navigating healthcare systems. He challenges the current care system's limitations and advocates for approaches that respect the full personhood and citizenship of individuals with disabilities.