When it comes to the participation and educational situation of people with intellectual and complex disabilities, the needs and challenges remain more visible than the available options for action. The most frequently cited issues in this context are problems with understanding and communication, which make it difficult to provide person-centered support for this group. 

The Research Center for Education & Participation of People with Intellectual and Complex Disabilities does not seek to ignore these needs and challenges, but rather to examine them more closely in order to develop appropriate support measures and materials and to identify possible courses of action. 

Our goal is to empower people with intellectual and complex disabilities in their communication abilities, educational opportunities, and participation, and to support the family members, caregivers, and professionals who accompany them with research-based expertise and concepts in their practical fields of work. 

The overarching focus of the research center’s activities is on improving the support and care situation for people with intellectual and complex disabilities in the areas of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), education, employment opportunities, quality of life, and participation.

All of our activities aim to expand educational and participation opportunities for people with intellectual and complex disabilities. However, education and participation have many facets. Furthermore, they come into play in a wide variety of life and communication situations.

Our goal is to acknowledge this complexity without losing sight of the objective of developing practical, real-life solutions. 

To fulfill this mission, the Research Center for Education & Participation of People with Intellectual and Complex Disabilities pursues the following activities: 

OUR CURRENT PROJECTS

KommA

Im Forschungsprojekt KommA wird erforscht, wie Kommunikation auch für alternde Menschen mit geistiger und komplexer Behinderung ermöglicht werden kann.

LINKED

Im Forschungsprojekt LINKED werden Möglichkeiten der Teilhabe von Menschen mit komplexen Behinderungen in den Lebensbereichen Arbeit, Freizeit und Wohnen erforscht.

Our activities are aimed at various target groups

• People with intellectual and complex disabilities at all stages of life
• Professionals in the field of disability support (including special education teachers, therapeutic educators, early childhood educators, and certified nursing professionals)
• Family members and other private caregivers
• Associations, funding agencies, and institutions

One of the most important tasks of the Research Center for Education & Participation of People with Intellectual & Complex Disabilities is to engage in dialogue with providers and agencies of social services for people with disabilities. For instance, through the quarterly “Research Workshop on Complex Disabilities,” we have established long-standing connections with disability support facilities and services. In addition, we also work closely with professionals, services, and institutions on research projects. 

Please get in touch with us!

Contact person: Timo Dins

Email: fobit-koeln@uni-koeln.de

Phone: 0221 470 5550