Academic Collaborative Centre for PIMD
Where experience-based knowledge, practice and science meet
Here at the Academic Collaborative Centre for PIMD (ACC-PIMD, in Dutch: Academische Werkplaats EMB, AW EMB), we take practical questions and investigate them through scientific research. We then take the insights gained and translate them back into daily practice. We benefit from a uniquely close collaborative relationship between the families of children and adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), scientists and healthcare professionals.
What is PIMD?
Children and adults with PIMD have a combination of severe or profound intellectual disabilities and sensory and motor problems. Many of them also have health issues. While the nature of their disabilities can vary widely, they all have one thing in common: they are dependent on others in every aspect of their daily lives.
What is the purpose of the ACC-PIMD?
The complex and profound disabilities facing people with PIMD mean that a high level of skill and knowledge is required to develop the right support for them. This specialist knowledge is not always available at a local and regional level. The ACC-PIMD acts as a focal point, bringing experience-based knowledge, practice-based knowledge and scientific knowledge together in one central place. We draw on the expertise of those working in different disciplines within the healthcare sector, scientists and the families of children and adults with PIMD. We strive to foster a unique collaboration between practice and science.
What approach do we take?
We take practical questions and investigate them through scientific research. We then take the insights gained and translate them back into daily practice. We benefit from a uniquely close collaborative relationship between families, scientists and healthcare professionals.
Organisational structure
The ACC-PIMD is a national collaborative venture between the University of Groningen, disability care provider ’s Heeren Loo, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and visual impairment centre Koninklijke Visio.