OJKO project
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The OJKO project is an international collaboration project between the universities of Leuven (Belgium) and Groningen. With the OJKO project, we want to better understand how the development of children with PIMD occurs, how to explain changes (such as gaining or losing skills) over time, and what we can do to support the development of these children. Development is a complex topic and there’s little research on the development of these children. The OJKO project is a first step.
OJKO 1.0
In 2013, OJKO 1.0 started. We looked at different areas of development, such as motor skills, communication, interaction and social-emotional development. We also looked at environmental factors that may influence development. We focused on very young children, aged between 6 months and 4 years at the start of the measurements. To gather information, we visited them regularly at home or in nurseries. There we did tasks and games with the children, made video recordings together with parents or caregivers, and also talked to the parents/caregivers.
We have learned a lot from the results of OJKO 1.0. Predicting the exact development of a child with PIMD remains difficult, but we have seen changes in functioning in different areas in each child. To see changes in the development of children with PIMD, we need to focus on the small signs that indicate change. We also found that the development of these children is very unique, like a fingerprint.
Op de website ojko.nl vind je informatieve videoclips.
OJKO 2.0
The results of the OJKO 1.0 research project have led to a follow-up study; OJKO 2.0. In this study, we want to take a closer look at the development of children with PIMD. What changes in their skills on a daily, weekly or monthly base? And how can we explain these changes? We are looking at the development of children under the age of 12, and are paying special attention to the role of parents and caregivers as important partners in the child's development.
For practice
The OJKO project contributes to sound assessment, knowledge and understanding of the development of childeren with PIMD. Firstly, through the OJKO project, we are contributing to the development or improvement of assessment tools developed specifically for this group of children. For example, the knowledge gained has been used in the revision of the Behavioural Appraisal Scale a tool for assessing maximal functional abilities. Secondly, the OJKO project provides concrete knowledge and information about different areas of development. This can help parents and professionals to act more confidently in stimulating the child’s skills. Thirdly, the research contributes to a better understanding of the development of this group of children. It highlights the importance of a holistic view of the child and a positive approach to development, as well as the importance of collaboration between development partners. These insights can be used to better support the development of children with PIMD, and give them the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
About the researchers
What is your function within the Academic Workplace PIMD?
As a postdoc researcher, I contribute to ongoing research within the academic workplace, based on my expertise in research into the development of young children with PIMD. My main interest is the context surrounding the child. I work part-time for KU Leuven (Belgium), where I am a member of the INOVHO research team within the Parenting and Special Education research unit and coordinator of the Magenta project that is committed to parents of children with additional care needs.
What do you want to achieve?
Parents of children with PIMD have to take on different roles in their daily lives: parent, caregiver, doctor, advocate, administrative manager and so on. I would like to contribute to supporting parents in their parental role and creating the preconditions so that they can focus on the essence: loving their child.
What is your position within the Academic Collaborative Centre PIMD?
As a PhD student, I am involved in research on motor development in young children with severe intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). This research is part of the OJKO projectOJKO project (Monitoring
Young Children with Developmental Delay). Within this project, the development of children with EMB has been followed for several years. We are currently working on a follow-up study to get more information about motor development and factors that influence this development.
What do you hope to achieve?
I find it important to investigate how the environment can best support the (motor) development of children with EMB. With this research I would like to contribute to the knowledge about the motor development of these children. From my previous experience as a caregiver, I have noticed that scientific knowledge can make a positive contribution to the daily lives of these children.