About us
People with support needs require additional assistance to find or retain employment, for example due to a work disability, health problems or other barriers. Municipalities and the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) support them in taking steps towards suitable and sustainable employment.
Supporting people with support needs
Work is important because it provides not only income, but also contributes to health, autonomy, social connections and participation in society. Therefore, researchers from Amsterdam UMC and professionals from the municipality of Amsterdam jointly develop and evaluate effective, practical interventions that support both people with support needs and the professionals who guide them.
Working hand-in-hand with employers
We also collaborate with employers and professionals who provide employer services to promote inclusive employment. We investigate which factors encourage employers to hire people with support needs and help them remain sustainably employed. The knowledge gained from this research is used to further improve employer services and create more suitable opportunities in the labour market.
About the Academic Collaborative Center
The Academic Collaborative Center for Work, Participation and Income is a structural partnership between the Work and Income Department of the Municipality of Amsterdam and the Department of Public and Occupational Health at Amsterdam UMC. Since 2016, researchers, professionals and policy advisors have worked together on knowledge development, research and innovation that directly support municipal practice.
Our mission
Our shared goal is to increase employment participation among people with work disabilities. We develop, evaluate and implement effective and cost-effective interventions that contribute to appropriate support and sustainable participation in the labour market.
By combining scientific knowledge and practical experience, we strengthen evidence-based and methodical working within the Municipality of Amsterdam. The partnership is formalised through an agreement and provides a sustainable foundation for joint research, education and innovation.
Research
Within the Academic Collaborative Center, we conduct research that directly addresses questions from municipal practice. We investigate which approaches are effective in supporting people with work disabilities or other support needs in finding and maintaining sustainable employment, and how professionals can best be supported in this process.
Examples of research projects within the Academic Collaborative Center include:
Research by Esmee Oude Geerdink on effective support towards employment 'Increasing work participation for people with work disabilities'
The development of KIES (a decision support tool for tailored support, KIES, keuzehulp voor maatwerk
A society that works by Mara de Visser ('Een maatschappij die werkt'), which examines the impact of the COVID-19 recession on employment participation.
We also work together with employers and employer service professionals to identify what is needed to encourage more employers to hire and retain people with support needs.
Education
The Academic Collaborative Center promotes the exchange of knowledge between science and practice. Researchers and professionals share knowledge during meetings and collaborate on applying scientific insights within municipal practice.
The Academic Collaborative Center also contributes to the annual Academicisation Day organised by the Department of Public and Occupational Health at Amsterdam UMC. More information about education can be found on the Amsterdam UMC education page.
Patient Care
The Academic Collaborative Center contributes to the development of effective support for people with work disabilities within the social domain. By connecting research and practice, we strengthen the quality of services and support professionals in evidence-based and methodical working.
Careers
Would you like to contribute to research, innovation and collaboration at Amsterdam UMC? Visit the Amsterdam UMC careers website for current vacancies and opportunities.
Contact
Would you like to know more about the Academic Collaborative Center for Work, Participation and Income or explore opportunities for collaboration? Please contact Dr. Maaike Huysmans.
Dr. Maaike Huysmans
Associate Professor
Department of Public and Occupational Health
Amsterdam UMC
E-mail
m.huijsmans@amsterdamumc.nl