ND UCEDD to Host Dr. Karl Ellingsen of Norway for Faculty Study Focusing on International Collaboration in Studies of Force and Coercion of People with Intellectual Disabilities

June 12, 2012

Dr. Karl Elling Ellingsen, Director of the National Institute on Intellectual Disability and Community (NAKU) in Trondheim Norway, will be completing a faculty study opportunity in the US this fall. Dr. Ellingsen will headquarter out of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities. He is seeking collaborative partners interested in exploring the concepts and experiences in force and coercion in services to persons with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Ellingsen is interested in examining policies and models that will support persons with intellectual disabilities who have been exposed to these experiences.

While most forms of force and coercion, whether physical, verbal, psychological or otherwise are generally prohibited, events may still occur. When these events happen to persons with intellectual disabilities, many policies and practices focus on the service provider, service system, and practices that lead up to the event. Follow-up actions often focus on assuring that these events are not repeated, and service providers undergo further training and remediation. Unfortunately little attention is paid to the recipient of these events and many individuals with intellectual disabilities do not receive follow-up supports. Dr. Ellingsen is interested in exploring models and methods of debriefing and clearance to support the coping process for persons with intellectual disabilities.

If you are interested in this topic, and interested in exploring possible collaborations with Dr. Ellingsen during his time in the US, please email him directly. You can also contact the ND UCEDD director, Dr. Brent A. Askvig or 1-800-233-1737.