13/02/2026
🧑🦽 Women in science who shaped modern disability care 🧑🦽➡️
🥼 The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was on the 11th of February. This is the perfect opportunity to honour the women whose research has helped guide the way we understand and support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
🫴 Here at In Caring Hands (ICH), we provide care for young people with PMLD, and we’d like to spotlight three remarkable women whose scientific work has helped to shape how we care for people with the condition.
👩🔬 Baroness Hilary Cass OBE
A British paediatrician and neurodisability specialist whose research has advanced the understanding of autistic spectrum disorders, cognitive impairment linked to epilepsy, visual loss, and the care of children with multiple disabilities. Her leadership has shaped national policy and improved pathways for children with complex needs. https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/about-us/our-team/hilary-cass-baroness-cass
👩🔬 Dr. Elisabeth Fernell
A leading researcher in neurodevelopmental disorders whose work has improved the understanding of intellectual disabilities and informed better assessment and support strategies worldwide. https://www.gu.se/en/gnc/elisabeth-fernell
👩🔬 Dr. Janice Brunstrom‑Hernandez
A paediatric neurologist whose pioneering work in cerebral palsy and complex neurological disabilities helped shape modern approaches to personalised, dignity‑centred care. https://www.1cpplace.com/dr-janice-e-brunstromhernandez-md.php
Their contributions are a reminder that science and care are deeply connected, but there is still much to do.
🫵 If you’re a compassionate, UK‑based carer who wants to make a real difference in the lives of young people with PMLD in Somerset, visit our website to learn more about joining the ICH family - https://www.in-caring-hands.co.uk/learning-disability-services/learning-disabilities-community-care/ .