Prescribing Psychologists

Fee: $20 | CE Credit Available*

Speaker: Derek Phillips, PsyD, MS
Executive Director, MS Clinical Psychopharmacology Program, Fairleigh Dickinson University

This session is sponsored by the Psychology Interest Network

From Margins to Meaning: The Evolution of Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Hospice and Palliative Care 

Fee: $20 | CE Credit Available*

Speaker: Arlen Gaines, PhD, MSW
Director of Social Work, Palliative Care

The session explores the evolving landscape of hospice and palliative care (HAPC) for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Historically excluded from serious illness and end-of-life care conversations, individuals with IDD have faced barriers that limited access to compassionate, appropriate support during advanced illness and at the end of life. With adults with IDD living longer, the need for inclusive models of hospice and palliative care is increasingly relevant. Using case examples and grounded in current research, this session will facilitate discussion and examine key developments in clinical practice, research, and policy that have supported the movement towards person-centered care. Participants will leave with a deepened understanding of the HAPC continuum, the past and current landscape, and opportunities for continued development in this field that ensures people with IDD and serious illness can make choices about what is important to them. 

When Seconds Matter: Using AI and Information Exchange to Improve Emergency Care for People with Developmental Disabilities

Fee: $20 | CE Credit Available*

Speakers:
Donnie Woodyard, Jr., MA, Executive Director, United States EMS Compact 
Doug Kerwin, Vice President of Engineering, Adworthy

Emergency Medical Services is often the first point of contact for individuals with developmental disabilities during moments of crisis, yet responders frequently lack timely access to the medical and behavioral information necessary for trauma-informed care. Although Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) hold critical data, traditional systems cannot be used effectively in fast-moving, time-compressed emergency conditions.

The session explores how artificial intelligence is bridging this gap by summarizing complex health information into a small set of relevant, voice-accessible insights that EMS clinicians can use in real time. Through scenario-based examples and lecture presentation, the speakers will examine three primary barriers to information access, two advantages AI-enabled tools offer during emergencies, and key infrastructure components that make this innovation possible. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI, HIE systems, Mobile Integrated Health programs, and the United States EMS Compact can support more informed, compassionate emergency response for people with developmental disabilities.

Writing for Publications

Complimentary

Speakers:
Frank Symons, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Minnesota; Editor of AJIDD
Amy S. Hewitt, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Minnesota; Editor of IDD
Colleen Thoma, PhD, FAAIDD, Virginia Commonwealth University; Co-Editor of Inclusion
LaRon Scott, EdD, FAAIDD, University of Virginia; Co-Editor of Inclusion

The session addresses what professionals in the field need to know about how to be published in a scholarly journal: the elements of a research report needed for journal publication; the types of research and other articles published by the three AAIDD journals; how to determine which journal is the best fit for your work; and the policies and processes involved in publication in scholarly journals in both print and electronic formats.

SECP Research Colloquium

Complimentary

This session is organized by the AAIDD Student and Early Career Professional (SECP) and Research Interest Networks.

The purpose of the research colloquium is to provide students and early career professionals with an opportunity to present their research and network with leading IDD researchers and policymakers.

The Story Behind the Story 
Pivotal Moments in Special Education:
Stories From our Foundational Leaders

Complimentary 

Speakers:

Susan Copeland, PhD, FAAIDD, University of New Mexico    
Diane Ryndak, PhD University of North Carolina  Greensboro    
Jorden Morales    PhD, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind    
Dale Baker, PhD, St. Bonaventure University
Shea Head, PhD    
Somer Matthews, PhD, Southern Oregon University    

Project team members conducted 16 in-depth semi-structured video interviews with foundational scholars in the field of severe disability to gain insight into the overarching moments and experiences that had a major impact on their professional journeys. We asked questions about how these moments and experiences were pivotal in their thinking about disability, disability services, advocacy efforts, and professional undertakings. The interviews were collaboratively edited using Descript to create audio, video, and transcripts for each interview. The resulting library of interviews  is a free resource to enhance coursework, professional development sessions, personal study and reflection, and much more.