Member Spotlight
Name: J. Carolyn Graff, PhD, RN, FAAIDD
Location: Memphis, TN
Member since: 1987
Employment:
University of Tennessee Health Science Center: Professor, Chief of Nursing in the Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, and Director of the PhD Program in Nursing Science.
Why did you join AAIDD?
A colleague invited me to an annual meeting where I met leaders in the intellectual disability field who were committed to supporting people with disabilities. This annual meeting was exciting and energizing so I decided to join the Association. Annual meetings remain energizing and have morphed into opportunities for reuniting with intense people whose work and mission is supporting people with disabilities and their families.
Why did you choose the field of intellectual disability? Joining the intellectual disability field was a natural progression for me. I grew up with a brother with a disability who taught me to respect others, to care about myself and others, and to persevere. I know that I can make a difference.
AAIDD leadership positions: Policy Committee (2011-2012) Nominations Committee (2010-2011) Ad Hoc Committee on Fellow Criteria (2007) Annual Conference Planning Committee (2006-2007) Environmental Health Initiative's Education, Outreach and Training Workgroup (2004-2007) Chair: Awards and Fellowship Committee (2006-2009) Co-Chair: Health and Wellness Action Group (2005-2006)