Interest Networks

Communication Access & Supports

Co-Chairs: Sara Cornett & Marie Moore Channell
Next Elections: 2027;
Chair & Co-Chair

The Interest Network seeks to support and sustain those with an interest in communication disorders and to promote active participation in the Association.

Community

Chair: Yvonne Miller Nixon
Next Elections: 2027;
Vice-Chair, Secretary

The Interest Network seeks to support and sustain the value and impact of the Association among professionals who manage and lead community-based practices, projects, programs, and organizations.

Creative Arts

Chair: Michelle Thompson &
Vice Chair: Tamara Shetron
Next Elections: 2028

The Interest Network seeks to support the exchange of knowledge, ideas, research, and practices to enhance the lives of children and adults with IDD through creative arts.

Direct Support Professionals

Co-Chairs: Megan Saunders & Jennider Gray
Next Elections: 2028

The Interest Network seeks to increase awareness of DSP workforce issues among members, promote related research and development activities, and to partner on relevant national initiatives that advance the field.

Education

Chair: Kathryn Sheridan
Vice Chair: Kristina Rios
Next Elections: 2028;
Secretary

The Interest Network seeks to advance the field in educating children, youth, and young adults with IDD.

Families

Chair: Sheli Reynolds
Next Elections: 2026;
Chair, Co-Chair

The Interest Network seeks to expand attention to the roles of families and their needs in supporting people with IDD.

Gerontology

Chair: Laura Robinson
Vice-Chair Jessica Holye
Next Elections: 2027

The Interest Network seeks to advance knowledge and practice in the field as it applies to an aging population.

Health and Wellness

Co-Chairs: Iva Obrusnikova &
Cheryl Albright
Next Elections: 2027;
Co-Chairs & Secretary

The Interest Network seeks to promote health and wellness research, activities, and educational opportunities for professionals working in the field of IDD.

History of IDD

Chair: Holly Hohmeister
Vice-Chair Sharon Gomez
Next Elections: 2027;
Co-Chair, Co-Vice Chair

The Interest Network seeks to advance the study, preservation, and critical examination of the historical experiences, policies, institutions, and lived realities of people with intellectual disability.

International

Chair: Renata Ticha
& Vice Chair: Hatice Uyanik
Next Elections: 2027;
Vice Chair

The Interest Network seeks to promote international research cooperation and to serve as a home for international members of the Association.

Legal Process & Public Policy

Chair: Barb Kleist
Next Elections: 2026;
Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary

The Interest Network seeks to reduce barriers to the criminal justice system for people with IDD and to inform, support, and advocate for the legal rights of people with IDD.

Multicultural Concerns

Chair: Sharon Coutryer &
Co-Chair Pat Craig
Next Elections: 2026; Secretary/Marketing Lead

The Interest Network seeks to increase awareness, knowledge of, and skills related to multicultural issues and their impact on service delivery to persons with IDD.

Psychology

Co-Chairs: Jenny Mai Phan
& Dee Adedipe
Next Elections: 2027;
Vice-Chair, Social Media Director

The Interest Network provides activities and support for AAIDD members with a psychology background or interest in mental health and IDD.

Religion & Spirituality

Chair: Sarah McKenney
& Co-Chair: Tamara Besser
Next Elections: 2027;
Chair, Vice Chair

The Interest Network seeks to advocate for the opportunities and supports needed for people with IDD to express their spiritual and religious interests, needs, and gifts, and to assist service providers and congregations in embracing inclusion. Includes access to the Journal of Disability & Religion.

Research

Co-Chairs: Ariel Schwartz,
James Lemanowicz &
Jenifer Taylor Eaton
Next Elections: 2027

The Interest Network seeks to support and advance the impact of research on the field of IDD.

Inclusive Research Minigrants

2025-2026 Action Plan