Interest Networks

Communication Disorders

Chair: Angela John Thurman
Next Elections: 2025; 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

Co-Chairs: Sharon Gomez & Joanna Pierson
Next Elections: 2025; Co-Chair

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: May 2025; Innovation/Information & Membership/Communication

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

Chair: Karen Lee & Co-Chair:Jessica Neely
Next Elections: No Information

The Interest Network seeks to increase awareness of DSP workforce issues amongst AAIDD members, promote related research and development activities, and to partner on relevant national initiatives that advance the field.
Action Plan is not Current

Education

Chair: Andrew Wojcik
Next Elections: June 2025; Secretary

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

Families

Chair: Sheli Reynolds
Next Elections: June 2025; 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: Alisa Sheth
Next Elections: July 2025;
Secretary & Member at Large

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

Health and Wellness

Chair: Sarah Ballard & Co-Chair: Melissa Levin
Next Elections: June 2025; Positions TBD

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

International

Chair: Hatice Uyanik & Vice Chair: Renata Ticha
Next Elections: June 2025; 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

Co-Chairs: Barb Kleist & Amie Lulinski
Next Elections: June 2025; Co-Chairs & 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: May 2025; 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: Kristin Dell’Armo & Doreen Samelson
Next Elections: June 2025; 2 Vice-Chairs, possibly a Secretary, Social Media Manager, Research Chair, & Awards Coordinator

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

Religion & Spirituality

Chair: Deborah Fisher & Co-Chair: Keith Dow
Next Elections: June 2026; Chair & Co-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

Chair: Sally Gould-Taylor & Co-Chair: Ariel Schwartz
Next Elections: June 2025;
Co-Chair, Secretary, & Member at Large

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

Social and Sexual Relationships

Chair: Rhonda Black
Next Elections: No Information

The Interest Network provides activities and support for AAIDD members whose professional practice concerns sexuality and intimate relationships among people with IDD.

Social Work

Chair: Rebecca Wells & Co-Chair: Jackie McGinley
Next Elections: March 2025;
Co-Chair & Secretary/Communications Chair

The Interest Network provides activities and support for AAIDD members with a social work background or interest in social work and IDD.

Student & Early Career Professionals (SECP)

Chair: Jessica Hoyle & Co-Chair: Richard Chapman
Next Elections: Spring 2025; Co-Chair & Secretary

The Interest Network seeks to enhance the educational and professional knowledge of students and early career professionals working in the field of IDD and to promote their representation and involvement within AAIDD.

Technology

Chair: Kim Fisher & Co-Chair: Vincent Bemmel
Next Elections: May 2025; Chair & Vice Chair

The Interest Network seeks to promote the use of technology as a strategy to increase the self-determination and quality of life of people with IDD.