September 13, 2021 (Silver Spring, MD)
The Board of Directors of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has approved the 2021-2022 Action Plans of its Interest Networks and changes to the names of two of these Interest Networks.
The Interest Networks provide a forum for AAIDD members with a shared interest or discipline to connect and share ideas and information. AAIDD members are encouraged to join one or more Interest Networks to advance their professional interests.
The Leadership and Management in Community Living Interest Network has become the Community Interest Network. It’s co-chairs, Joanna Pierson and Sharon Gomez said that they see this Interest Network “as a ‘home’ primarily for midcareer community practitioners to share their program and supports knowledge.
The Sexual and Social Concerns Interest Network has become the Sexual and Social Relationships Interest Network.” Rhonda Black, chair of the group said, “I think the name change reflects our mission much better: we do not focus only on concerns, we focus on relationships.
Annually, the Interest Networks submit a report to the AAIDD Board, consisting of a review of the prior year’s activities and their plan of action for the coming year. The approved plans are posted on the AAIDD website, click here to see their 2021-2022 Action Plans.
In addition, the AAIDD Interest Networks have selected their leadership for the 2021-2022 year:
Communication Disorders: Angie Thurman
Creative Arts: Yumi Shrai
Direct Support Professionals: Dorothy Hiersteiner & Colleen McLaughlin
Education: Leena Landmark, Kendra Williams, & LaRon Scott
Gerontology: Lieke van Heumen & Vicky Knoke
Families: Sheli Reynolds
Health & Wellness: Carrie Coffield & Kruti Acharya
International: Alice Bacherini, & Hatice Uyanik
Legal Process & Public Policy: Barb Kleist
Community: Sharon Gomez & Joanna Pierson
Multicultural Concerns: Pat Craig
Psychology: Vince Chesney
Religion & Spirituality: Sarah Hall
Research: Jessica Kramer & Katherine McDonald
Sexual and Social Relationships: Rhonda Black
Social Work: Jackie McGinley
Student & Early Career Professionals: Rebecca Kammes & Chung eun Lee
Technology: Shea Tanis, Kim Fisher, & Jordan Jankus