Pre-Conference Sessions
Don't miss out on these exclusive pre-conference sessions!
Complimentary to conference attendees!
Monday, June 23, 2025
1:00 - 2:30 pm
We're in the process of finalizing our pre-conference sessions! Check back soon as we continue to add more details.
Mentorship between Disability Scholars and Professionals in an International Context
Hatice Uyanik, PhD, Sinop University
Renáta Tichá, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Minnesota
Atilla Cavkaytar, PhD, Maltepe University, Istanbul Turkey
Antonio Manuel Amor González, PhD, University of Salamanca
Jan Šiška, PhD, Charles University
This workshop is for international students, scholars, and Annual Meeting participants interested in mentorship. It is especially valuable for those in the U.S. or abroad—students, early-career scholars, and professionals seeking to expand their international connections and enhance their mentorship skills in the disability field. The session will explore mentorship’s role in fostering belonging, professional growth, and diverse idea exchange. Participants will also gain insights on building and maintaining international mentorship relationships
2025 SECP Research Colloquium
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.
Writing for Publication in Scholarly Journals
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.
Monday, June 23, 2025
4:00 - 5:00 pm
The Story Behind The Story: When Change is Thrust Upon You
Shakespeare said, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."
Join us for a panel discussion in which colleagues discuss their most memorable unexpected professional challenges, and what turned out
to be the most helpful advice, resources, or mentorship.
Michael Bloom, MA, MS, FAAIDD, Incompass Human Services
Erik Carter, PhD, FAAIDD, Baylor University
Lauren Clark, PhD, University of California Los Angeles
Craig Escudé, MD, FAAIDD, IntellectAbility
Sally Gould-Taylor, PhD, Temple University
Educational Program
Interest Network Forum! Fee $35
Monday, June 23, 2025
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Religion and Spirituality Interest Network Forum
Fee $35
(open to all conference attendees for an additional fee).