August 28, 2026 (Silver Spring MD)
The Board of Directors of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) approved a request from a group of interested members to form a new Interest Network (IN): History of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
AAIDD members may petition the Board to form an IN with a variety of supporting materials, including a list of members and inaugural leaders, a proposed mission statement, and strategic plan for activities interest.
The newest IN will be dedicated to advancing the study, preservation, and critical examination of the historical experiences, policies, institutions, and lived realities of people with intellectual disability. Its inaugural officers will be
- Chair: Holly Hohmeister, MS, FAAIDD
- Vice Chair: Sharon Gomez, FAAIDD
- Secretary: Matt Velissaris, MA
The strategic plan for the History of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities IN can be found on Interest Network page.
Members can join the IN by logging into the website and adding the IN to their membership (along with the $10 fee). For assistance, contact Gabrielle Herald at gherald@aaidd.org .
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Founded in 1876, AAIDD is the oldest professional association concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more about the organization at www.aaidd.org.