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AAIDD Interest Network Name and Leadership Changes Announced

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

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