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.
Interest Networks share information, host webinars, sponsor student and early career conference attendance scholarships, and provide a leadership opportunity for members.
Interest Network Leadership Manual
Establishing & Maintaining a Social Media Plan
Communication Disorders The Communications Disorders Interest Network seeks to support and sustain those with an interest in communication disorders and to promote active participation in the Association.
Communication Disorders 2021-2022 Action Plan
Gerontology The Interest Network seeks to advance knowledge and practice in the field as it applies to an aging population.
Gerontology 2021-2022 Action Plan
Religion & SpiritualityThe 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 Journal of Disability & Religion. Facebook Website Religion & Spirituality 2021-2022 Action Plan
CommunityThe 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.
Community 2021-2022 Action Plan
Health and Wellness The Health and Wellness Interest Network seeks to promote health and wellness research, activities, and educational opportunities for professionals working in the field of IDD.
Research The Interest Network seeks to support and advance the impact of research on the field of IDD.
Research 2021-2022 Action Plan
Creative ArtsThe 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. Facebook Website Creative Arts 2021-2022 Action Plan
InternationalThe Interest Network seeks to promote international research cooperation and to serve as a home for international members of the Association.
International 2021-2022 Action Plan
Sexual and Social RelationshipsThe Interest Network provides activities and support for AAIDD members whose professional practice concerns sexuality and intimate relationships among people with IDD. Facebook Sexual and Social Relationships 2021-2022 Action Plan
Direct Support Professionals The Interest Network sees 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. Facebook DSP 2021-2022 Action Plan
Legal Process and Public PolicyThe 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.
Legal Process & Public Policy 2021-2022 Action Plan
Social WorkThe Interest Network provides activities and support for AAIDD members with a social work background or interest in social work and IDD.
Social Work 2021-2022 Action Plan
EducationThe Interest Network seeks to advance the field in educating children, youth, and young adults with IDD. Facebook Education 2021-2022 Action Plan
Multicultural Concerns 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.
Multicultural Concerns 2021-2022 Action Plan
Student and Early Career Professionals (SECP)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. Facebook SECP 2021-2022 Action Plan
Families The Interest Network seeks to expand attention to the roles of families and their needs In supporting people with IDD.
Families 2021-2022 Action Plan
PsychologyThe Interest Network provides activities and support for AAIDD members with a psychology background or interest in mental health and IDD. Facebook Instagram Pintrest Psychology 2021-2022 Action Plan
TechnologyThe 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.
Technology 2021-2022 Action Plan
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