American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) (formerly the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)) is an American non-profit professional organization that advocates on behalf of those with mental retardation. AAMR has members in the United States and 55 other countries.

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History

Founded in 1876, the AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about mental retardation and related disabilities.

The first meeting of the "Association of Medical Officers of American Institutions for Idiotic and Feebleminded Persons" was held at the Elwyn Training School in Elwyn, Pennsylvania. The organization later changed its name to "American Association on Mental Deficiency" and then to the "American Association on Mental Retardation." In June 2006, members of the association voted to change its name to the "American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities."

Mission statement

The AAIDD has adopted a 13-point set of principles to accomplish the mission:

1. Achieving full societal inclusion and participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. Advocating for equality, individual dignity and other human rights.
3. Expanding opportunities for choice and self-determination.
4. Influencing positive attitudes and public awareness by recognizing the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities.
5. Promoting genuine accommodations to expand participation in all aspects of life.
6. Aiding families and other caregivers to provide support in the community.
7. Increasing access to quality health, education, vocational, and other human services and supports.
8. Advancing basic and applied research to prevent or minimize the effects of intellectual disability and to enhance the quality of life.
9. Cultivating and providing leadership in the field.
10. Seeking a diversity of disciplines, cultures, and perspectives in our work.
11. Enhancing skills, knowledge, rewards and conditions of people working in the field.
12. Encouraging promising students to pursue careers in the field of disabilities.
13. Establishing partnerships and strategic alliances with organizations that share our values and goals.

Publications

The AAIDD publishes the professional journals Mental Retardation and American Journal on Mental Retardation.

Campaign for Children's Health Care

The AAIDD is a partner in the Campaign for Children's Health Care, a multi-year campaign to raise awareness about the problem of uninsured children in America.

See also

• Special education in the United States