International Association for the
Scientific Study of Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities

About IASSIDD

Professor Vianne Timmons
President, 2012-2016

BACKGROUND

The International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is the first and only world-wide group dedicated to the scientific study of intellectual disability. Founded in 1964 as the International Association for the Scientific Study of Mental Deficiency, IASSIDD is an international, interdisciplinary and scientific non-governmental organization which promotes worldwide research and exchange of information on intellectual disabilities. IASSIDD has official relations with the World Health Organization

VISION

A world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling and healthy lives, as valued members of their communities, and where they experience the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as articulated in United Nations conventions.

MISSION

To promote the development of new knowledge, research and other scholarly activities, as well as the application of knowledge, to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and those who support them.

VALUES

Respect for the inherent dignity of all people regardless of disability, age, gender and ethnicity
Openness and tolerance for differences in people, practices and cultures
The right of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, advocates and communities to contribute to the research agenda, research processes, and to have access to research findings in a meaningful way
The importance of scientific integrity and methodological rigour in research, within an ethical framework
The importance of policy, practice and education being informed by scientific evidence

AIMS

To:

Enable international collaboration and leadership in research
Encourage a perspective that takes into account the interests, human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and those who support them throughout the world.

WORLD AND REGIONAL CONGRESSES

IASSIDD sponsors regular World and Regional Conferences.

2013 – Asia-Pacific Regional Congress – Tokyo, Japa n
2014 – Europe Regional Congress – Vienna, Austria
2015 – Americas Regional Congress – Los Angeles, USA
2016 – World Congress – Melbourne, Australia

Pictures of the 2012 IASSID World Congress can be found here.

MEMBERSHIP

Privileges of membership include reduced rates at IASSIDD events, participation in up to five Special Interest Research Groups (SIRGs), free subscription to the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities and reduced-rate subscription to the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research.MEMBERSHIP RATES

The views expressed by individual and organizational members do not necessarily represent the views of IASSIDD.