The International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is IASSID?
The Association was born out of three international congresses held in Europe and Scandinavia during 1960 and 1963, the first held in London in 1960 - Observation of World Mental Health Year was sponsored by the Royal Medico-Psychological Association, The Royal Society of Medicine, the British Psychological Society, in cooperation with the National Association of Mental Health (and the former) American Association on Mental Deficiency. A second congress was held in Vienna in 1961 and a third in Copenhagen in 1964 at which the International Association was duly formalized, with a constitution published in the American Journal of Mental Deficiency (1965, 69 599) and the Journal of Mental Deficiency Research (1965, 9, 150).

As an international organization, the IASSID promotes the scientific study of intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities and of conditions of such persons with such disabilities and their families. Intellectual disability for the association means a significant intellectual deficit present from birth, or which originates at an early age or during the developmental period.

What do we do?
The Association furthers its purpose by undertaking the following activities by:

• Serving as a medium for deliberation, for exchange of ideas, knowledge, skills and experience and for compilation and dissemination of information.
• Organizing international and regional congresses, conferences and seminars.
• Encouraging research in the field of intellectual disability, including causes, prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, therapy, management, education and social habilitation of persons with an intellectual disability and their families.
• Producing and distribute publications on the scientific study of intellectual disabilities and of the care of such persons.
• Fostering, encouraging and promoting membership in the various professional disciplines in national organizations concerned with the scientific study of intellectual disability.
• Encouraging and assisting in the creation of national organizations concerned with the scientific study of intellectual disabilities.
• Promoting co-operation with the other organization directly or closely related with the scientific study of intellectual disabilities.

World Congress: Every four years a world congress is held, with participants coming from many countries. The 2004 Congress in Montpelier, France, had over 1,200 participants. See web site (www.iassid.org) for listing of past congresses. The next World Congress will be held in Capetown in 2008.

Regional Congresses: Two European regional congresses have been held, the last in August 2007. The first Asia-Pacific regional congress was held in Taiwan in 2005.

Special interest groups: The IASSID have a number of special interest groups, the purpose of which is to foster research in specific research areas, for example, mental health, physical health, quality of life, families. A full list of special interest research groups is posted on the web site.

How is IASSID Governed?

The governing body of the IASSID is the Assembly of members which meets every four years or on the call of the President or on a petition of at least 10 member organizations. The Assembly is comprised of-Voting members, who are the delegates of a member organization, research center, regional group, special interest research group and individual members designated as a delegate by the Council.

Non-voting member, who are the other members of the Association.

The Assembly is responsible for :

• Reviewing the activities of the Council.
• Approve the financial policy.
• Discuss and approve proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and transact other business as necessary except those that is specifically reserved for the Council.
• Select the officers and councilors of the Assembly as described in the Bylaws.
• Discuss the general plan of action of the Association as outlined in the President's address to the Assembly.
• The positions of Officers specified in the Articles and Bylaws.

Officers of the Association & What They Do:

President: The President serves one term, until their successor is appointed and is not eligible for election to a second term in this office.

President-elect: The President-elect serves one term or until a successor is elected and shall succeed to the office of President on completion of his / her term of office.

Vice-President: There are four vice-Presidents in IASSID.
A Vice-President responsible for SIRGs.
A Vice-President with the responsibility for development in non-English speaking regions.
A Vice-President with responsibility for publications.
A Vice-President with responsibility for constitutional affairs.

Secretary: The Secretary serves for a period of two terms or until a successor elected. The Secretary keeps a record of the meetings of the Council and the Assembly of the Association. The Secretary handles the correspondence of the Association appropriate to his / her office.
Treasurer: The Treasurer serves for a period of two terms or until a successor is elected. The Treasurer is responsible for the receipt, and dispensing and accounting of the Association's finances.
In addition, the Treasurer is chairperson of the Membership Committee and of the Finance Committee. As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer is responsible for preparing an annual budget and spending plan that encompasses the activities of the Council, Council offices and the Association.
Immediate Past President: The immediate Past President serves for one term, beginning immediately at the termination of his or her presidency. The immediate Past President is a full member of Council and performs such duties as may be assigned by the Council or the President.
Honorary Officers: The Association has a number of Honorary Officers. Honorary Officers can attend and speak at meetings of Council but not vote. They may also be appointed to committees of the Association.

Council of the Association: The Council is a responsible organ of the Assembly to manage the affairs of the Association in between meetings of the Assembly. The responsibility of Council is to:

• implement the resolutions of the Assembly,
• administer the affairs of the Association as directed by the Assembly,
• review the financial report,
• appoint members of committees,
• review activities of committees,
• provide to the Assembly such reports and recommendations as are consonant with the effect of conduct of the Association affairs,
• appointment the honorary officers and fellows of the Association,
• give awards and determine the place and date of the next World Congress of the Association.

Who is represented on Council?
The maximum number of Council members is 30. The composition of Council reflects the membership and operational structure of the Association.

• National Associations.
• Research centers.
• Individual members.
• Special Interest Research Groups.
• Geographical regions (Europe; Asia-Pacific; North and South America).

Membership Section: The Association's membership is comprised of :

• Member organizations.
• Research centers.
• Affiliated organizations.
• Individual members
• Honorary members.

Member organizations and research centers.
Any organization, society or association having as a significant scientific study of intellectual disabilities may be a member of the Association. Associations are national or regional membership organizations and all valid members of the national or regional organization are eligible for discounts to Association affairs, provided payment is made by the Association and by one lump sum payment. One person employed or affiliated with the national or regional association may be noted as the "designated member" and is eligible to receive a subscription to the JPPID.
Any research center having as a significant concern the scientific study of the intellectual disabilities may become a member of the Association. Research centers are staff-based organizations and up to five staff at each research centre are eligible for discounts to Association affairs; staff at centers must be listed with the Association to be eligible for discounts under the Research Centre membership. All discounts to Association events apply only if paid via the Center by one lump sum payment. One person at the Centre may be noted as the "designated member" and is eligible to receive a subscription to the JPPID.

Affiliated organizations: Affiliated organizations, the purpose of which are directly or closely related to those of the Association may become an affiliated member organization and represent as an affiliated organization or wish to attend and speak at the meetings of the Assembly on the condition that the present themselves. However, affiliated organizations are not entitled to vote.
Individuals in the field or closely associated with the scientific study of intellectual disabilities may become a subscribing individual member of IASSID. The Association has members from each of the world's regions and professional disciplines. Application for membership may be made via the Association's website or by petitioning the chair of the membership committee.

Why should I join IASSID?
IASSID is the largest international organization engaged in the scientific study of intellectual disabilities. Through this network, members have an opportunity of linking with researchers throughout the world and to collaborate on research projects. Membership of IASSID provides a strong special interest research group network affording an opportunity for members to undertake specific pieces of work in a defined area and participate in regional and international congresses in their special interest.

Membership of IASSID also provides an opportunity to receive the Association's publications at a reduced rate as a fully paid up individual member. It also allows members of research centres and organizations to receive discounted registration fees at regional and international congresses, SIRG workshops, Roundtables etc. provided one booking is made in the name of the organization, research centre, member. Discount rates are also available to individual members.

How Do I Join?
Individuals, research centres or organizations may become members of IASSID by applying to the Chairperson of the Membership committee or the Secretary of the Association. Details are located on the web site. An application form available on the Association's website, can be obtained in PDF form for posting or faxing or completed on site.

How long does the application process take?
Once the application form is completed and lodged with the Chair of the Membership Committee, and payment provided, an applicant will be usually confirmed in their membership within a month's time.

What is involved in the application procedure?
For member organizations (National organizations and Research Centres), the Membership Committee validates the application against the requirements of the Bylaws of the IASSID. The process for individual and affiliate membership is similar. However, individual members are specifically asked about their preference for SIRG membership and journal subscription.

What does it cost to become a member?
Individual membership fees for 2007 are US$170 with both of the Association's journals (JIDR, JPPID), US$120 for one of the Association's journals (JPPID) and US$30 for students and pensioner members (no journals provided). Students and pensioners may take out one or both of the Association's journals for an additional fee of US$65 each.

Research centres may apply for membership by completing the research centre application form available on the IASSID website; the annual fee is US$125. There is a reduced fee available for centres located in developing market economy countries (as defined by the World Bank).

National membership associations may apply for membership by corresponding with the Chair of the Membership Committee; the annual fee is US$350. There is a reduced fee available for membership associations with limited membership and for associations located in developing market economy countries (as defined by the World Bank).

Are there opportunities for students to become members?
Full time students may apply to the Association for student membership; the annual fee is US$30. Persons who are employed and who are part-time students are not eligible for student membership.

How do I join a Special Interest Research or Affinity Group?
When completing the membership form, there is a place to check off the names of the SIRGs with which one wishes to affiliate. The web site also lists the names of the chairpersons of SIRGs, and the lead person in an affinity group; application can also be made directly to the named individual. Further information can also be obtained from the Vice President - SIRG Co-ordinator, Dr. Henny Lantman de Valk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Awards:
The IASSID have a number of awards.

Distinguished achievement award - research
For formulations and investigations which have contributed significantly to the sciences related to intellectual disabilities for either a major single contribution or a sustained and important contribution over a life time.
Distinguished achievement award - scientific literature
For an outstanding publication, published since the last Congress which contributes substantially to the literature in the field of intellectual disabilities.
Distinguished achievement aware - service
For a significant contribution to the improvement in services to persons with an intellectual disability which results in a substantial contribution to the prevention or amelioration.
Distinguished service citation:
The distinguished service citation will be made for outstanding or exemplary service to the Association by a person who has served as an officer, councilor, member of a committee or otherwise actively participate in the affairs and activities of the Association. See web site for details.

Fellowship:
The IASSID may admit to Fellowship eligible applicants or nominees as it deems fit. In determining the eligibility of applicants or nominees, Council will bear in mind the extremely high standing of fellowship of the Association, and the requirement that fellows possess attributes that can be reasonably described using terms such as "substantial", "superior", and "important".

Guidelines for fellowship of the Association are posted on the web site.

When are fees due?
Membership fees are on a calendar year basis and are due in January each year. Members are notified in November of the preceding year as to their membership fee for the forthcoming year.