The Special Interest Research Group on Aging and Intellectual Disability (SIRGAID) of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability was organized in 1990 and formally affiliated with the IASSID in 1995. In 2009 it combined with the IASSID affinity group on Death and dying.

The SIRG has as its founding principles:

1. Provide a focus for the worldwide exchange and dissemination of research and practice, as well as networking, in the field of aging and intellectual disability. Aging is meant in a broad sense, encompassing lifespan developmental issues as well as those related to old age. A wide variety of professional groups are potential contributors and no specific profession is considered to have a predominance in this respect.
2. Promote cross-national, multidisciplinary collaboration in the area of aging and intellectual disability. The ultimate aim of the group is to improve the quality of life or and services for people with intellectual disabilities, their carers, and their families.
3. Provide a framework for the collation of information relating to the research interests, expertise, and publications of group members.  

Within the overall process of collaboration, the views and contributions of non-professionals, including people with intellectual disabilities and their families and friends, are a fundamental component, and will be given the priority they deserve.

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in any aspect of research or its application related to aging and intellectual disabilities.

The SIRGAID holds an annual roundtable and encourages the attendance of students and emerging researchers by awarding scholarships for attendance. Roundtable presentations and reports, and other publications, together with other activities of the SIRGAID are found on the Documents and Activities page