AAIDD Psychology Interest Network

01/23/2026

🌟 Call for Nominations: Wolf Wolfensberger Valor Award 🌟

Nomination Form Link in Comments
Closing Date 2/27

The Psychology Interest Network (PIN) is seeking nominations for a mental health or psychology professional whose work reflects exceptional courage, justice, and a deep commitment to the dignity of people with developmental disabilities.

This award honors individuals whose advocacy, research, clinical practice, or activism embodies the legacy of Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger—a pioneer of Social Role Valorization and a fearless advocate for the belief that all people have value. Courage, in this context, means standing up for the rights of others, even in the face of adversity or professional risk.

✨ Eligibility:
• Mental health and psychology professionals
• Nominees do not need to be members of AAIDD or PIN

✨ Selection Criteria:
• Courageous action in pursuit of justice
• Commitment to social inclusion for people with developmental disabilities
• Opposition to discriminatory and oppressive practices
• Respect for the voices of people with disabilities and their families

📣 Help us recognize courage in our field.
Nominate someone who exemplifies the values and bravery of Wolf Wolfensberger—and please share!

12/04/2025

We are so thrilled to share this exciting panel, which includes Dr. Tim Barksdale, the recipient of the 2023 AAIDD Psychology Interest Network Wolf Wolfensberger Valor Award. This will be an incredible discussion from the panelists!

09/02/2025

Join us on September 9, 2025, for our “Effective Strategies to Increase Disability Awareness in Medical Education” webinar!

Register Now! https://bit.ly/414rERU

09/02/2025

Great work opportunity for colleagues in TX!

Baylor University is seeking a Program Manager to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Raising Texas Voices project.

Learn more and apply today! https://bit.ly/4mpzlut

08/22/2025

08/22/2025

"Mindfulness and Psychoeducation Are Associated With Improved Perceived and Physiological Health Outcomes in Caregivers of Children With Autism"

Read it now! https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-130.4.280

08/22/2025

During this webinar, attendees will learn how to deliver education on behavior supports to caregivers of children with IDD using the ECHO model and the efficacy and acceptability of such a program.

Register today! https://bit.ly/4o88c0B

06/25/2025

We loved seeing the fantastic presentations by our 2 scholarship winners yesterday, Cherisse Watts and Alexandria Barkheimer! Congratulations to you both!

06/24/2025

We were thrilled to present the Wolf Wolfensberger Valor Award this morning to Dr. Joan Beasley (accepted on her behalf by Dr. Andrea Caoili) at our PIN meeting!

06/23/2025

We hope that everyone is having a wonderful time at the 2025 AAIDD Conference. Friendly reminder that we will be having the Psychology Interest Network Breakfast tomorrow! Please join us on Tuesday, 6/24/25 at 7:30-8:30am! You can look up the room number in the program. Hope to see you there!

06/10/2025

🌟 2025 Wolf Wolfensberger Valor Award Winner Celebration🌟
We are honored to recognize Joan B. Beasley, PhD as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Wolfensberger Valor Award! 🏆

Dr. Beasley is a nationally and internationally respected leader in the field of mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). She serves as Research Professor and Director of the National Research Consortium for Mental Health in IDD at the Institute on Disability, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire. With decades of experience, Dr. Beasley’s visionary work has transformed crisis prevention and mental health service delivery across the U.S.

As the primary author and founder of the START model in 1988, and later the Center for START Services at UNH, her impact has been wide-reaching. Her current work continues to elevate inclusive, solutions-focused research that promotes well-being for individuals with IDD.

🎉 Come celebrate Dr. Beasley’s incredible contributions with us
🗓 Tuesday, June 24th
🕢 7:30 AM
📍 During the AAIDD Annual Meeting (location details in conference program)

06/10/2025

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s outstanding recipients of the AAIDD Psychology Interest Network (PIN) Scholarships, Cherisse Erika Watts and Alexandria Barkhimer! 🏅 These emerging leaders have demonstrated exceptional promise and commitment to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Join us in celebrating their achievements at the PIN Network Breakfast on Tuesday, June 24th at 7:30 AM during the AAIDD Annual Meeting. ☕🥐

📍 Location details will be available in the conference program.
✨ Everyone is welcome — come connect, support, and be inspired!