ICI Staff Shine at International Conference in Australia

Five ICI researchers are presenting at the IASSIDD 15th World Congress in Melbourne, Australia, August 14-19. IASSIDD (International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) holds its World Congress every four years, and anticipates over 1,500 attendees at this year’s event, which is built around the theme, “Global Partnerships: Enhancing Research, Policy and Practice.”

On opening day, Amy Hewitt delivered a keynote address: “Leveraging the Soul of Our Work” (pictured), and on the closing night, Sherri Larson was recognized as an IASSIDD Fellow for her outstanding contributions to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. In between, featured presentations were provided by David R. Johnson (postsecondary education participation among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States); Jean Echternacht (how ICI’s Check & Connect program engages and retains students with intellectual disabilities in American higher education); Roger Stancliffe, who is also Professor of Intellectual Disability at the University of Sydney, (aging and end-of-life issues); Larson (age differences in residential supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities); and Hewitt (disability workers; public policy change; setting national goals in research, practice, and policy). In addition, ICI staff moderated panels on inclusive education in Australia, support needs assessment, and the National Core Indicators. “Valuing Lives: Wolf Wolfensberger and the Principle of Normalization,” a film by Jerry Smith, was also screened during the conference.