Policies

AAIDD Is Your Voice in Washington

With the national headquarters located within view of the Capitol, AAIDD leaders and staff keep track of federal actions which affect the field.

AAIDD staff and members testify before Congress, federal agencies, and the Supreme Court. When legislation is introduced or regulations are presented, AAIDD is there to investigate, evaluate, and inform its members.

AAIDD Serves As An Amicus Curiae To The U.S. Supreme Court

With the vote of confidence of its leaders, AAIDD frequently participates in important court cases, and is sometimes quoted by the Court in its decisions. AAIDD has taken a stand in recent Supreme Court cases on everything from medical decisions affecting newborns, school exclusion, and exclusionary zoning of group homes, to the rights of defendants charged in criminal cases.

AAIDD Affects National And State Priorities

AAIDD plays a critical role in setting policy and priorities by working closely with federal agencies in the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, such as the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and the Division of Maternal and Child Health. AAIDD members further impact national policy by serving on national advisory committees such as the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. As a founding member of inter-association organizations, such as the Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities, the National Coalition on Prevention of Mental Retardation, the Accreditation Council on Disabilities, and the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, AAIDD joins with other disability organizations to influence policy and priorities in the U.S. and abroad.

AAIDD and The Arc Joint Position Statement

AAIDD Position Statements - Growth Attenuation Statement

Amicus Curiae

Fact Sheets

MR Definition

Guidelines for Professional Conduct

 Position Statements