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 formalised, 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 organisation, 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.
- Organising 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 organisations concerned with the scientific study of
intellectual disability.
- Encouraging and assisting in the creation of national organisations concerned
with the scientific study of intellectual disabilities.
- Promoting co-operation with the other organisation 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
organisations. The Assembly is comprised of -
Voting members, who are the delegates of a member organisation, research centre,
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 councillors 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 centres
- 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 organisations.
- Research centres.
- Affiliated organisations.
- Individual members
- Honorary members.
Member organisations and research centres.
Any organisation, 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 organisations and all valid members of the
national or regional organisation 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 centre having as a significant concern the scientific study of
the intellectual disabilities may become a member of the Association. Research
centres are staff-based organisations and up to five staff at each research
centre are eligible for discounts to Association affairs; staff at centres 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 Centre 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 organisations: Affiliated organisations, the purpose of which are
directly or closely related to those of the Association may become an affiliated
member organisation and represent as an affiliated organisation or wish to attend
and speak at the meetings of the Assembly on the condition that the present
themselves. However, affiliated organisations 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 organisation 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 organisations to receive discounted registration
fees at regional and international congresses, SIRG workshops, Roundtables etc.
provided one booking is made in the name of the organisation, research centre,
member. Discount rates are also available to individual members.
How Do I Join?
Individuals, research centres or organisations 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 theapplication procedure?
For member organisations (National organisations 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 [email protected]
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, councillor,
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.