Holiday Wishes from the AADMD

Dear friends,

The AADMD would like to wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Years and Holiday season. There is so much to look forward to for the upcoming year. But lets not forget many of the memorable and successful events that took place in 2011. We continue to grow as an organization, our membership has become more diverse. We have networked and collaborated with a great number of IDD support and professional organizations. We have seen the creation and expansion of the National Initiative In Developmental Medicine Curriculum project. The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices has forged the "Thinker Document" as well as advocate for the inclusion of those with IDD into the US National Alzheimer's Action Plan (NAPA). The Medically Underserved Population status for those with IDD is now closer to being accepted by our government. This would never be possible without the cooperation and diligence from many of our friends and colleagues across the country. Thank you all for your unending dedication and support to the cause.

The AADMD turns 10 years old in 2012. AT Still University in Mesa, Arizona will be hosting our 2012 Annual meeting May 17-20. They will help us celebrate this wonderful achievement in our history as a young and vibrant organization. This years event will include a wide range of DD policy, education, and training events. We are partnering with a number of Arizona DD professional and community support agencies to help make this years event really special. PLEASE mark your calendars. Educational Webinars on various topics will soon be announced and a new look to our Website will be coming soon as well.

Thank you for all of your support, and may you and your family be well and enjoy the holiday season, best to you, Seth

Seth M. Keller, MD
President, American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry