Presidential Welcome - Fall, 2024

Welcome to the Division 33 of the American Psychological Association (APA)!

 We invite you to join us in our mission to advance psychological research, professional education, and clinical services that increase the quality of life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism across the life course.

 Division 33 aims to promote equity, diversity and inclusivity across our work.  We aspire to be a welcoming and inclusive community where all members contribute meaningfully and work together to create positive impacts.  We encourage representation and engagement of those with a wide range of perspectives, abilities, and expertise, including both professional and lived experience. 

 Some of our key goals include:

• Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity through clinical work, research, and education related to IDD/Autism

• Advancing knowledge and evidence-based practice related to IDD/Autism through research and dissemination

• Enhancing the quality of professional services to support individuals with IDD/Autism

• Building capacity in the field through education, training, and dissemination

• Partnering with key stakeholders, including individuals with IDD/autism and their families, to ensure that our work is guided by their priorities and perspectives

• Ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented across our work, including those from traditionally underrepresented groups and those with lived experience

• Educating policy makers on important issues related to IDD/Autism, including the value of psychology in meeting critical needs

• Strengthening the practice of psychology related to IDD/Autism and contributing to the development of professional standards related to research, training, and practice in the field.

 Division 33 has several initiatives and committees that are working to accomplish these goals in pursuit of our mission.  Please feel free to reach out to the leaders of our standing and ad hoc committees for more information about these initiatives and how to get involved.  

 We also encourage you to explore our resources on the website.  The Division 33 Program at the Annual APA Convention features an exciting array of sessions each year, ranging from skill-building, to critical conversations, to cutting-edge research symposia.  Our Access Division 33 podcasts feature conversations with experts from across our field sharing their knowledge and discussing critical issues related to IDD/Autism.

 For early career professionals, our Early Career Professional page outlines key activities and opportunities for networking and connection.  New potential career opportunities are also regularly posted on our jobs page.  

 We hope you will join us in advancing the work of Division 33!

Micah Mazurek, APA Division 33 President

CLICK HERE TO JOIN DIVISION 33!