About Us
Brief History
The Technology Interest Network began as the Technology Special Interest Group led by Dr. Michael Wehmeyer, FAAIDD, and Dan Davies, Founder and President of Ablelink Technologies. Dr. Shea Tanis become Chair of the Technology Special Interest Group for many years. The Interest Network has long advocated for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access and use technology.
Who We Are
The Technology Interest Network includes approximately 140 AAIDD members from a variety of fields including people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and those working in technology companies, education or social science research, state policy, and social service agencies.
What We Do
Projects and Activities
Tech Connect Meetings
The interest network hosts monthly drop-in meetings via Zoom for interest network members. Meetings occur on the 3rd Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Central Time. During meetings, we share updates on the latest research on technology and people with intellectual disability, technology in the news and policy, and provide member networking opportunities.
Technology Spotlight
Technology Spotlight is a new newsletter related to technology and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purpose of the spotlight is to bridge the research-to-practice gap and provide practitioners the latest research related to technology supports across a person's daily living experiences.
Interest Network Communication
The Technology Interest Network maintains member communication through direct communication to members, managing our website, and contributing content to our LinkedIn page.
Member Participation
We are always looking for folks to share their time and expertise to contribute to these projects. Reach out to our Technology Interest Network email and LinkedIn group for more information on how you can share your expertise.
Leadership
The Leadership Team elections are held annually in or before the June meetings. Leadership terms are two year terms.
Kim Fisher, Ph.D., FAAIDD
Chair
2023 - 2025
Kim is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education at Illinois State University where she prepares special education and general education teachers to create inclusive classrooms, schools, and communities. Her research and service is focused on technology access and use for individuals with IDD with a specific interest in using technology for social, civic, and political activity.
Vincent Bemmel, Ph.D.
Vice-Chair
2023 - 2025
Vincent is the director of technology and innovation at Catalight in Walnut Creek, California. He leads the research on technology that enhances the wellbeing of people with IDD, and directs feasibility pilots with the client community. In addition, he conducts qualitative research to gain clinical insights from large amounts of data collected through their practice.
Casey Gartland
Secretary
2024 - 2026
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Courtney Ackerson, LMHC
Communications
2024 - 2026
Courtney is the Executive Director of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association and is a part time licensed clinical mental health therapist. She has worked for a health management company, managing a training program for LTSS providers in the state through Iowa Medicaid. This is how she became involved in AAIDD. She has a passion for volunteering and getting involved in her interest areas which has lead to becoming involved in the Tech Connect interest network.