IASSIDD Board Election 2027–2029

Ten candidates have been nominated for election as Directors of the IASSIDD Board for the 2027–2029 term.

All nominations have been reviewed and endorsed by the Governance Committee to proceed to election.

IASSIDD members are encouraged to review the candidate profiles below before casting their votes.

Voting

IASSIDD members will be invited to cast their votes through the official election ballot.

Please indicate the candidates you endorse for election to the Board. You may endorse any number of candidates, up to and including all 10 candidates.

Candidates

Each candidate’s profile outlines their background, experience and reasons for seeking election to the IASSIDD Board.

Abigail Croydon

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences department
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
King’s College London

Brief Statement:
I have worked in research with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families since 2014. My work is concerned with how social environments, organisations and policy can constrain or expand people’s opportunities to exercise agency and participate in society on their own terms. I am a member of the Human Development and Capabilities Association and have used capabilities approach to ground my research priorities.

I retrained in social research while raising my daughter, who has intellectual disabilities. As a Research Officer at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), UCL, I focused on the experiences of children and young people in different educational settings. My PhD, Finding a Way to Work, used video and dialogue to explore the conditions that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in work that is meaningful to them. My postdoctoral fellowship investigated lived experience roles in social care organisations, and how these might be reconfigured to have a greater impact on practice. I am now a Postdoctoral Research Associate at King’s College London, working on a study of mental health and social care decision-making for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex mental health needs.

My work brings together expertise in learning, work and social care, and I have a methodological commitment to collaborating productively with people with intellectual disabilities. I would bring to the Board a perspective informed by original research, practical work with people with intellectual disabilities, and personal experience of the issues affecting individuals and families.

Angela Hassiotis

Professor of Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability at University College London and Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual Disability at North London NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

Brief Statement:
I am Professor of Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability at University College London and Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual Disability at North London NHS Foundation Trust, UK. Throughout my career, I have worked to advance research, clinical practice, and policy that improve outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am proud to have been elected Fellow of IASSIDD, 2022, reflecting international recognition of my contributions.

My commitment to IASSIDD spans many years of leadership, beginning as Joint Chair of the Special Interest Research Group in Mental Health and Challenging Behaviour (2009-2012) and more recently as a Board Director for the Academy on Education, Teaching and Research. Through this role, I successfully integrated pre-conference workshops into the official programs of both regional and international congresses thus strengthening the Academy’s educational portfolio.

If elected, I will draw on my experience in clinical leadership, research, education, and international collaboration to help shape IASSIDD’s future direction and sustainability. I am committed to supporting the Board across its priorities, particularly membership engagement, policy influence, and the promotion of high-quality research. I will work to support the next generation of researchers and strengthen IASSIDD’s relevance, reach, and impact across the world.

Bea Maes

Senior Academic Staff, University of Leuven

Brief Statement:
As a senior academic staff member in the Parenting and Special Education Research Unit at KU Leuven, I am willing to apply for the position of Director on the Board of IASSIDD.

Throughout my academic career, I have been committed to advancing research, education, and practice that improve the quality of life and social participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

IASSIDD plays a unique and influential role in bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, self-advocates, and family members from across the world. As a Board Director, I would actively contribute to the further development of the association’s conferences, scientific activities, and research networks, ensuring they remain high-quality, innovative, and inspiring platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through my involvement in professional training programs, and partnerships with service providers, I have developed a strong commitment to knowledge transfer and capacity building, so that research can have a meaningful impact on practice and policy.

In addition, I bring substantial leadership and governance experience, gained through executive roles in disability organizations, within academia (including a position as Dean) and within IASSIDD as chair of the PIMD-SIRG. I would be honored to use this expertise to support the strategic development and effective governance of IASSIDD.
More information: see Bea Maes — Parenting and Special Education Research Unit

Fionn Crombie Angus

Co-director, Fionnathan Productions

Brief Statement:
I, Fionn, would like to serve on IASSIDD’s Board, and help chart its future direction.
My introduction to research was at age 17, realizing that I could plan my life path by asking others about theirs. My Happiness Project continues, with 800 filmed interviews in twenty countries. My celebrity interviews have led to over 5 million engagements online.

My research themes include Human Rights, Digital Tools, End of Life Choices, and Community Music. As a Harvard Research Fellow, I’ve explored the UNCRPD’s reporting processes. I’ve participated on 30 academic projects, co-authored articles, posters, and conference presentations globally. I’ve lectured 100 times, at 30 universities. I helped found IASSIDD’s newest SIRG (Inclusive Research) and continue to co-chair it with my father Jonathan (my research partner and assistant, if appointed).

I believe we learn more through multiple viewpoints. Instead of giving a solo opening keynote to the Chicago World Congress, I shared the podium with four teams from four countries. The most significant characteristic I bring is my living experience of Down syndrome.

At my UN General Assembly address last year, I launched the social media hashtag #NoResearchWithoutUs.
If you agree it’s time to appoint a Trustee with IDD, I’m your man.

Laurence Taggart

Queens University Belfast, Belfast Northern Ireland

Brief Statement:
I am pleased to put myself forward for nomination to the IASSIDD Board of Directors for 2027–2029, building on more than 25 years of active involvement with IASSIDD.

I have been a committed member of IASSIDD since 1999 and have held a number of leadership roles within the organisation. In 2010, I became Chair of the Health Special Interest Research Group, contributing to the development and international profile of research focused on improving the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2016, I became Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, supporting the dissemination of research with international relevance to policy and practice. I also took on the role of IASSIDD Liaison Officer to the World Health Organization, strengthening opportunities for engagement between IASSIDD, WHO and the wider international community.

In January 2025, I joined the IASSIDD Executive Committee, providing me with further insight into the Association’s strategic priorities, governance and future challenges.

Drawing on this extensive experience, I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for 2027–2029 and to contribute actively to IASSIDD’s future strategic direction, international partnerships, membership development and global impact for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mindy Scheithauer

PhD, BCBA-D, Licensed Psychologist
Associate Professor, Emory University School of Medicine
Program Manager, Complex Behavior Support Program, Marcus Autism Center

Brief Statement:
I am seeking re-election to the IASSIDD Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to strengthening our organization and supporting its members worldwide. As a current Board member responsible for coordinating the Special Interest Research Groups (SIRGs), I have worked closely with SIRG leaders to support the development and delivery of multiple online activities each year that engage members across the globe. I have also led the creation of new policies and procedures that streamline SIRG operations, promote consistency, and encourage active member participation.

In addition to my Board responsibilities, I have served on the Finance Committee, contributing to efforts that promote the organization’s long-term financial stability. These experiences have given me valuable insight into both the opportunities and challenges facing IASSIDD.

I bring a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to leadership and am always looking to incorporate feedback from members to improve the organization. I enjoy identifying innovative solutions and helping adapt to the changing global environments and evolving member needs. I would be honored to continue serving on the Board and contributing to IASSIDD’s mission, growth, and future success.

Peter Langdon

Professor of Clinical Psychology
Honorary Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
University of Birmingham
Intellectual Disabilities Research Institute (IDRIS)
School of Social Policy and Society

Brief Statement:
I am standing for election to the Board for a further term, having previously held the publications portfolio.

During my previous term, I have initiated negotiations with Wiley, the publisher of the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, with the aim of securing a new contract with revised terms. IASSIDD part-owns the journal, which is now generating a profit and providing an important source of income for the organisation.

Working with Wiley, I have also led the appointment of a new Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities. I would like to thank Rhonda Faragher and Laurence Taggart for their many years of dedicated service as Editors.

I have also overseen the publication of IASSIDD position statements and begun a review of our processes to ensure that these are developed and managed effectively.
If re-elected, I would like to continue negotiating our contract with Wiley, helping to ensure that IASSIDD benefits from continued profit sharing from the journal. I will also review our position statement policy and, where appropriate, begin the process of updating it.

I genuinely look forward to the opportunity to continue serving IASSIDD, its members, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Philip McCallion

PhD, ACSW
Professor and Director
School of Social Work (Barnett College of Public Health)
Temple University

Brief Statement:
I attended my first IASSIDD World Congress in 1988 and have participated in World Congresses and Regional Conferences ever since. As a member I have been Treasurer and then Chair of the Aging SIRG and have served in the past on Council and on various committees and task groups. I am an Associate editor of JPPIDD (on behalf of the Aging SIRG) and recently joined the editorial board for Disabilities. My research is on Aging, and I lead and serve on multiple research teams and consult of policy issues in multiple countries – all demonstrating my skills, experience, energy and commitment to contribute to IASSIDD’s work and future direction. I am the Scientific Committee Chair for the 2027 World Congress.

In the next board term IASSIDD will adapt itself to the changing realities of academia, research and co-research, and policy and practice priorities and challenges. Another role will be further building opportunities for the next generation of researchers and members. I am committed to moving the organization forward, meeting day-to-day management considerations and preserving the best parts of IASSIDD’s history including building/rebuilding its involvement with WHO and UN organizations and priorities.

Rachel Skoss

Senior Research Fellow
The Kids Research Institute Australia

Brief Statement:
I am seeking nomination as a Director of IASSIDD, bringing the dual perspective as a parent of a young person with intellectual disability and a professional working across applied research, evaluation, and policy in the health, mental health, and disability sectors.

For over 15 years, I have served as a carer representative and disability advocate on health and mental health working groups, contributing lived experience and evidence-based insight to shape more responsive systems. My governance experience includes serving on the board of a state disability agency and as a director of a disability organisation providing supported independent living, giving me a strong understanding of strategic oversight, accountability, and sector leadership.

Alongside this, I support families of people with complex needs through peer support and work with disability organisations. I am committed to building health literacy skills and capabilities among caregivers, families, people with intellectual disability, and frontline health professionals.

My work in applied research and evaluation has focused on translating evidence into practice and policy, ensuring the voices of families and people with intellectual disability inform service design and delivery.

I would welcome the opportunity to bring this combined experience—as advocate, researcher, disability leader, and parent—to IASSIDD’s Board.

Rhonda Faragher

Professor of Diversity and Inclusive Education and Director of the Down Syndrome Research Program at the University of Queensland, Australia

Brief Statement:
I am a Professor of Diversity and Inclusive Education and Director of the Down Syndrome Research Program at the University of Queensland, Australia. My research focuses on Down syndrome and intellectual disability more broadly, in education and other life contexts. I specialise in inclusive research methodology, employing research staff with Down syndrome.

I was first introduced to IASSIDD by my PhD supervisor, Roy Brown, who encouraged me to attend the QOL roundtable held in Sydney in the early 2000s. That was the start of my coming to understand the significant value IASSIDD has in building a community of scholars who care about enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, based on the views of people with disabilities themselves. I am the current chair of the Down Syndrome SIRG and a member of the QOL, Inclusive Research and Inclusive Education SIRGs. As a member of the Academy Board, I lead the portfolio organising pre-congress workshops. Recently I completed a ten-year term as Co-Editor in Chief of JPPID.

As a Fellow of IASSIDD, I cherish the organisation and would be honoured to contributed through service on the Board of Directors.