Association on Aging With Developmental Disabilities

The Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (AADD) was initially formed in 1989 as a special interest group and became incorporated in 1994. AADD has a primary objective of bringing the aging and developmental disability fields together to create and provide best practices for people with developmental disabilities. It is a one of a kind organization in the United States, serving three area counties through ongoing programs and providing consultation and education beyond the geographical service area. In particular, AADD offers an Annual Conference on Aging with Developmental Disabilities. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Pamela J. Merkle, programs for people with developmental disabilities supported by AADD have been successful with progressive growth over the two decades.

Historically, people with developmental disabilities died at younger ages. However, more recently, individuals with developmental disabilities have experienced a more dramatic increase in lifespan than the general population. The average life expectancy of people with developmental disabilities was 22 years in 1931 but now approaches 70 for most people with developmental disabilities. The rate of increase suggests that for most people with developmental disabilities, life expectancy will approach that of the general population within a few decades. People with developmental disabilities that are living into older ages have experienced deinstitutionalization, or have not been institutionalized, and have had better healthcare, thus are living longer. They are either growing older while living independently or with aging family members. Most people with developmental disabilities do not produce offspring that can offer support to them in their older years.

Through their direct services, AADD's overarching goal is to prevent entry into unnecessary nursing care placement and premature death in individuals who are aging with developmental disabilities. In response to the latter, all AADD programs have a common goal to provide necessary training to assist individuals with achieving a greater independence in the home and community while aging in place.