August 29th, 2025
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Opening Session
Wednesday, October 1, 8:45 – 10:30 a.m.
James Meadours, Self-Advocate, National Speaker, Disability Rights Leader
A Journey from Group Living to Independent Living
James Meadours, a nationally recognized self-advocate, shares his powerful story of moving from a group home to living independently in “The Right Direction.” With honesty and courage, James outlines the milestones, setbacks, and supports that helped him take control of his life. From building daily living skills and speaking up for his rights, to embracing community inclusion, James offers a message of hope and empowerment. Attendees will leave with deeper insight into how to support others on their own path to independence.
GENERAL SESSION
Wednesday, October 2nd, 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Taking Our Lives in the Right Direction
• Shelbi Davenport, B.S. Better Lives Senior Associate/Practicum Coordinator at TAMU
• Martha Haythorn, Georgia Tech ExCel Graduate, Policy Specialist-Georgia State Legislature
• Austin Underwood, Operator-Austin’s UnderDawgs
• Jenny Stone, Outspoken Self-Advocate and Austin’s partner
This presentation is intended to be a general session in the format of a structured interview that will provide the audience with a personal perspective on how the lives of three people with Down Syndrome were given the support and freedom to doggedly pursue their dreams and who are now living their best lives, with even better things to come. Shelbi Davenport of The Shelbi Show will host the session, interspersing interview questions with video snippets to facilitate and drive the discussion. The audience will be motivated to encourage others with disabilities to let nothing get in the way of following their desired path.
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Click on: Tx Chapter AAIDD Convention 2025-brochure-agenda
Remember, as an AAIDD member, you receive a discounted rate for this year’s Texas Convention
Membership: How To Join AAIDD
AAIDD welcomes you to become a member or renew your annual membership now. Click on the link below to choose from the benefit packages that best match your needs.
https://www.aaidd.org/about-aaidd/membership-join/member-types
AAIDD membership advantages include access to a global network of professionals, free webinars, discounts on publications and the annual meeting, eligibility to vote and hold office, access to members-only content like Interest Networks and newsletters, and subscriptions to peer-reviewed journals like AJIDD and Inclusion. Members can also participate in scholarship opportunities and join the Students and Early Career Professionals (SECP) Interest Network.
Why Should I Join AAIDD?
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Journals and Publications:
Members gain access to peer-reviewed journals and resources on the latest research and policy developments in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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Webinars:
Free access to educational webinars and an archive of past sessions is available to members.
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Interest Networks:
Members can join specialized groups to connect with peers who share similar interests or disciplines.
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Global Network:
Connect with a worldwide network of professionals working in the IDD field.
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Interest Networks:
These provide a forum to share information, network, and find leadership opportunities.
- Annual Meeting: Receive discounts on registration for the AAIDD Annual Meeting.
- Bookstore: Get discounts on books and other resources from the AAIDD bookstore.
Information on Job Opportunities working with IDD services
