Joan B. Beasley, PhD receives prestigious award from AAIDD
Joan B. Beasley, PhD, research professor at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability, has received the Wolf Wolfensberger Valor Award, presented by the Psychology Interest Network (PIN) of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).
This prestigious award recognizes a mental health professional whose work embodies the values of dignity, justice, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It honors those who challenge discriminatory practices and advance the field through clinical excellence, research, and advocacy—especially in the face of adversity.
"I am grateful for this acknowledgement and for the opportunity to contribute," Beasley said.
Beasley is a visionary leader, researcher, and tireless advocate. As the past director of the National Center for START Services® and director of the National Research Consortium on MH-IDD, she has revolutionized crisis prevention and mental health support systems across the country. Her work exemplifies solutions-focused, participatory research that centers the voices and experiences of people with IDD.
Her legacy includes:
- The nationally recognized START model, now implemented across the U.S.
- Inclusive, impactful research that informs policy and practice.
- Mentoring countless professionals and advancing equity and well-being for people with IDD.
Beasley will be honored at the 149th AAIDD annual meeting, themed "Mentoring Across the Professional Spectrum: Doing the Fundamental Work to Get to the Next Level." This year’s conference will focus on mentorship, access, equity, and the transformative power of relationships in building better systems for people with IDD.
Please join us in congratulating Beasley for her groundbreaking contributions and unwavering commitment to justice, inclusion, and mental health equity.
