IAACD
Along with the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) and the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), the Oceania Academy is a founding member of the IAACD. The purpose and mission of IAACD are to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and adults with childhood-onset disabilities around the globe by enhancing local multidisciplinary professional capacity and expertise through an international collaboration between academies. In this regard, IAACD’s purpose and mission includes:
- Promoting evidence based teaching and training of multidisciplinary professionals in all aspects of childhood-onset disability with a lifespan perspective across different regions and cultures;
- Fostering collaboration to support all involved in the care of children and youth with disabilities including parents, caretakers, communities and professionals;
- Promoting scientific and needs-driven research in childhood disability that is applicable across diverse needs and conditions;
- Promoting the implementation of childhood-onset disability practice which is informed by regional and cultural variation; and
- Partnering with key stakeholders and organizations in support of the rights of individuals with childhood-onset disabilities.
Initial work of IAACD has included:
- Creation of a governance framework including formal constitution, legal incorporation and Executive Committee structure
- Development of IAACD Committees with representatives from all member Academies: Global Professional Education Committee (GPEC); Clinical Best Practice; Membership; Finance; Communications; Research; and Conference Planning
- Development of strategic plan
- Transition to a formalised Executive and Governing Council structure
- New member Academies
Visit the IAACD website at https://iaacd.net/
Oceania Representatives within the IAACD
We are grateful for the work of our many Oceania Representatives to the IAACD.
Our nominated representatives are asked to act in accordance with the Oceania Academy Vision, Purpose and Equity Position Statement’s, and must maintain a line of communication between their IAACD Council/Committee/ Group and the Oceania Academy.
If you are interested in becoming a nominated representative to the IAACD, please review the guidelines below, and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Specific calls for new representatives may be made when a representatives Term comes to an end, or if they elect to step down prior to their term, however an EOI can be submitted at any time to info@oceaniaacademy.org
Download the EOI and Guidelines for Oceania Representatives for the IAACD
Executive Council:
Sian Williams (Term: Sep 2024-Sep 2027)
Governing Council:
Ros Boyd
Sarah McIntyre
Georgina Clutterbuck (Term: Nov 2024-Nov 2027)
Conference Planning Committee:
Kirsty Stewart
Ros Boyd
Academy Membership Advisory Committee:
Christine Imms
Hayley Smithers-Sheedy
Organisational Partnerships Committee:
Christine Imms
Hayley Smithers-Sheedy
Clinical Best Practice Committee:
Noula Gibson
Megan Auld
Communications Committee:
Sian Williams
Amanda Kwong
Finance Committee:
Sarah McIntyre
Global Professional Education Committee:
Gaela Kilgour
Kath Benfer
Research Committee:
Israt Jahan
Sudirman Sinaga (Adjunct Representative, Term commenced Mar 2026)
Participation and Lived Experience Committee:
Alicia Spittle (Term: Oct 2026-Oct 2029)
Wade Costley (Term: Oct 2026-Oct 2029)
Karen Jones (Term: Oct 2026-Oct 2029)
Eve Stromback (Term: Oct 2026-Oct 2029)