Division 33 of the American Psychological Association is an organization of psychologists concerned with research and practice in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The purpose of the Division is to unite in a single professional organization all members of the American Psychological Association who are interested in the psychological and social aspects of developmental disabilities and their amelioration.
Our Mission
- To expand and exchange knowledge and information related to developmental disabilities through research, education, and professional communication.
- To enhance professional development and the quality of
professional services.
- To develop partnerships with persons with developmental
disabilities and with organizations that represent them in order
to incorporate their perspectives in the Division’s efforts.
- To collaborate with professional organizations concerned
about persons with developmental disabilities.
- To convey to the public the importance of psychological,
behavioral, and social factors in the lives of persons with
developmental disabilities.
- To inform legislative and administrative bodies of the
importance of psychological, behavioral, and social factors in
developmental disabilities services and the value of psychology
in contributing to the solution of problems in this service
sector.
- To strengthen the practice of psychology in developmental
disabilities as a distinct professional and scientific entity.
- To pursue the creation of standards for training, practice, and research for psychologists in developmental disabilities.