The Religion & Spirituality Division of the AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, formerly the AAMR, American Association on Mental Retardation) is an interfaith, interdisciplinary association of professional ordained and lay people who journey with persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our Mission is to share resources which foster opportunities for spiritual growth for persons with developmental disabilities while respecting their religious identity.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have spiritual and religious interests, needs, and gifts, but too often do not have the opportunity to express those parts of their lives. Agencies may overlook the importance of spirituality for their consumers, or not be able to help them be involved in religious congregations and other spiritual activities. Congregations of many religions often fail to welcome and include people with disabilities in their worship services and programs. It is the responsibility of both support agencies and religious organizations to work together to help provide the opportunity for spiritual and religious expression, depending on the choice of each person