In today’s episode, our hosts chat with Pam Merkle, the executive director of the Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (or AADD). She discusses the innovative programs AADD offers to support individuals aging with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the importance of community, humor, and healthy aging practices. Pam highlights the significance of partnerships in delivering effective services and provides valuable advice for newcomers in the field. She also shares stories of community engagement and friendship and how important these real-life connections to the people they serve are to improving their quality of life.

Resources in this episode:

AADD Annual Conference (May 12-13, 2025) – St. Louis, MO

⁠https://www.agingwithdd.org/conference/⁠

To learn more about AADD:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agingwithdd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-on-aging-with-developmental-disabilities

Twitter: https://x.com/AaddSt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaddstl/

Acronym Guide:

UCEDD: University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

AADD: Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities

Interview Transcript:

https://ihd.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pam-Merkle-Transcript-Extended.pdf

For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ihd.umkc.edu