Sheida Raley Named American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Fellow

Sheida K. Raley, an assistant professor of special education in the College of Education and Health Professions, has been selected as a 2026 Fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).

Raley earned this prestigious title for her contributions to the field of intellectual disability while maintaining active leadership roles within the AAIDD.

"Receiving Fellow status within AAIDD is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects recognition from the disability community, which is a community that has shaped my professional identity and values," she said.

Raley joined the U of A faculty in 2023 and has taught various courses focused on inclusive assessment and self-determination in the college's special education program. Within two years, Raley had earned the college's Rising S.T.A.R. faculty award and two outstanding research awards from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

In addition to teaching, Raley has been involved in numerous research projects and has led or co-led over 65 peer-reviewed articles, two books and nine book chapters. Raley's research focuses on the assessment and promotion of self-determination among all students, including those with intellectual disability, within inclusive learning environments.

In 2024, the AAIDD held a National Goals Conference to identify and summarize the current state of knowledge in broad areas that contribute to the health and health outcomes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Raley, as part of the initiative, led the consent and decision-making strand and served as the lead author of the resulting publication, which provides recommendations to guide the field of intellectual disability forward.

"This work elevated supported decision-making, self-advocacy and strengths-based approaches, reflecting my commitment to ensuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to lead decisions that shape their lives," Raley said.

In addition to specialized projects like the National Goals Conference, Raley has collaborated with schools, agencies and families to strengthen inclusive transition-to-adulthood pathways and postsecondary access through federally funded projects and state partnerships.

Raley said being named an AAIDD fellow propels her to continue her impactful work.

"To be acknowledged by the disability community is both humbling and motivating, and it reinforces my responsibility to continue contributing to research, policy, advocacy and practice that centers on dignity, equity and inclusion," Raley said. "I was grateful to have mentors and colleagues who supported my nomination, and the process created space to reflect on the partnerships and community impact that make our work so meaningful."

Raley will be honored as a fellow in person at the AAIDD annual meeting in Chicago in June.