FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HELEN Becomes the Official Journal of AADMD

[Warwick, NY] — [September 2026] — The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) is pleased to announce that HELEN, The Journal of Human Exceptionality, is now the official journal of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD).

Named after Helen Keller, whose life became an enduring symbol of the potential of people with disabilities, HELEN provides a unique forum for the disability community.

Its readers include clinicians, researchers, educators, therapists, families, advocates, policymakers, people with lived experience, artists, dreamers, change agents—and pirates.

HELEN covers a remarkably broad range of topics, including healthcare, community inclusion, education, legislation, disability history, rare disorders, promising therapies, international disability issues, advocacy organizations and changing attitudes toward disability.

HELEN was created by Dr. Steve Perlman and Dr. Rick Rader. Drs. Rader and Perlman were also among the co-founders of AADMD.

The partnership between HELEN and AADMD represents a natural alignment of missions.

AADMD was established in 2002 to bring physicians and dentists together around the unmet healthcare needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization has developed educational and mentoring initiatives designed to strengthen healthcare professionals' ability to provide effective care to people with developmental disabilities.

AADMD President Dr. Vincent Siasoco said:

“Both HELEN and the AADMD share the same DNA, the same goals, values, concerns and promotion of best practices. The collaboration was already underway; this simply formalized the partnership.”

When asked for their reflections both Dr. Rader responded, with Dr. Perlman nodding, "For a quarter of a century the AADMD has been the tip of the spear in disability clinical competency and advocacy, adding HELEN provides a much needed voice to that community."

Through this new relationship, HELEN and AADMD will provide an even stronger meeting place for healthcare professionals, students, educators, researchers, advocates, families and people with lived experience.

Two organizations. One shared mission. One expanding conversation.

Welcome to the next chapter of HELEN.

HELEN, The Journal of Human Exceptionality — Where the disability community meets.