is the professional association run for and by professionals who support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD has been providing leadership in the field of mental retardation since 1876.

is a global organization that serve athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give this athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship. Leon County has an active Special Olympics program that includes students and adults.  Their website (specialolympicsflorida.org) is a great source of information for the local program.  Leon County Schools has a liaison with local, regional, and state programs and is actively involved in promoting Special Olympics activities.