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AAIDD Honors CQL’s Carli Friedman, PhD, With The 2022 Research Award

Carli Friedman, PhD, Director of Research for CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership, is being recognized by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) with the 2022 Research Award. This designation is awarded for “formulations and investigations that have contributed significantly to the body of scientific knowledge in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

“Dr. Friedman’s research has focused on health, mental health, and quality of life concerns affecting people with IDD,” says Dr. Margaret Nygren, Executive Director & CEO of AAIDD. “She has authored or co-authored a remarkable 50 peer-reviewed articles in AAIDD journals alone.”

Dr. Friedman will receive the 2022 Research Award at the 146th AAIDD Annual Meeting, which is taking place from June 13-16, 2022.

Contributions to Disability Research

Dr. Friedman received her PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Over the course of her career, she has produced over 300 publications, including 88 peer-reviewed journal articles, 98 research briefs, 97 monographs and technical reports, and 7 book chapters. Throughout the last decade, Dr. Friedman has presented her research at national conferences including AAIDD, Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), American Public Health Association, and American Psychological Association.

“She has an exceptional talent for making complex data digestible and understandable to the masses,” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of CQL. “This allows people with disabilities, family members, direct support professionals, and the public to use this data in their advocacy efforts.”

With a focus on Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), HCBS waivers, employment services, disability rights, sexuality, stigma and prejudice, ableism, and quality metrics, Dr. Friedman has also released more than 80 research summaries and articles on CQL’s website. These articles regularly demonstrate the practical implications for human service organizations with specific strategies to improve their supports, which has a direct impact on the lives of people who receive their services.

“It is an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as AAIDD. It’s truly a privilege to be listed among the esteemed researchers who have received this award previously” says Carli Friedman, PhD, Director of Research for CQL.

Past AAIDD Research Award Recipients

AAIDD has acknowledged brilliant professionals over the years who have had a significant impact on the field through their research. You can view the previous ten recipients of the AAIDD Research Award below, or browse the full listing of all past recipients on AAIDD’s website.

  • 2021 – Colleen Thoma, PhD, FAAIDD
  • 2020 – Beth Malow, MD, MS
  • 2019 – Susan L. Parish, PhD, FAIDD
  • 2018 – Ann P. Kaiser, PhD
  • 2016 – Michael G. Aman, PhD
  • 2015 – Michael L. Wehmeyer, PhD, FAAIDD
  • 2013 – Paul Yoder, PhD
  • 2012 – Elisabeth Dykens, PhD
  • 2011 – Roger J. Stancliffe, PhD, FAAIDD
  • 2010 – Wayne P. Silverman, PhD, FAAIDD

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About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership

Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.