Dr. Dalun Zhang will be awarded a Sesqui Award for Research by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)

Dr. Dalun Zhang, Director for the Center on Disability and Development, has been named an AAIDD Sesqui Research Awardee for 2026. Dr. Zhang is Professor of Special Education, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. His research interest is centered on assisting youth with disabilities to make a successful transition from high school to adulthood. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zhang has been able to secure over $36 million in external funding for research, teaching, and demonstration projects. 
AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary membership organization of professionals and others concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1876, AAIDD promotes policy innovation, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In commemoration of the association's sesquicentennial, the Board of Directors sought nominations to recognize the merit, impact, and contribution of 150 members to the association and the field.  Members were selected for recognition in the areas of Research, Service, Policy, Practice, and Advocacy, and will be presented with their awards at the 150th annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois, June 22-24, 2026.