About Us

Co-Founders Wendell Hutchinson, and Sue Cannimore have over 40 years of combined experience advocating for and representing students with disabilities. This includes their service as co-leaders of a team of Education Advocates at a nonprofit organization in Jackson, MS which successfully served students with disabilities on a statewide basis. They developed the annual plan for the Education Team each year which addressed the priority, focus areas, activities, and case selection criteria. AASD is organized based on the framework of the Education Team.

AASD has a knowledgeable and experienced Board of Directors. Board members bring over 35 years of experience as Executive Director of nonprofit organizations on behalf of individuals with disabilities; over 25 years of combined experience advising clients on business and legal matters and advising executives of large companies on organizational and management matters; over 20 years experience in clinical psychology with an emphasis on youth with mental health disabilities; over 25 years in executive management and leadership; and several decades of experience working with and leading nonprofit organizations.

The combined skills, experience and passion for helping children with disabilities that AASD’s staff and Board of Directors possess will ensure students with disabilities have an opportunity to receive appropriate special education services while helping school districts increase graduation rates.