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I am greatly appreciative of this opportunity to serve as the next Editor-in-Chief of TASH’s journal, and value the great efforts and dedication of the editors preceding me. I am committed, to the best of my ability, to maintain the high quality, integrity, and reputation that, through their efforts, has been constructed for the journal. JASH is known for it’s rigorous scientific and editorial standards—and this has happened because of the work of the past editors, associate editors, and editorial boards. I would like to specifically offer my thanks and respect to those who nurtured the journal from it’s beginning in 1975 to it’s current point in time: Eugene Edgar, Bob York, Doug Guess, Luanna Meyer, Rob Horner, Ann Kaiser, Jim Halle, Lori Goetz, and Linda Bambara.

With this special journal issue, I’d also like to acknowledge the work of Linda Bambara and Ellen Brantlinger. Although with Volume 27 we officially begin the new editorial staff, this special issue on Sexuality was conceptualized and nurtured by Linda and Ellen.

Since 1975, the journal has changed covers, colors, and editorial boards, as well as well as lived through a variety of APA Manual revisions. But what has not changed is each Editor’s, Associate Editors’, and Editorial Boards’ profound commitment to research and practice that promotes and furthers the quality of life of individuals with severe disabilities and their families. Participation on the journal is a true service to TASH and to the field, and this must be acknowledged.

With the publication of Volume 27, number 1, I would like to welcome the new Associate Editors: Lynn Koegel, Rob O’Neill, Diane Ryndak, Ilene Schwartz, George Singer, and Fred Spooner. Their job is an important one—it is their judgement and professional integrity that forms the backbone of the next three years of journal issues. Also, we welcome a new editorial board and thank them in advance for their efforts. The time and effort that is given by all involved comes from nothing less than a deep commitment to the continuation of a quality journal that is highly respected in the field of disabilities.

With this new change in editorial board comes another major change. JASH will now be known as Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD). This name change is the third since the beginning of TASH journals. We moved from AAESPH Review (American Association for Education of Severe and Profound Handicaps), to JASH (Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps), and now to our new name. This name was created, along with the newly titled association, to reflect the continued evolution of our field in terms of language. But, importantly, the new name demonstrates TASH’s continued commitment to values-based research, and research-based practices, that support and further quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities and their families.

In addition to maintenance of the current quality and integrity of the articles published in the journal, continued support of TASH values, and responsiveness to issues in the field, as new Editor-in-Chief of RPSD I envision a few goals for the next 3 years:

• Increase the diversity of articles published in RPSD. In the spirit of past editors, I would like to increase further the range of topics we include in the journal, the range of disciplines contributing to the journal, and to actively recruit and welcome people from outside our usual "cast of characters." This diversity will naturally impact and expand the research methodologies and perspectives covered in the journal.
• Increase the readership of the journal to include more TASH members. Everyone who is a member of TASH receives the journal, but not everyone who receives the journal reads the journal. It is my feeling that many more TASH members could benefit from the contribution of the journal. Regardless of which of the many personal and professional roles in which our members are engaged, I am certain that RPSD can contribute to their efforts. Whether participating in the provision of direct service, advocacy, or any other domain—the journal can contribute to the process of living, working and recreating together.
• Increase the readership of NonTASH members. In addition to the TASH readership, we should increase dissemination of our journal to those who do not typically read the journal, especially to those who now dismiss our journal as not relevant to their research or practice. It is critical that these individuals be exposed to the quality of research and perspectives that TASH values and promotes. As more and more people understand the validity and strength of the research and practice that we promote, we may not only potentially increase the membership of TASH, but more importantly, we could ultimately impact the way in which education and services are conceptualized and provided to individuals with severe disabilities and their families.
• Transition into technology. RPSD must work with TASH to further avail ourselves of the electronic technology that is available for the editorial process. As we transition into a new name for the journal, a new name for the organization, we must also transition into the 21st century of new technology.

As did the Editor’s before me, I welcome TASH members’ (and nonTASH) comments, suggestions and visions for our journal.

Respectfully,

Fredda Brown

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