Developmental Disability Professionals go by many names – QIDPs, Case Managers, and Service Coordinators to name just a few. Regardless of formal title, their purpose is to assist people with developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful, and productive lives. Developmental Disability Professionals fulfill a variety of roles – they facilitate the provision of residential services, create employment opportunities, serve as behavior analysts, coordinate medical services and much more.
Developmental Disability Professionals provide services to some of the most vulnerable people in our country. They do so because they recognize that all people are an inherently valuable and important part of the fabric of our communities. Developmental Disability Professionals are resilient in times of challenge, uncompromising in the provision of outstanding supports and tenacious advocates for positive change. They have played a critical part in advancing the rights of people with developmental disabilities and deserve recognition for their tireless efforts to this end.
NAQ is the proud founder of Developmental Disability Professionals Day. As the leading national association representing such professionals, we encourage provider organizations, parents, and people with disabilities to formally recognize the important role that these professionals play in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, more than ever, we need to thank Development Disability Professionals for their dedication and commitment – often in the face of great personal sacrifice.
How you choose to recognize your favorite Developmental Disability Professional is entirely up to you. Maybe you’d like to send a heartfelt thank-you card. Perhaps they would appreciate a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or a candy bouquet delivered to their office. Maybe they’d like to attend an event or training opportunity. Now, get out there and celebrate!