About NAQOur History:
Our Mission: To promote, protect, and advance the interests of disability professionals in service, application, research, and other means of improving human welfare. Our Goals: The goals of this organization are to:
2009 NAQ Name Change: When it was founded in 1996, NAQ was known as The National Association of Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals (QMRPs). Most states, in response to self advocates and with an understanding of the negative impact of language, have turned away from using the term mental retardation except for diagnostic or reporting requirements. After much dialogue with advisory board members, systems stake holders and other interested parties, a decision was made to change our name to National Association of Qualified Developmental Disability Professionals (QDDPs). Though the organization’s name has changed, NAQ’s commitment to providing high quality services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities has not waivered. |