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About NAQ

Our History:


The National Association of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals was formed in 1996 by Trinity Services staff to meet the needs of QIDPs. Complex challenges combined with limited resources made it evident that a national organization dedicated to addressing historical, conceptual, methodological and ethical issues was needed.  Today, NAQ is the "go to" organization for QIDPs - providing an avenue for connecting with other professionals, sharing evidence based best practices, and serving as a resource for learning and continued education.   

We realize that not all states use the term "QIDP". These exceptional developmental disability professionals go by many names - QDDPs, Case Managers, and Service Coordinators to name just a few. We worry less about their title and more about their function. Formal titles aside, these disability professionals fulfill a variety of roles - from advocate to educator to leader. They are resilient in the face of challenge. They are uncompromising in the provision of person directed supports.

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: 

  1. promote an outcome-based approach to service delivery and the provision of supports for people with disabilities
  2. provide exposure to and training in best and promising practices
  3. disseminate relevant information through written materials and educational opportunities such as the annual conference
  4. engage in advocacy in the public interest
  5. make public statements consistent with its purposes

NAQ Name Changes:

When it was founded in 1996, NAQ was known as The National Association of Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals (QMRPs).  Since that time, most states have turned away from using the term mental retardation except for diagnostic or reporting requirements - largely in response to the work of self advocates.  As a result, in 2009 we made the decision to change our name to the National Association of Qualified Developmental Disability Professionals (QDDPs).  Then, in 2018 we decided to once again change our name to come into alignment with federal terminology.  We are now known as The National Association of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs).  Though the organization’s name has changed, NAQ’s commitment to providing high quality services and supports to persons with intellectual disabilities has not waivered.