About NAQOur 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:
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. |
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Don't Forget - National DDP Day is on July 15th!
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. DDPs 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 role in advancing the rights of people with developmental disabilities and deserve recognition for their tireless efforts to this end.
As the leading national association representing such professionals, NAQ encourages provider organizations, parents, and people with disabilities to formally recognize their DDPs. Now, more than ever, we need to thank Development Disability Professionals for their dedication and commitment. How you choose to recognize your favorite DDP 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!