When it this day? July 15
What is this day? 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.
Who created this day? This day was founded by NAQ in 2020.
How should this day be celebrated? Provider organizations, parents, and people with disabilities are encouraged to formally recognize the importance of Developmental Disability Professionals on this day – send a heartfelt thank-you card or letter, give them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, drop off a candy bouquet, or provide them with a fun learning opportunity.