Developmental Disability Professionals Day Date in the current year: July 15, 2024

Developmental disability is an umbrella term for a diverse group of chronic conditions that arise before adulthood, affecting some or all areas of a child’s development. Some of the most common developmental disabilities include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and many more.

People affected by developmental disabilities are a vulnerable group in need of support and assistance. This assistance is provided by trained professionals who go by many names: case managers, service coordinators, qualified intellectual disability professionals (QIDPs), qualified developmental disability professionals (QDDPs), just to name a few.

The main purpose of developmental disability professionals is to assist people with developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful, and productive lives. They help individuals overcome personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from developmental disability by assessing their clients’ needs and designing and implementing rehabilitation programs that meet those needs.

Depending on the situation, developmental disability professionals may fulfill a variety of roles. They can serve as behavioral analysts, facilitate the provision of residential services, coordinate medical services, create employment opportunities, provide personal and vocational counseling, and more.

Developmental disability professionals can work in different professional environments. More than a third of all QDDPs in the United States work in the vocational rehabilitation services. Other top industries for these professionals include state and local government, individual and family services, residential facilities, and outpatient care centers.

Developmental Disability Professionals Day was founded in 2020 by NAQ (National Association for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals), the national organization for developmental disability professionals dedicated to strengthening the learning, training, and personal growth of professionals working with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The main goal of National DDP Day is to highlight the important work done by developmental disability professionals, recognize their service and contributions, and celebrate their accomplishments. These professionals make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people but they often don’t receive enough credit for it. If you know a QDDP, show your appreciation by sending them a card or a small but meaningful gift, or giving them a shout-out on social media because they deserve to be recognized for their dedication and commitment.