NAQ Purpose Statement

NAQ is the leading national association for disability professionals who support people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) that offers training, professional development, and certification for disability specialists who are involved in service planning, service coordination, program development and advocacy. While embracing learning, person-centered thinking, high standards of ethical conduct and promising program practices, NAQ promotes the highest quality in services and supports through leadership development and increasing the knowledge, competency and proficiency of disability specialists who support people with I/DD to flourish and live their best possible lives. NAQ nurtures a community of possibility and hope for the future through learning, connecting, and sharing. NAQ’s membership continues to grow across the United States.

Learn:
Study, dialogue, investigate, be curious, experiment, try something new, take classes. 

Connect:
Partner with others, be a good listener and encourager, build new relationships and friendships, experience support. 

Share:
Exchange ideas, positive experiences, useful resources, good books to read. 

NAQ’s efforts include:

  • Presenting a major, national NAQ conference each year. 
  • Engaging an impressive group of subject-matter experts in a variety of forums to share current and critical information.
  • Conducting relevant webinars addressing identified issues.
  • Creating publications and other resources with more to come.
  • Developing and hosting the NAQ Certification Program for I/DD Specialists, which is an in-depth resource aimed at increasing knowledge, skills, and abilities of those professionals as they continue to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. (virtual format.) 
  • Promoting National Developmental Disability Professionals Day--July 15--to recognize and uplift these professional staff.

NAQ's Goals:

  • Embrace access to knowledge and learning surrounding promising/best program practices and supports.
  • Promote contemporary person-centered thinking and practices.
  • Advance the interests of disability professionals.
  • Nurture a community of possibility and hope for the future. 

NAQ: A Commitment to Improvement 

{NAQ brochure PDF}