The NADD Annual Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. These awards highlight exemplary practices and recognize those whose work advances the mission and values of NADD.
NADD Member of the Year Award
This award is given to a person who, though not a member of the Board of Directors, has supported the mission of NADD through various activities.
The 2026 NADD Member of the Year Award recipient is Jessica Hamlyn.
For award guidelines, nomination submission and to view past award recipients, click here.
NADD DSP Award for Excellence
This prestigious Award is given annually to acknowledge a Direct Support Professional (DSP) whose contribution to supporting people who live in our communities has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
The 2026 NADD DSP Award for Excellence recipient is Joshua Miller.
For award guidelines, nomination submission and to view past award recipients, click here.
Earl L. Loschen Award for Clinical Practice
This award is given to a person whose contribution in the area of clinical practice has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
The 2026 recipient of the Loschen Award for Clinical Practice is Dr. Wanda Brown Ramseur.
For award guidelines, nomination submission and to view past award recipients, click here.
Frank J. Menolascino Award for Excellence
This award is given annually to honor excellence, extraordinary achievements, and significant contributions in the field of IDD/MH in the memory of Dr. Frank J. Menolascino.
The 2026 recipient of the Menolascino Award for Excellence is Dr. Bruce Davis.
For award guidelines, nomination submission and to view past award recipients, click here.
Steven Reiss Research Award
NADD created this award to recognize research that improves our understanding of mental health issues in people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
The 2026 recipient of the Steven Reiss Research Award is Dr. Andrew Jahoda.
For award guidelines, nomination submission and to view past award recipients, click here.
NADD Award for Innovation & Excellence
NADD created this award in 2024 to honor individuals, teams, or organizations that have developed groundbreaking approaches, programs, or initiatives that significantly enhance the quality of life for this population.
The 2026 recipient of the NADD Award for Innovation & Excellence is Dori Tempio.
For award guidelines, and nomination submission, click here.
