Para-educators may be nominated for this award by their peers, teachers, administrators, parents, or other professionals. A letter of nomination should be sent to the Awards Chair. Selection criteria include: (a) Currently working in an educational setting full or part-time, (b) Serving students with intellectual disability and/or autism, and (c) Exemplifying the best in supporting the education of students with autism and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities. Nominees do NOT have to be a member of DADD or CEC.

Teachers may be nominated for this award by their peers, administrators, parents, or other professionals. A letter of nomination should be sent to the Awards Chair. Selection criteria include: (a) Currently teaching full or part-time, (b) Serving students with intellectual disability and/or autism, and (c) Exhibiting exemplary personal and professional skills. The teacher does not have to be a member of DADD, but preference will be given to those nominees who are members.

Presented to a young person up to age 25 who excels in one or more of the following areas: academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, independent activities, technology, and self-advocacy. Students with an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental disability are eligible for this award.

Given to someone who is beginning his/her career and showing promise as a teacher educator. Individuals who finished their doctoral work less than 5 years ago are eligible. These nominees must be contributing to teacher education in a significant way.

Presented to an individual who reflects the ideals of the Division and who has made significant contributions to the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism. Criteria for selection include: (a) Exceptional effort and involvement in furthering the cause of persons with intellectual disability, developmental disabilities, and/or autism, and (b) DADD member.

Given to an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the area of legislation. Individuals are eligible for nomination if they have been involved in the development and/or support and/or enactment of legislation designed to meet needs of individuals with intellectual disability, developmental disabilities, and/or autism.

Presented to an individual who reflects the ideals of the Division and who has made significant contributions to the field of developmental disabilities through research. Selection criteria include: (a) Exceptional effort and involvement in furthering the cause of persons with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and/or autism through research, and (b) DADD member.

Given for exceptional performance during the past year. Criteria include: (a) Maintaining membership integrity during the previous fiscal year, (b) Engaging in innovative programming, evidenced by plans and performance presented at time of application for award, and (c) Having active participation by members in DADD activities beyond the subdivision level.