The NDTA Member Recognition Awards Program honors outstanding contributions that advance the Neuro‑Developmental Treatment Association’s mission and the practice of NDT across clinical care, education, research, service, and innovation. Each year at the Annual Conference, NDTA celebrates members whose work exemplifies excellence and leadership through five distinct awards: the Emerging and Innovative Practice (Technique) Award, recognizing creative and impactful new treatment ideas and approaches; the Distinguished Educator Award, honoring exceptional leadership in NDT education and mentorship; the Early NDT Career Award, celebrating meaningful engagement and influence within the first five years of certification; the NDTA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Association’s highest honor for a lifetime of service, leadership, and advancement of NDT; and the NDTA Service Award, recognizing dedicated volunteerism and commitment to supporting NDTA’s mission. Together, these awards highlight the diverse ways NDTA members strengthen the field and enrich the community.
Eligibility requirements:
- NDTA Membership and C/NDT Certification in good standing
- Active involvement in NDT practice aligned with NDTA Core Principles
- Additional, award-specific criteria (e.g., innovation, education, leadership, volunteerism, etc.)
Emerging and Innovative Practice (Technique) Award
The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association’s (NDTA) calls for nominations for the Emerging and Innovative Practice Award. This award celebrates members who have introduced novel treatment ideas or practices that align with the Core Principles of NDTA, with a special focus on therapeutic handling to enhance outcomes. It recognizes significant contributions through innovative approaches, techniques, or tools that have made a meaningful impact on contemporary NDT practice or research. The award is presented at the Annual Conference.
Evaluation criteria:
- Novel treatment ideas or practice that is aligned with Core Principles of NDTA.
- Introduced innovative approaches, techniques, or tools that have made a significant impact on the contemporary practice of NDT or research in the field.
Emerging and Innovative Practice Nomination Form
Distinguished Educator
Academia and Instructor Group
The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association’s (NDTA) calls for nominations for the Distinguished Educator Award. This award honors members who have played a significant role in educating and training professionals, students, or caregivers in NDT principles and techniques. It also recognizes the development of innovative educational materials, courses, or programs that positively impact the field. The award highlights mentorship and leadership in education and research aligned with NDTA’s Core Principles. The award is presented at the Annual Conference.
Evaluation criteria:
- Research is aligned with Core Principles of NDTA.
- Played a significant role in educating and training other professionals, students, or caregivers in NDT principles and techniques.
- Developed innovative educational materials, courses, or programs that have had a positive impact on the field.
Distinguished Educator Nomination Form
Early NDT Career Award
The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association’s (NDTA) calls for nominations for the Early NDT Career Award. This award acknowledges members within five years of NDT certification who have demonstrated active involvement in the practice and promotion of NDT. It recognizes those who have contributed to education, committee service, and the development of impactful educational resources. The award is designed to encourage and celebrate early-career professionals making a difference in the field. The award is presented at the Annual Conference. To be eligible for this award the nominee must be within five years of becoming NDT certified.
Evaluation criteria:
- Played a significant role in educating and training other professionals, students, or caregivers in NDT principles and techniques.
- Developed innovative educational materials, courses, or programs that have had a positive impact on the field.
Early NDT Career Nomination Form
NDTA Lifetime Achievement Award
The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association’s (NDTA) calls for nominations for the NDTA Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award is presented to members who have dedicated a lifetime of service to NDT in various capacities, including volunteerism, education, board service, and mentorship. It honors exceptional leadership, outstanding clinical skills, and significant contributions to the growth and sustainability of NDTA. Recipients are recognized for consistently achieving positive patient outcomes and advancing the field through innovation and collaboration. The award is presented at the Annual Conference.
Evaluation criteria:
- A lifetime of serving NDT in a variety of capacities to include, committee volunteer, educator, board member and mentor.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities within the NDT community and collaborated with others to advance the field.
- Contributed to the growth and sustainability of NDTA through active involvement in organizational activities.
- Demonstrated outstanding clinical skills and expertise in applying NDT principles and techniques to improve the functional abilities and quality of life of individuals with neuromuscular dysfunction.
- Consistently achieved positive patient outcomes and demonstrated a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Played a significant role in educating and training other professionals, students, or caregivers in NDT principles and techniques.
- Developed innovative educational materials, courses, or programs that have had a positive impact on the field.
Lifetime Achievement Nomination Form
NDTA Service Award
NDTA Volunteer Recognition
The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association’s (NDTA) calls for nominations for the NDTA Service Award. This award recognizes members who have demonstrated ongoing volunteerism within NDTA committees, actively supporting and promoting the association’s mission and goals. It honors those who advocate for individuals with neuromuscular conditions, bring creative and innovative ideas, and show leadership within the NDTA community. The award is presented at the Annual Conference. To be eligible for this award the nominee must be an active NDTA Committee member.
Evaluation criteria:
- Continued volunteerism within the committees of NDT ideas that are aligned and support the Core Principles of NDTA.
- Actively supports and promotes the mission and goals of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (NDTA).
- Advocated for individuals with neuromuscular conditions and worked to raise awareness about the importance of NDT within the broader healthcare community.
- Demonstrates leadership qualities
- Brings new/creative/innovative ideas
Service Award Nomination Form
Award Process
Nomination Process:
- Nominations can be submitted by individuals, peers, colleagues, or members of the NDTA community.
- All nominations must be submitted via the forms above by February 28, 2026 to be considered for the 2026 Awards.
Selection Process:
The NDTA Nominations Committee will, through an impartial review process, evaluate each nominee based on the established criteria.
Award Presentation:
Each award is presented at the NDTA Spring Annual Virtual Conference.