Remembering Dave Hingsburger
For decades, as a clinician, trainer and author Dave has been an unrelenting and tireless advocate for the rights and freedom for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A prolific writer, Dave was an early “blogger’ where he mused daily about diversity, disability and difference with equal doses of eloquence, humour and provocation. Over the years, he also authored several books that have been used by generations of disability professionals across the world to help them understand issues of humanity; Behaviour Self: Using Behavioural Concepts to Understand and Work with People with Developmental Disabilities; Just Say Know!: Understanding and Reducing the Risk of Sexual Victimization; and a real nice but: articles that inspire, inform and infuriate – to name a few very important contributions to the field of disability.
Dave was the founder and editor of the International Journal for Direct Support Professionals, a set of easy to-read, practical articles for direct support professionals on a variety of topics that are pertinent to their role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Earning a loyal and growing following of readers across the globe, every year Dave and his colleagues published twelve issues of the journal in English, French and Spanish. He also became a highly skilled interviewer with his monthly “Let’s Talk with Dave” webinar series in partnership with NADSP, where he interviewed the author of that month’s publication and dove deeper into the topic in a talk show format where once again, he showed his commitment, intellect and incredible wit.
We also want to extend our love and support to Dave’s, best friend, life partner and husband of 52 years, Joe Jobes. It is impossible to reflect on Dave’s thousands of trainings, lectures, and keynote presentations at conferences across the world without thinking of his biggest fan and supporter, Joe, who could be seen at the back of the room laughing harder at Dave’s jokes than anyone in the building.
While we cannot provide any further information about services at this time, the NADSP will be sharing much more information in the coming days and we are committed to honoring Dave’s spirit and keeping his message moving forward. We grieve with all of you who knew Dave, loved Dave, learned from Dave, laughed with Dave and were touched by Dave’s humanity and his unique ability to talk about it.
The Staff and Board of Directors
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, Inc.
I’m so sorry for your loss Joe! My heart goes out to you!
Dave’s passing is such a tremendous loss to our community. My heart is with all who had the honor of knowing Dave… I will miss Dave’s quick wit, his ability to just say it like it is, to be the greatest mentor and cheerleader for Direct Support Professionals, families and people with disabilities and above all, a dear friend. Rest in Paradise, Dave.
Dave was one of my first teachers as a sexuality educator. He has always been profound. Thank you for sharing this. My deep condolences to Joe.
I’m sad to hear this great man who spoke for people with disabilities! I share his passion for helping people with concurring disabilities! I send love and light! All my creations.
So sorry to hear of your passing
My heart is broken! What a wonderful man, fighter for human rights and brilliant force for change! He has changed our world and will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved him. -Karyn H
A gifted and talented man Responsible for changing many lives and attitudes
I am deeply saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him and hearing him speak on several occasions and want to send my condolences to you Joe
I have his books, I’ve heard him speak. My heart hurts for this loss to the disability community
My condolences to his family and friends.
I was fortunate enough to attend a conference where Dave was the presenter. The two day event was eye opening and a breath of fresh air about people’s right to be sexual human beings without regard for their IQ. I am sure more than a few people in the audience were shocked with Dave’s openness and genuine compassion about people with disabilities. I learned a lot those two days and brought the knowledge learned to the DSP’s in our agency.
Goodnight dear friend. Thank you for all you taught me. You made a difference! xoxoxoxo
A true loss to the disability community. RIP Dave.
rest in peace
I attended a training given by Dave, years ago, in California. What a tremendous loss. Time to rest, Dave. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to Joe and the rest of his family.
A wonderful man and advocate of those in need. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I had the pleasure to meet Dave and attend a couple of his trainings, he will never be forgotten and always remembered for his teachings and share his knowledge on all subjects needed for my line of work as a Support Professional with New Dawn Support Services in Crescent City Ca.
Positive thoughts and prayers to all who loved him, he was truly amazing. Feeling grateful to have met him and Joe at a conference I attended, he was an inspiration to so many Direct Support Professionals. R.I.P. Dave you will be missed by many.
This was a man of extraordinary insight and compassion. The world is better because of his teachings.
Dave was a wonderful mentor for so many.
My prayers and thoughts are with Joe, his family and friends during this difficult and sad time.
My heart goes out to Joe. While no one can truly know what another is feeling, I do understand having lost my husband to cancer on our 48th anniversary and having been his caregiver during those final months. Grief is so personal and such a lonely journey even though you are not alone. Joe, you were definitely the wind beneath Dave’s wings snd because of you he was able to soar and in doing so he encouraged thousands of others with disabilities to soar. My thoughts remain with you.
I was very fortunate to meet Dave a conference some years back. His passing is a tremendous loss but his passion and work will continue to live in each of us. May he rest in peace as we all carry our community’s collective torch and his wisdom forward.
This is sad news indeed. I am so glad I had the pleasure of meeting Dave. Prayers for his loved ones.
Dave was an icon in the world of sexuality and disability. He and Joe traveled the world, where Dave spoke of his work with people. With disabilities. His insights and perspectives along with exemplary stories informed and delighted probably thousands of people….along with his writings, blogs, videos. Thank you DAVE, for your amazing contributions to the world, and your love and positive regard and respect for people with disabilities….your work will carry on! And, Joe, your work, too, in supporting Dave, always at his side, which allowed him to travel, write, create and make his knowledge known far and wide.
I heard David speak in Pittsburgh several years ago. As a parent of a young son with cerebral palsy, I was inspired by David’s insight and honesty to be a better parent to my son. David’s positive impact is far and wide.
I learned so much from you. You were a remarkable gentleman. I hope somehow you can feel this out pouring of love and respect from all the people who loved you and were inspired by you. I will never forget you as your teachings I carry with me everyday.
Thank you Dave for helping me understand the ins and outs of my job. You always took the time to answer a question, share a joke and extend your knowledge in ways that made sense and stuck with you. I would not still be in this field had you not been in my life. Joe, you have my thanks as well for helping Dave do his thing. A great team, the two of you. Take care and be well.
My heart goes out to Dave’s family, friends, and folks who loved him. He is one those folks who shaped my values early in my career. His passion and way with a story was incredibly effective in communicating and connecting with his audience. I’m glad to have been influenced by him, and in turn . . . hope to carry that bright flame on to others.
We use the Ring of Safety by Dave in our training to keep people safe from sexual exploitation. Comments from the team include’The Ring of Safety gave me the confidence to say NO!’ and ‘The Ring of Safety is a great visual to use to understand how to stay safe.’ Dave’s work made many people safer – thank you.
What a terrible irretrievable loss. A pioneer in so many fields in our field of dreams. An iconoclast, a humorist, writer, activist, professionals from around the world will mourn. At least his writing, his videos, his vision will always be there if we can ever live up. And we must. We must work toward Dave’s dream of making life meaningful for individuals we know and we work for, for staff and the communities we live in. Sexuality, Choice, Self-direction, Evaluations, Canada, the hand-out cards to members of the community, All the amazing writings. Thank you, and so sorry for your loss Joe. I learned so much from Dave through my years working with voluntary agencies in NYC, and beyond, and finally at NYS.
My heart goes out to Joe and Dave’s family. Dave was so important to my career as a clinician working in the field of Intellectual Disabilities. He was my mentor , teacher, and a person I highly respected. He was the pioneer that set the foundation in the area of sexuality, person-centered, and self advocacy for the People We Support . I truly admired Dave Hingsburger. May he Rest in Peace.
Oh, I was NOT ready to hear this news. I am just a random stranger, no professional connection to his work, who stumbled across his blog 15? years ago but I think I’ve read every entry there and cannot even begin to calculate how much wisdom he gave me. I don’t want to believe he’s gone.
I met Dave in the late 80’s and was immediately taken by his work. In the ensuing years we intersected often and every time we talked I learned something new. His influence was enormous and he will be missed.
Rest in peace great man. you have marked your existence with an indelible imprint.
Dave, I miss you x