^{The Dolly Gray Award was developed by the DADD in 2000 in response to a growing body of literature in this area, and to assist in dispelling the harmful myths and stereotypes portrayed in the media regarding individuals with developmental disabilities. Special Needs Project, a worldwide leader in the distribution of books related to disabilities, is co-sponsor of this award.}

^{“Literature is a wonderful means of providing positive examples of individuals with disabilities,” says Tom Smith, Executive Director of DADD.  “Too often we focus on negative characteristics of people with disabilities; literature that pictures those with disabilities in a positive light can go a long way in helping change the perceptions about the capabilities of this group.” Tracy Koretsky, poet, novelist, and panelist for the award, notes, “The Dolly Gray Award helps deserving authors and publishers of quality literature that feature characters not all that different from anyone else get those books right where they belong – into the hands of children. When they imaginatively inhabit the minds and circumstances of others, fear and prejudice disappear.”}