Illinois
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Download the IL LEND Project Report 2011 here
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What is LEND?
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Interdisciplinary Training Program is a 1 year training program that incorporates both didactic and experiential learning in clinical and community-based settings. This program prepares future leaders who will serve children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (with a focus on autism) and their families through coordinated, culturally competent, and family-centered care, as well as through public health services and policy systems change.
LEND provides long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training designed to improve the health of individuals with disabilities. This goal is accomplished by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields, and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence. LEND focuses training on the policy, advocacy, research and clinical skills necessary to affect positive change on all levels, from the individual to systems.
The Illinois LEND program operates within the UIC system as part of the University Center for Excellence for Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) located in the Institute for Disability and Human Development. Collaboration with the UCEDD, the UIC Autism Center of Excellence, the Developmental Pediatrics Program at University of Chicago, the Rush University Medical Center Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences , and Southern Illinois University Behavior Analysis and Therapy Program give the LEND access to the expert faculty and resources necessary to provide exceptional interdisciplinary training and services.
There are currently 39 LENDs in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, they form a national network that shares information and resources to maximize their impact. They work together to address national issues of importance to children with special health care needs and their families, exchange best practices and develop shared products. They also come together regionally to address specific issues and concerns.
While each LEND program is unique, with its own focus and expertise, they all provide interdisciplinary training, have faculty and trainees in a wide range of disciplines, and include parents or family members as paid program participants. They also share the following objectives:
- advancing the knowledge and skills of all child health professionals to improve health care delivery systems for children with developmental disabilities;
- providing high-quality interdisciplinary education that emphasizes the integration of services from state and local agencies and organizations, private providers, and communities;
- providing health professionals with skills that foster community-based partnerships; and
- promoting innovative practices to enhance cultural competency, family-centered care, and interdisciplinary partnerships.
The LENDs grew from the 1950s efforts of the Children's Bureau (now the Maternal and Child Health Bureau) to identify children with disabilities as a Title V program priority. The LENDs are currently funded under the 2006 Combating Autism Act and are administered by the Health Resources and Service's Administration's (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).
Who is a LEND trainee?
UIC graduate students are eligible to receive course credit. A stipend of $5000 per year has been provided for eligible trainees (amount for the 2011-2012 program to be determined). In order to receive a stipend, a trainee must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Training Activities
The LEND training focuses on Developmental Disabilities with a concentration on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The training develops competency in the following 7 domains: (1) leadership (2) public health (3) interdisciplinary clinical training and practice (4) cultural competence (5) family centered care (6) emerging issues and (7) research. Learning experiences include weekly core didactic seminars (Thursdays from 4pm-7pm), periodic Friday afternoon leadership or clinical seminars (2-4 times per month), interdisciplinary group activities, systems and policy trainings, clinical care coordination, a research practicum, and family mentoring. The didactic sessions take place over 2 semesters starting August 25, 2011 and ending May 3, 2012, with clinical/community training available through June 2012.
Program Requirements
Trainees enrolled in the LEND program are required to complete a minimum of 300 hours or more of didactic, advanced clinical, community, and interdisciplinary leadership training. We work with individual trainees regarding schedulaing and are flexible in order to accommodate the various graduate level requirements and family needs of our trainees. The following activities are integral components of the LEND training program:
- LEND Orientation on August 29, 2011
- Weekly seminars during the two semesters (Thursdays from 4PM to 7PM)
- Regular meetings with your discipline coordinator
- Development of an Individual Leadership Training Plan (ILTP), your personal map to your training experience
- Participation in clinical and community training (including Friday sessions 2-4 times per month)
- Development of a policy project related to LEND and MCH goals
- Development and presentation of a research/leadership project related to LEND and MCH goals
How do I apply?
The application process is described in more detail under "admissions" on the left menu bar. Please contact the discipline coordinator for your discipline before applying.
If you have additional questions about the program please contact
Susan Kahan at 312-413-2652, or email skahan@uic.edu.
The Illinois LEND Training Program receives grant funds through the Maternal and Child Health Branch, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Grant T73MC11047.
The IDHD (UCEDD) is funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD).