Illinois
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
LEND is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 program!
Deadline to apply is March 31, 2010.
Download a new LEND flyer here.
Download a new LEND brochure in PDF or Word.
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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. The Illinois LEND program is part of a national network of interdisciplinary university-based programs. For more information on the national LEND network, click here.
The Illinois LEND prepares future leaders in Maternal and Child Health through training on Developmental Disabilities with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program is a partnership between University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Chicago, and RUSH University.
Who is a LEND trainee?
The LEND program provides interdisciplinary leadership training each year to a minimum of 15 trainees in the following disciplines:
(1) Child Psychiatry
(2) Disability Studies
(3) Family/Self Advocate*
(4) Nursing
(5) Nutrition
(6) Occupational Therapy
(7) Pediatrics
(8) Physical Therapy
(9) Psychology
(10) Public Health
(11) Social Work
(12) Speech and Hearing
*Family/Self-Advocate trainees are individuals with a developmental disability and/or individuals who have a family member with a developmental disability. A high school diploma or equivalent is a requirement to be considered for the Family/Self-Advocate traineeship.
*Priority is given to graduate students in the above disciplines and family/self-advocates; however, recent graduates working in the field may also apply. A stipend of up to $5000 per year will be provided. In order to receive a stipend, a trainee must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
What are the LEND goals?
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 public health services and policy systems change. The training develops competency in the following 7 domains:
(1) leadership
(2) public health
(3) interdisciplinary training and practice
(4) cultural competence
(5) family centered care
(6) emerging issues
(7) research
What is involved in the LEND training program?
The intensive learning experience of the Illinois LEND is designed to be tailored toward trainee's individual needs and interests. While some activities are required for all trainees, there is considerable flexibility for trainees to focus on their areas of interest. Each trainee develops a tailored leadership plan at the beginning of their training, which acts as a guide in choosing activities for individual training. Each trainee's learning experiences will include, to varying degrees:
- Weekly Didactic Sessions
- Research/Leadership projects (e.g. performing trainings, literature reviews, developing materials)
- Community Activities (e.g. support groups, family visits)
- Policy Work (e.g. legislative advocacy, writing policy briefs)
- Clinical Training (e.g. administering diagnostic assessments, working on an interdisciplinary team)
Trainees enrolled in the LEND program are required to complete a minimum of 300 hours or more of leadership and discipline-specific didactic, clinical, and community training over two semesters.
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
Amie Lulinski Norris, M.S. at 312-996-1792, or email anorri4@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).
