Skip to main content

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) is part of the national network of LEND training programs funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). These programs aim to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities by preparing graduate students from various disciplines, self-advocates, and family advocates to assume leadership roles. In addition, LEND training focuses on increasing knowledge of interdisciplinary care and clinical competence.

While each LEND site is unique with its own focus and expertise, most programs collaborate with local healthcare centers and operate within a university system, often as part of a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Collectively, the LEND network shares information and resources to maximize their impact, exchanges best practices, and works together to address national issues of importance to children with special health care needs and their families.

The North Carolina LEND Program at the CIDD offers interdisciplinary leadership training for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows/residents, self-advocates, and family advocates. The program involves students and faculty from a variety of disciplines including but not limited to Advocacy, Audiology, Education, Genetic Counseling, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pediatrics, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Speech and Language Pathology, and multiple medical specialties.

Goals of the North Carolina LEND Program

NC LEND participants have opportunities to engage in:

  • Interdisciplinary leadership training for professionals in health care or related fields focused on screening, evaluation, diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and general health promotion for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Clinical and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families that are interdisciplinary, individual- and family-centered, and culturally and linguistically responsive.
  • Continuing education on topics meant to enhance knowledge of individual- and family-centered care, cultural competency, health disparities, service coordination, systems of care, and advocacy efforts for populations with developmental disabilities at regional, state, and national levels.
  • Technical assistance and consultation to Title V Maternal and Child Health agencies and other local, state, and national partners. Technical assistance and consultation are provided to help improve community-based services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Leadership education to promote research and dissemination of relevant information and evidence-based findings related to developmental disabilities.

Curriculum and Training

The NC LEND Program offers training opportunities that are short-term (less than 40 cumulative hours), medium-term (40 to 300 hours), or long-term (300 hours over the course of the academic year). Trainees are supervised by NC LEND Faculty in cooperation with home departments at UNC Chapel Hill and local partnering universities. Interdisciplinary training plans are tailored to address the specific interests and needs of each trainee.

Interested in Joining NC LEND?

Eligible applicants typically include current graduate students, individuals with developmental disabilities, or their family members. Many LEND Faculty from the disciplines noted above recruit graduate students from their departments to participate in LEND. Application requirements may include: a letter of interest stating career goals and objectives, interests related to developmental disabilities, and leadership experiences; curriculum vitae or resume; and an interview. Trainees are selected by LEND Faculty and the Director of Training based on relevant interests and experiences, career goals, and leadership potential. For more information about NC LEND, please contact the NC LEND Training Director, Jean Mankowski, PhD.

Learn more about the national network of LEND programs by visiting the Association of University Centers on Disabilities Research, Education, and Service website.

To learn more about other training opportunities through the CIDD, please visit our Training and Education page.