Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities

The Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is a federally-funded project aimed at expanding resources to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ND) in the state.

Goals

Our goals include training healthcare providers, parents, educators, and others to improve the health of children and others with ASD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, genetic, and other disorders that affect their quality of life. We focus on timely diagnosis, early identification and intervention, effective services, transition to the workforce, and increasing participation in family and peer activities such as school and the workplace.

Training

LEND training includes classroom and experiential learning, parent and provider conferences, and the visitation of key agencies throughout the state.

Each year, long-term trainees (graduate students from up to 11 different disciplines, family members, and self-advocates) receive 300 hours of training in nine months. The training involves mentored experiences in clinical settings, classroom sessions, and community experiences to learn best practices, interprofessional teamwork, leadership development, and advocacy activities to prepare them to take on leadership roles in their respective fields.

Partners

UNE is collaborating with several community partners including Maine Medical Center, Maine General Hospital, and Northeast Hearing and Speech. Specialists from all over the state serve as instructors, mentors, liaisons, and role models. In turn, the LEND program builds and strengthens community and rural partnerships and engages underserved populations to deliver services and increase knowledge.

For more information contact Lianne Lissauer, Maine LEND program coordinator at (207) 221-4582.