Maine LEND celebrates graduation of latest cohort of trainees

The Maine LEND program celebrated the graduation of 11 trainees from its program on May 3. Andrew J. Imparato, executive director of the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD),  served as the keynote speaker.

Organized by Lianne Lissauer, the Maine LEND administrative assistant, the event was kicked off by Maine LEND Program Director Eileen Ricci, PT, D.P.T., M.S., PCS, who welcomed friends and families of the trainees and introduced Imparato. Kathryn Loukas, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, Maine LEND training director, and Valerie Jones, LMSW, family interprofessional team coordinator, awarded graduates certificates of completion and yellow roses.

With mentors in each of their disciplines, the trainees have completed elective projects, family-led programs, observations at medical and diagnostic sites, interprofessional practice initiatives, community events, and leadership/advocacy. According to Loukas, “The graduates move forward with distinct knowledge, skills, leadership, and dedication toward community inclusion and full participation of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.”