Program Overview

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities

The OHSU LEND Program at the Institute on Development and Disability provides training to individuals from a variety of disciplines. These practicing professionals, graduate students, and parents all participate in a long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training and work to provide interdisciplinary service and care to patients and families within the Institute on Development and Disability.

About LEND

The purpose of the LEND training program is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. This 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.

Program Objectives

The LEND programs have the following objectives:

• Advance the knowledge and skills of all child health professionals to improve health care delivery systems for children with developmental disabilities
• Provide high-quality interdisciplinary education that emphasizes the integration of services from state and local agencies and organizations, private providers, and communities
• Provide health professionals with skills that foster community-based partnerships
• Promote innovative practices to enhance cultural competency, family-centered care, and interdisciplinary partnerships

Program Structure

LEND programs operate within a university system, usually as part of a University Center for Excellence (UCEDD) or other larger entity, and collaborate with local university hospitals and/or health care centers. This collaboration provides expert faculty, facilities, and other resources necessary to support exceptional interdisciplinary training and services.

National Network

There are currently 52 LENDs in 44 states. Collectively, these 52 programs 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.

History and Funding

The LEND programs 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. They are funded under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act and are administered by the Health Resources and Service's Administration's (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).