UC-LEND Training Program

About UC-LEND

UC-LEND is one of 60 LEND programs around the nation funded by the Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB) and is a part of the larger Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) network of interdisciplinary centers focused on advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with disabilities, their families, and their communities. The UC-LEND Training Program was established to improve the health of individuals with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities by training future providers, researchers, and community champions.

Our program prepares trainees to assume leadership roles in the delivery of services to individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions in policy, research, and clinical practice by providing interdisciplinary training opportunities for trainees from a variety of educational and professional disciplines including, but not limited to: law, nursing, education, pediatrics, neurology, psychology, social work, and public health.

The UC-LEND Program is structured in 3 main content areas: Education, Research, and Clinical Experience. For information about specific program requirements, please see the Training Overview page.

Education

The UC-LEND Training Program provides a variety of lectures via in-person or virtual lectures in addition to the UC-LEND Asynchronous Curriculum to trainees at all levels. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to, policy, public health, history of neurodevelopmental conditions, social determinants of health, leadership development and skills, and more.

Research

During the span of the academic year, UC-LEND Long-Term trainees complete a group capstone project on a LEND-related topic. Additional research support is provided via faculty and peer mentorship, and capstones are presented annually at the Neal Halfon Public Health Trainee Symposium. Trainees gain experience in manuscript preparation, applied research methods, and presentation skills. All trainees are encouraged to get involved in UC-LEND related research as projects allow, and provides opportunities when possible for presentations and publications.

Clinical

Trainees receive clinical training via lectures and direct clinical observation in the UC-LEND Multidisciplinary Clinic. Trainees learn to apply the LEND Clinic Model of Care and engage in discussions surrounding diagnosis, services, and educational support for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. Trainees will gain experience observing the interdisciplinary care team in the UC-LEND Clinic, and will learn how to bring their own expertise to LEND cases.