The LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Center at the University of Pittsburgh is a leadership education program funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). Overview:
The LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Center at the University of Pittsburgh is a leadership education program funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is an interdisciplinary program that prepares graduate and post-graduate students, practicing professionals, and family members of children with disabilities to assume leadership roles in their respective fields. While striving to understand factors that help all individuals attain optimal health and developmental trajectories over a lifetime, the LEND Center forges partnerships of university faculty and students, community service providers, health professionals and educators, leaders in government, business, and philanthropy, as well as individuals with disabilities. The LEND Center at the University of Pittsburgh was created in 1995 under the title of the UCLID (University, Community, Leaders, and Individuals with Disabilities) Center. The Center was renamed in 2011. The LEND Center at the University of Pittsburgh is one of 43 LEND programs in communities across the United States preparing trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines to assume leadership roles, ensure high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence, and enhance the ability of clinicians to diagnose, treat, and manage complex disabilities in youth and adolescents. The programs also promote culturally competent, coordinated care and integrate families in all aspects of training and service. The LEND Center’s training mission is generously supported by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Grant # MCH 2T73 MC 00036-15-01. Vision:
All individuals will reach their potential for growth and development under conditions of supportive families, inclusive communities, high-quality education and comprehensive and accessible health care. Goals:
Providing intensive interdisciplinary leadership education for health care and education professionals regarding children and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities
Providing leadership to increase knowledge and skills about disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders and to create positive attitudes about inclusion
Forging partnerships with community-based leaders, organizations, agencies, advocacy groups, and individuals with disabilities and their families for training, program development, program evaluation, research, policy development, and systems change
Disseminating information about children with disabilities, leadership programming, public policy, and LEND programs to a national audience
