Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program
Its Mission
To build greater expertise and stronger leadership among practitioners, family members, and self-advocates who support people with developmental disabilities and their families, the Delaware LEND offers integrative trainings and learning opportunities.
Part of a national network of LEND programs, the Delaware LEND is led by the Center for Disabilities Studies and represents a collaboration between multiple UD departments, Nemours Children’s Hospital and several other community partners. It gets its funding through the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) under the Autism CARES Act.
children in Delaware screened and provided services for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disorders.
individuals who have participated in training opportunities and community education events related to valid, reliable screening tools for ASD and developmental disabilities (DD).
Its Focus: Training
The Delaware LEND offers short-term (under 40 hours), medium-term (40-299 hours) and long-term training experiences for students pursuing fields connected to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Trainings include individual and group-based didactic and experiential activities, allowing Delaware LEND enrollees to learn from experts in the field through lectures, mentoring sessions, leadership development, observations and clinical practice.
Trainees to Date
Short-Term Trainees
Medium-Term Trainees
Long-Term Trainees
LEND Faculty & Staff
LEND instructors have expertise and experience in one or more of the main tenets of LEND training: leadership, interdisciplinary practice, lived experience and family-centered care. They include self-advocates, family members of people with disabilities, clinicians, researchers, and organizational leaders from community-based settings, state/local agencies, hospitals and universities.
All LEND instructors share a passion for teaching and a dedication to establishing new generations of ASD/DD experts and leaders in Delaware.
Continuing Education
Since 2016, LEND has reached 6,070 people through 132 continuing education opportunities.
Technical Assistance
Since 2016, LEND faculty provided 212 hours of technical assistance to improve systems of care, including consultation with and representation on:
- National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities
- Interagency Committee on Autism
- Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens
- Assistive Technology Webinars for Birth – 5
- Assistive Technology PLC for Schools
- ADOS – 2 Training Sessions (offered LEND trainees and current professionals)
Since 2016, LEND faculty have shared research findings and promoted best practices through:
Conference Presentations & Posters
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Books & Book Chapters
Become a LEND Trainee
There are several pathways for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and individuals with lived experience to engage in long-term training in the LEND program.
Please contact Stephanie Kaznica at skaznica@udel.edu or 302-831-3206 with any questions about the Delaware LEND.
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program
Its Mission
To build greater expertise and stronger leadership among practitioners who support people with developmental disabilities and their families, the Delaware LEND offers pre-professionals and professionals integrative trainings in cultural competency and family-centered care.
Part of a national network of LEND programs, the Delaware LEND is led by the Center for Disabilities Studies and represents a collaboration between multiple UD departments, Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children, Delaware State University and several other community partners. It gets its funding through the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) under the Autism CARES Act.
Its Focus: Training
The Delaware LEND offers short-term (under 40 hours), medium-term (40-299 hours), and long-term training experiences for students pursuing fields connected to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Trainings include individual and group-based didactic and experiential activities, allowing Delaware LEND enrollees to learn from experts in the field through lectures, mentoring sessions, leadership development, observations and clinical practice.
LEND Faculty & Staff
LEND instructors have expertise and experience in one or more of the main tenets of LEND training: leadership, interdisciplinary practice, cultural/linguistic competency and family-centered care.
They include self-advocates, family members of people with disabilities, clinicians, researchers, and organizational leaders from community-based settings, state/local agencies, hospitals and universities.
All LEND instructors share a passion for teaching and a dedication to establishing new generations of ASD/DD experts and leaders in Delaware.
Become a LEND Trainee
There are several pathways for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to engage long-term training in the LEND program.