Human Development Center

LEND

Louisiana LEND

Child having fun with two scholars

Preparing future leaders to prioritize the needs of children with ASD and other developmental disabilities through advocacy, family engagement, and Maternal Child Health principles.

LEND is currently recruiting for the 2024-2025 season!!! The application season for LEND is upon us, and the application is open with the deadline of April 19. If you're ready to apply, click the button below.

Apply to LEND

Not sure if LEND is right for you?
Express Interest in LEND

What is LEND?

The Louisiana Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LA LEND) is a nine-month (300+ hour) interdisciplinary leadership training program for graduate students, individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities, parents/guardians, and practicing professionals. There are 60 LEND programs located on college campuses throughout the nation.  Each year, hundreds of LEND trainees around the country complete their program and enter a wide variety of professions related to maternal and child health. Collectively, they form a national network that shares information and resources and maximizes their impact.

LA LEND prepares trainees to become leaders and advocates for maternal and child health through:

Trainees learn about characteristics, strengths, and challenges of individuals with a variety of neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy).  There is a focus on early identification through screening and diagnosis, as well as evidence-based strategies for ameliorating the impacts of disability.  Finally, trainees learn the importance of support coordination for families who experience SDOH or HD, with or without disabilities. The foundations of LA LEND are built on the concepts of:

  • Social determinants of health (SDOH)
  • Health disparities (HD)
  • Life Course Theory (LCT)
  • Interdisciplinary thinking and practice
  • Family- and person-centered care

“Too often professionals and parents do things to just get by, thereby perpetuating the status quo. If we are going to move the disability community forward, it's imperative that we do so with the highest standards and I believe LEND supports that.

Nicole DeJean, 2021 LEND scholar

Who should apply to LEND?

Graduate students' perspectives on LEND: YouTube link
Graduate students (in at least second year of program) interested in becoming leaders in diverse fields such as: Education, Early Childhood, Special Education, Audiology, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Speech Language Pathology, and Others
A self-advocate's perspective on LEND: YouTube link
Self-advocates interested in becoming better informed leaders and more effective advocates.
A parent's perspective on LEND: YouTube link
Family members of individuals with disabilities interested in becoming better informed leaders and more effective advocates.
A professional's perspective on LEND: YouTube link
Practicing professionals in fields related to healthcare, special education, ASD/NDD/DD, or other related areas.