Graduate Preservice

The CCHD provides a range of interdisciplinary training opportunities for students interested in careers in developmental disabilities. We offer training at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels and the opportunity to work with nationally and internationally known experts who can mentor students in developing their research and/or clinical skills. A special emphasis in our clinical training is to develop leaders in the field of DD who can collaborate with members of other disciplines and develop "best practice" clinical services. Research opportunities range from preventing developmental problems to systems change for people with challenging behaviors.

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Training

The purpose of this project is to enhance maternal and child health through interdisciplinary leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. We also provide continuing education to professionals serving children with special health care needs. Trainees experience a structured, supervised and integrated core curriculum consisting of didatic and practicum experience. Long-term follow-up of trainees examine the effects of the program by sampling leadership activities in maternal and child health related fields.

The overall goal of our program has been to train advanced students representing core disciplines in the interdisciplinary leadership skills so they may impact systems of care and provide "best practice" clinical services to children and families. We have met each of our objectives.

For more information about LEND, visit the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) website at http://www.aucd.org/aucd_lend.htm