Iowa LEND

Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (ILEND)

A Distinctive Graduate Level Training Opportunity

The Iowa LEND program is part of a national network of 60 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs across the country, and is federally funded under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act, and are administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). LEND is an interdisciplinary leadership training program for graduate students, family members, and self-advocates.

The purpose of the LEND training program is to improve the health of people with disabilities across the lifespan. We accomplish this by preparing trainees from diverse healthcare, educational, and community disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence. Clinical and non-clinical trainees expand their skills and knowledge in leadership, cultural competency and diversity, person and family-centered care, policy and advocacy, coordinated systems of healthcare and related services for individuals with special health care needs and their families. 

The Iowa LEND program is affiliated with the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and is located within the Center for Disabilities and Development. 

Click on the photo below to watch a brief video about Iowa LEND, and hear what faculty, staff and trainees say about the program. 

Download a pdf of the video transcript:  Iowa LEND Video Transcript

"The ILEND program has provided me with exposure to clinical practice, development of legislation, family life, and community awareness."

     — ILEND Trainee