Thank you for your interest in the LA LEND program. LA LEND prepares graduate students, individuals with disabilities, family members, and practicing professionals to become future leaders in advocacy and maternal and child health (MCH) fields. LA LEND provides instruction and clinical/field experiences related to environmental, social, developmental, learning, and policy challenges that underpin the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities and their families. LA LEND prepares trainees to address the needs and priorities of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and/or other neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) and their families. LA LEND prepares leaders to adopt strengths based, family- and person-centered, culturally aware and responsive perspectives and practices. LA LEND values the knowledge and perspectives of individuals with disabilities and family members. We encourage and support trainees with disabilities and family trainees to share their lived experiences and perspectives in all components of LA LEND. LA LEND prepares leaders who value having people from different backgrounds, lived experience and disciplines, to learn and work together (i.e., interdisciplinary thinking and practice). LA LEND generally focuses on advocacy knowledge and skills for trainees with disabilities and family trainees. However, we recognize that some family trainees and trainees with disabilities may also be working in a disability-related field or be preparing for a career in a disability field. Regardless, trainees with disabilities and family trainees are expected to complete all components of the program.
LA LEND trainees with disabilities must:
- Want to be a leader in their community and be willing to speak for themselves and share their insights and experiences with others in class, field experiences, and after LA LEND.
- Have completed high school or be working on a high school equivalency program.
- Have some post-secondary education and/or work experience after high school.
- Use a computer for email and internet.
- Be able to use a “smart” cell phone.
- Be able to share ideas by writing, typing, or assistive technology.
- Want to learn about advocacy for people with disabilities or be involved in the disability field.
- Have transportation to attend required in-person LA LEND activities.
Accommodations
LEND strives to ensure equal access and opportunity for all applicants. If you require any accommodations to complete the application process, please let us know how we can assist you. Your comfort and accessibility are important to us, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the LA LEND Program coordinator listed below if you have any questions or need further assistance.