Background

WV LEND

Since it began in the early 1990s, WV LEND has been housed at the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED), allowing trainees to connect with other CED programs and expand their learning experience. The program initially included mentors and trainees primarily from the fields of audiology, physical therapy, speech language pathology, nutrition, social work and psychology. Today, WV LEND continues to support trainees and mentors from these and other disciplines that impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Our trainees include graduate students, self-advocates, community members and family members of individuals with disabilities.

Like other LEND programs throughout the country, WV LEND is part of a national network of Maternal and Child Health training programs. WV LEND is uniquely located in the Appalachian Mountains and is specifically designed to provide education and training centered on individuals with disabilities and their families who live in rural and underserved communities across West Virginia and beyond. LEND programs prepare trainees to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and ensure high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence. WV LEND is a founding member of the LEND Rural Workgroup which allows WV LEND trainees to interact with other member trainees during joint virtual Journal Club sessions.

LEND programs

There are 60 LEND programs located in 44 U.S. states, with an additional six states and three territories reached through program partnerships. This network shares information and resources, exchanges best practices and develops shared products. Programs work together to address national issues of importance to children with special health care needs and their families.

LEND grew from the 1950s efforts of the Children’s Bureau (now Maternal and Child Health Bureau) to identify children with disabilities as a Title V priority. The LEND programs are funded under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act, and are administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

The AUCD network is a national association that supports research, training, education and service to promote improved quality of life, health and well-being of people with disabilities. This network is comprised of individuals from different walks of life including practitioners, researchers, educators, emerging leaders, people with disabilities and their families, community advocates and professionals. Each group brings their knowledge and lived experience to work together to advance disability policy, research and advocacy. AUCD supports the work of the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) and LEND programs.