February 19 , 2009 Press Release

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NH LEND Program Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2009

DURHAM, N.H. – The New Hampshire Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (NH LEND) interdisciplinary training program is seeking committed and energized trainees interested in becoming future leaders and change agents on behalf of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.

Students enrolled in graduate study in early childhood special education, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, pediatrics, physical therapy, social work, or speech language pathology are eligible to apply. Scholarships are available to qualified applicants with funding provided by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Funding is also available to partially support travel to professional conferences and leadership seminars. Accepted trainees are eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate for Leadership in Children’s Health and Disability from the University of New Hampshire (separate application process through the UNH Graduate School). Completion of the NH LEND Program fulfills the requirements of the Graduate Certificate.

Interested individuals can apply by contacting Rae Sonnenmeier, Interdisciplinary Training Director, by phone at 603.862.0561 or by email at MCH.LEND@unh.edu. To download a copy of the application, visit www.mchlend.unh.edu. Early admission applications are due by March 15, 2009. Interviews will be scheduled in late March / early April. Early admission decisions will be made by April 15, 2009 (or sooner). All other applications are due by April 30, 2009. Interviews will be scheduled in May. Decisions will be made by June 1, 2009.

The NH LEND Program is a collaborative effort of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth and the Institute on Disability, a University Center of Excellence in Disabilities (UCED), and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. The program provides interdisciplinary leadership training to those who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs and their families. Training experiences are individually designed to provide future leaders with both value-based and evidence-based training. Trainees develop leadership skills to improve the health status of infants, children, and adolescents with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs, and to enhance the systems of care for these children and their families. Through partnerships with faculty, families, and community partners, trainees work to provide collaborative, culturally competent, family-centered, community-based interdisciplinary approaches to meet the needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Research and policy training guide trainees’ understanding of public policy and health care practice for evidence-based, family-centered, and inclusive care for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Interdisciplinary clinical training is provided within the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth and community settings, as well as on the University of New Hampshire campus.

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