The Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is a federally-funded project aimed at expanding resources to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (ND) in the state. Program goals include training healthcare providers, parents, educators, and others to improve the health of children and others with ASD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, genetic, and other disorders that affect their quality of life. The focus is timely diagnosis, early identification and intervention, effective services, transition to the workforce, and increasing participation in family and peer activities such as school and the workplace.
Each year, long-term trainees (graduate students from up to 11 different disciplines, family members, and self-advocates) receive 300 hours of training in nine months. The training involves mentored experiences in clinical settings, classroom sessions, and community experiences to learn best practices, interprofessional teamwork, leadership development, and advocacy activities to prepare them to take on leadership roles in their respective fields. The training culminates in presentations by trainees on their efforts.
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AMBUCS and Adaptive Exercise
Gabriella Crugnale
Throughout my time in the LEND program, my main takeaway is the importance of working together as an interprofessional team to provide the families of and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities the care that they deserve. While working with children and families with neurodevelopmental disabilities, I have developed a passion for adaptive exercise and the Maine Trykers (Maine chapter of AMBUCs)....Read More
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Interprofessional Training: The Intersection of Disability, Cultural Responsiveness, and Implicit Bias in the New Mainer Population
MaryElizabeth Filon
Disparity in health and wellness can be reduced by training clinicians to recognize implicit bias and improve cultural responsiveness to patients with a double minority challenge.
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The Lifespan Wiaver: A Graphoc Conversation
Katy Finch
An illustrated conversation, in the comic style, based on four interviews conducted during the 2023-24 school year with people directly impacted by the proposed policy.
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Importance of The Autism Cares Act
Jessica C. Molloy
The Autism CARES Act (Combating Autism Reauthorization Act) is a U.S. legislation aimed at addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. Enacted in 2019, it emphasizes research, early detection, intervention, and support services for individuals across their lifespan. The Act provides funding for research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of autism, as well...Read More
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Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Tracking in the U.S and Advocacy
Elizabeth Olson
Informative PPT on Congenital CMV. Including information on state laws regarding testing and screening. Emphasis on advocacy and universal screening.
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Addressing Sensory Needs Of Adolescents Within A Residential Setting
Michaela Svendsen
This project is about bridging the gap for adolescents and their access to the tools needed to utilize coping skills and meeting their sensory needs. It sheds light on the process and limitations faced as well as background information and evidenced used to guide this project.
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