Virginia LEND (Virginia Commonwealth University

Download

VA - Seed Meeting Materials and Handouts.pdf (619KB) [download] Findings from the (169KB) [download] Curriculum Requirements for Pilot Medium-Term Family Trainee (152KB) [download] VA-2018 Lend poster final (1).pdf (1,196KB) [download]

Project Summary:

Implement a series of recruitment and support endeavors to increase the participation of family members of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities; engage current and former Family Mentors as part of this process and identifying leadership opportunities that will assist in preparing Family Trainees for future leadership roles.

Objectives Accomplished:

• Used survey input to identify barriers to family participation in LEND activities
• Held a one-day "Seed Meeting" of former, current, and future Family Trainees to discuss, prioritize, and suggest options for supports that families need to increase their participation as Trainee and Mentors
• Faculty analyzed and discussed "Seed Meeting" findings and developed a set of recommendations, including:

1. Eliminate the need for a degree
2. Offer adequate stipends
3. Create alternative formats for coursework and training

• Developed and began implementing a new family recruitment strategy, beginning with their 2015-2016 cohort
• Created a fact sheet with roles and responsibilities of Family Faculty members

Outcomes

For a summary of longterm project outcomes, see the above attached 2018 AUCD Conference Poster. 

Primary Contact:

Beth Bader | [email protected]