Iowa's LEND trainees participated in the second annual virtual research poster symposium in May. Twenty-eight trainees from a variety of disciplines presented.

Though the poster session went virtual last year due to the pandemic, and was held virtually again this year, the format has proven to be a very successful platform for the event. Virtual access has made it possible for an even larger audience to join the symposium, which provides a demonstration of dedication and hard work, and the talent and passion, of the ILEND trainees.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, the trainees completed assignments to increase their knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary clinical care, disability policy, culturally responsive care, and family/patient and professional partnerships. Throughout the year, they were mentored by ILEND core faculty as they participated in seminars, clinical observations, and the "Parents as Mentors" program. Trainees completed more than 370 hours of training as they pursued their research projects.

Their disciplines included audiology, family, mental health counseling, pediatric dentistry, public health, psychology, school counseling, self-advocacy, and more. Topics ranged from evidence-based sexual health curriculum for individuals with ID/DD to ABA knowledge among health professionals in Puerto Rico to the integration of social determinants into health care delivery.

Two days after the poster session, these new emerging leaders participated in a virtual graduation ceremony. Visit the ILEND 2021 Research Poster Presentation webpage to take a look at all of the research posters, and read the project summaries for each: https://uihc.org/ucedd/lend-poster-presentation-2021

Link to the Iowa LEND homepage: https://uihc.org/ucedd/iowa-lend

For questions or more information, get in touch with Julie Temple, Iowa LEND Training Coordinator, at: [email protected]