New Hampshire-Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program
Project Description:
The purpose of the NH LEND Program matches that of MCH: improving the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have, or are at risk for developing, neurodevelopmental and other related disabilities (NDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), by expanding interdisciplinary training opportunities for graduate-level trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines. The specialized needs of children and youth with NDD/ASD require a highly trained professional workforce. Critical personnel shortages in MCH professions negatively impact the lives of children and youth with NDD/ASD and their families. The NH-ME LEND Program seeks to address these critical needs through exemplary interdisciplinary training. GOAL 1: Increase the number of trained providers available to diagnose and treat children and youth with complex NDD and other related disabilities, including ASD. Obj. 1.1 Recruit 23 long-term trainees; 16 from NH, 6 from ME, and 1 from Title V annually. Obj. 1.2 Recruit 2 racially/ethnically diverse trainees annually. Obj. 1.3 Recruit 5 trainees from medically underserved areas annually. Obj. 1.4 Provide a minimum of 3 Continuing Education activities for 150 Short- & 100 Medium-term Trainees Annually. GOAL 2: Train graduate/doctoral/postdoctoral students on the complex needs of those with NDD and other related disabilities, including ASD, in an interdisciplinary manner. Obj. 2.1 Trainees demonstrate content knowledge in MCHB areas of interest through a grade of B or above in didactic training. Obj. 2.2 23 long-term trainees demonstrate improved leadership skills with average score of 252 or above on the MCH Leadership Competencies Assessment. Obj. 2.3 Trainees demonstrate high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence with a score of 3.5 or higher (5-point scale) on the Evaluation of Interdisciplinary Clinical Skills Assessment. GOAL 3: NH-ME LEND Technical Assistance, Communications & Dissemination Plans are Developed and Successfully Implemented. Obj 3.1 The NH-ME LEND Technical Assistance Plan will be reviewed and updated with specific areas for improvement noted. Obj 3.2 The NH-ME LEND Communications Plan will be reviewed and updated with specific areas for improvement noted. Obj 3.3 Faculty will disseminate at least 25 publications annually. GOAL 4: Organizational and Administrative Structures are Developed and Successfully Implemented. Obj. 4.1: NH LEND Program Evaluation plan is used to improve program performance on a quarterly basis as measured by Program Evaluation Chart. Obj. 4.2: Executive Committee meets annually to assure success and address barriers. Obj. 4.3 Advisory Committee meets annually to address all aspects of training experience. Obj. 4.4 The Management Team meets twice monthly to address all aspects of the Program and inter-state relationship. METHODOLOGY: Trainees will engage in 100 hours of Leadership training, 100 hours of Interdisciplinary Clinical Training, 100 hours of formal didactic training, 50 hours of research activity and 50 hours of policy and advocacy work. At least 60% of each cohort will be graduate trainees, 20% will be family trainees, and 20% will be community fellows. COORDINATION: The NH LEND faculty and trainees are active partners in service delivery, policy development, and research through collaboration with national, regional, state and local health organizations. Partners and advisors include: Families & Consumers, Title V, NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Office of Minority Health. EVALUATION: The programs evaluation plan will include documenting outcomes and impacts of the project related to fund expenditures. Evaluation efforts will be fully integrated and guided by project goals. OUTCOMES: During the project period the NH-ME LEND Program will provide exemplary interdisciplinary training for 115 long-term and 1,250 short and medium-term trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in Maternal and Child Health for children and youth with NDD/ASD and their families.
Keyword(s):
Interdisciplinary, Leadership, Disabilities, Outcomes, Title V
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Legislators/Policy Makers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Another State, Single-County, Mulit-County, State, Regional
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
