GaLEND Program Engages Next Generation of Disability Leaders

The Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND) program at Georgia State University addresses many of today’s healthcare shortages through the interdisciplinary training of healthcare professionals.

GaLEND is a one-year interdisciplinary training experience that prepares tomorrow’s leaders to provide coordinated, culturally competent, and family-centered care to children and their families. LEND programs operate within a university system, usually as part of a University Center for Excellence (UCEDD) or other larger entity. The GaLEND program is administered by the Center for Leadership in Disability, a unit of the Georgia State School of Public Health.

“Since the LEND program’s inaugural year in 2011, it has engaged more than 240 individuals with and without disabilities as long-term trainees. These individuals have gone on to make substantial contributions in clinical care, public health systems, education, and advocacy,” said Mark Crenshaw, Director of Interdisciplinary Training. “They are working today to improve the quality of care and the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Georgia and throughout the nation.”

About one in six children aged 3-17 have one or more developmental disabilities, including autism. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to physical, learning, language, or behavioral impairment. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. As a result, children with developmental disabilities often have increased healthcare and service needs. Unfortunately, a limited number of healthcare providers are trained to meet the needs of children with developmental disabilities.

“We all have unique experiences that have brought us to the table of advocating for acknowledgment, respect and support of individuals with disabilities,” said Catherine Citta, an alumna of the GaLEND program. Citta is pursuing her doctorate in early childhood special education at the University of Georgia (UGA) and previously worked as a preschool special education teacher and developmental specialist.

All LEND trainees must have a demonstrated interest in improving the lives of individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities and their families, as well as a commitment to pursuing leadership roles in advocacy, policy, direct support, clinical practice, education and research.

Most GaLEND trainees hold or are pursuing master's or doctoral degrees at Georgia State University (GSU) or UGA. “GaLEND provides a unique opportunity for GSU and UGA graduate students across disciplines to learn how to advance systems and policy change to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families,” said Emily Graybill, GaLEND Director.

GSU GaLEND trainees are from graduate programs within the College of Law, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Public Health, and the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions. UGA graduate students come from the Mary Frances Early College of Education and the School of Social Work. Trainees also include community members who are individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, early career professionals and community practitioners.

LEND gives trainees the tools to become exceptional model clinicians in their disciplines in caring for children with developmental disabilities and their families and to become leaders in interdisciplinary services with families who need their support. LEND also supports local, state, and national healthcare systems through research, continuing education, and program development. Engaging Georgia’s Next Generation of Leaders.

To learn more about GaLEND at GSU, go to cld.gsu.edu/LEND.