New Mexico Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (NMLEND) is a program within the Center for Development and Disability (CDD), within the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. It is part of a national network of programs administered by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).
New Mexicans with disabilities and their families need highly trained professionals who have the knowledge, skills and leadership abilities to partner with families in helping their members reach their full potential. NM LEND works to meet that need.
The purpose of the LEND training programs is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities. They accomplish this by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence.
The NM LEND program includes, but is not limited to, faculty and trainees in:
The purpose of the LEND training programs is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities. They accomplish this by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence.
The NM LEND program includes, but is not limited to, faculty and trainees in:
LEND programs provide long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training as well as interdisciplinary services and care. LEND programs operate within a university system, usually as part of a University Center for Excellence (UCEDD) or other larger entity, and collaborate with local university hospitals and/or health care centers. This set-up gives them the expert faculty, facilities, and other resources necessary to provide exceptional interdisciplinary training and services.
There are 60 LEND programs in every state, the District of Columbia, the United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and six Pacific Basin jurisdictions, either as an awardee or in partnership with a LEND program.
Collectively, they form a national network that shares information and resources and maximizes their impact. They work together to address national issues of importance to children with special health care needs and their families, exchange best practices and develop shared products. They also come together regionally to address specific issues and concerns.
While each LEND program is unique, with its own focus and expertise, they all provide interdisciplinary training, have faculty and trainees in a wide range of disciplines, and include parents or family members as paid program participants.
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs.
AUCD is a national association that supports Network members in their research, training, education, and service so that together, AUCD and Network members can promote the quality of life, health, and well-being of people with disabilities. Network members consist of:
These Centers and Programs serve and are located in every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers. They serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change.
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities' (AUCD) mission is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, health, and service activities that achieve our vision.
The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) is a federal bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
In the 1980’s the LEND programs were funded under Title V of the Social Security Act and were administered through MCHB. As a result of the Autism CARES Act of 2014, the LEND programs are funded under the Public Health Service Act.
The University of New Mexico
Center for Development and Disability
NM LEND Program
2300 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Email: HSC-NM-LEND@salud.unm.edu
