The New Hampshire MCH-LEND Program provides interdisciplinary leadership training to those who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs and their families. Training experiences are individually designed to provide future leaders with evidence-based training. Trainees will develop leadership skills to improve the health status of infants, children, and adolescents with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs, and to enhance the systems of care for these children and their families. Research and policy training will guide trainees' understanding of public policy and health care practice for evidence-based, culturally competent, family-centered, and inclusive care for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Interdisciplinary clinical training is provided within the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, community settings, and the Seacoast Child Development Clinic on the University of New Hampshire campus.
Over the course of one year, trainees develop knowledge and skills in: prevention and treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities, typical human development, consumer perspectives, family-centered practice, health policy, cultural competence, principles of system change, leadership development, community services, school and community inclusion, collaborative teamwork, and service coordination.
A Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Children's Health and Disability is available to applicants who successfully complete the program. Graduate and postgraduate credits are available to all trainees.
Traineeship stipends are available to qualified applicants who possess leadership potential, an interest in maternal and child health and neurodevelopmental disabilities, and strong academic or professional credentials in the fields of:
The New Hampshire MCH-LEND Program is seeking committed and energized trainees interested in becoming future leaders and change agents on behalf of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. If youare enrolled in graduate study in audiology, health policy and administration, nursing, occupational therapy, pediatric dentistry, pediatrics, physical therapy, nutrition, social work, special education, or speech and language pathology you are eligible to apply. We provide $6,600/year to qualified applicants and support national travel to professional conferences and leadership seminars. Trainees earn a Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Children's Health and Disability from the University of New Hampshire.
Interested individuals can apply by contacting Rae Sonnenmeier, Interdisciplinary Training Director, at 603-862-1860 or MCH.LEND@unh.edu . The Application and Selection Process includes an interview and review of the following materials: letter of intent, current resume, transcripts, two letters of reference, and a paper.
Long-term traineeships require a minimum commitment of the equivalent of 2 days (16 hours) per week for a 10-month period. Intermediate Traineeships consist of the equivalent of 1 day (8 hours) per week for a 10-month period.
The NH MCH-LEND Program is a collaborative effort of the Department of Pediatrics at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, the Institute on Disability, a University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and School of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire.
Trainees are part of a national network and have opportunities to attend conferences, present research papers, and be a part of policy seminars in Washington, D.C. Currently, there are 36 LEND Programs in 29 states. The programs focus on children with special health care needs, including autism and cerebral palsy, neurodegenerative and acquired neurological disorders, and multiple disabilities. All LEND Programs operate within a university system and most have collaborative arrangements with local university hospitals, children's hospitals, and/or health care centers. This network also supports trainees seeking employment outside of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire has achieved national recognition in recent years for its innovative approaches to supporting people with disabilities and their families and for fostering communities where everyone belongs. Attending regular classes in neighborhood schools, home ownership, real employment, family support, and access to quality health care and related services in local communities are typical experiences for a growing number of people with disabilities and their families in New Hampshire. These positive experiences are the direct result of collaborative efforts among the University Center of Excellence, community organizations, individuals with disabilities, state policy leaders, and families. A new generation of leaders in the field of disability and family support is emerging, energized, influenced, and educated by the New Hampshire Maternal Child Health and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities.
"The LEND experience has had a profound impact on the way I think and conduct myself professionally. Working side by side with families has been an enormous benefit to helping me understand the challenges families face in accessing services and discovering strategies for breaking down barriers. I continue to draw upon the skills gained through the LEND program and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate." ~NH MCH-LEND Trainee 2002
"It's an opportunity to strengthen leadership skills you have and strengthen skills you may not have known you had. The LEND program helps trainees to be proactive in making a difference in society bu giving them an opportunity to participate in research projects, policy issues, interdisciplinary team evaluations and medical clinics, all the while building upon and expanding their knowledge and skills in their particular discipline, as well as in the disability field." ~NH MCH-LEND Trainee 2003
Rae Sonnenmeier, Ph.D.
Interdisciplinary Training Director
NH MCH-LEND Program - Institute on Disability/UCED
University of New Hampshire
312 Morrill Hall
Durham, New Hampshire 03824-9987
Voice/TDD (603) 862-0561
FAX (603) 862-0034
MCH.LEND@unh.edu
John B. Moeschler, M.D.
Director, NH MCH-LEND Program
Children's Hospital at Dartmouth
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
(603) 650-7884
Visit the ChaD web site at: http://www.dhmc.org
This project is supported by a grant (6 T73 MC 00024-08-01) from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.