The University of Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (CT LEND) program is a one-year interdisciplinary leadership training program for persons with disabilities, family members, practicing professionals and graduate students at UConn and other Connecticut universities.
CT LEND is one of 60 LEND programs across the country that focus on training future leaders from a wide variety of professional disciplines to improve quality of life outcomes for children, youth, and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism.
The training program requires the completion of coursework, research studies, advocacy projects, and community practicum assignments with infants, children, and youth with developmental disabilities.
WEEKLY SEMINAR SERIES
THIS WEEK IN CT LEND
Seminar 8 - System Change: Advocacy
March 13, 2026
Location: Connecticut Legislative Office Building
Trainees will explore the role of advocacy in systems change, including how civil rights laws, policy analysis, and direct engagement with legislators can advance equity and improve outcomes for individuals with developmental and other disabilities.
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Legislative Session
Trainees participate in an advocacy project that culminates in a visit to Connecticut legislators. Trainees work in groups to identify a systemic need affecting individuals with disabilities. Each group prepares a presentation for a legislator that outlines the problem and presents a research-based, realistic solution. As part of the training, legislators are invited to serve as “faculty” for the morning.
In this role, legislators participate in mock meetings with small groups of graduate students who present a disability-related issue and a research-based, realistic solution. We have held this training at the Capitol for the past several years and have consistently received very positive feedback from legislators who assist us.
The goal is to help trainees learn how to communicate effectively with policymakers and become stronger advocates in their respective fields. Legislators serving as faculty provide feedback on the presentations, share insights about what works well in legislative communication, and discuss what is most helpful when advocates bring issues forward.
Program Objectives
Advance the knowledge and skills of all child health professionals to improve health care delivery systems for children with developmental disabilities
Provide high-quality interdisciplinary education that emphasizes the integration of services from state and local agencies and organizations, private providers, and communities
Provide health professionals with skills that foster community-based partnerships
Promote innovative practices to enhance cultural competency, family-centered care, and interdisciplinary partnerships