MNLEND Now Accepting Fellowship Applications

ICI's Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MNLEND) program is recruiting its next cohort of MNLEND Fellows for 2019-20. This year-long graduate-level interdisciplinary program trains emerging leaders to advocate for, and improve the quality-of-life outcomes of, infants, children, and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and Down syndrome. MNLEND will offer 28-30 fellowships to self-advocates with disabilities, family members, community practitioners, graduate students, and post-doctoral students. Fellows receive generous award stipends. Applicants from under-represented racial and ethnic/linguistic communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

MNLEND Fellows vividly recall what the program has meant to them. John ("Jack") Reagan, from the 2017-18 fellowship class (pictured), wrote, "I think that overall LEND is the most incredible experience of my life, being able to network and develop evidence-based practice to influence systems. I value every aspect of LEND." His classmate, Pang Chaxiong, agreed and added: "LEND instilled in me this 'can-do' vibe...this 'I-am-the-one-to-do-it' attitude. As a growing leader, I will continue to think not only of the way things are, but also of the way things could be." Another classmate, Yusuf Samatar, reflected: "I learned about different leadership styles, and that a leader has to inspire and bring others together and create a positive environment. Meeting with professional people from different disciplines and fields was the opportunity of a lifetime. I learned about ASD/NDD from different researchers and professors... and each one of them was like a walking library. I also learned how to assess Positive Behavior Supports and how to manage problems behavior positively."

Applications are online. Inquiries should be directed to Rebecca Dosch Brown, MNLEND Program Coordinator. The deadline is March 1, 2019.