Stipends for a Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND)
The Waisman Center University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) offers stipends to parents of children with developmental disabilities, and graduate students in the disciplines of:
- Audiology
- Genetic Counseling
- Health Administration
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Speech and Language
These competitive awards are available to graduate students, post-graduates, and parents of a child with a disability with an expressed interest in developing leadership skills to improve systems of care for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and the families. Stipends (up to $6,000) are for a full academic year, with a minimum of 300 hours devoted to LEND‐related activities.
Interdisciplinary Leadership Education Program Design
The curriculum of the Leadership Education Program is designed around leadership goals set forth by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). It incorporates interdisciplinary didactic and practica experiences to help participants develop awareness, knowledge, and skill in the areas of interdisciplinary clinical care, family needs and preferences, and public health.
Curriculum Emphases
- Interdisciplinary Team Functioning
- Clinical and Scientific Understanding of Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities
- Cultural Competency
- Family Centered Care
- Community-based Coordinated Services
- Public Health System
- Public Policy and System Advocacy
- Genetics
- Applied Research
- Leadership Theory and Application
Conditions of Support for MCH Stipends for graduate students include:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident visa.
- Enrollment in graduate program. Individuals who have completed a graduate degree but would like this additional training can be considered, as well as a parent or family member of a child with a disability.
- Full-time student status (if applying as a graduate student). Part‐time students can be considered.
- Commitment to a minimum of 300 hours of MCH leadership training over the academic year.
Criteria
Beyond the basic qualifications given above, the ideal candidate will possess characteristics which include: good verbal and communication skills, self‐motivation, basic disciplinary clinical skills, flexibility and adaptability, ability to teach and share knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills.
Evidence of these qualities will be sought through an applicant's demonstration of personal, academic, clinical, research, community and health care systems achievements.
Application Process
All interested applicants are asked to submit:
- a copy of academic transcript;
- a curriculum vitae or resume;
- an application (Application materials are available at the address given below or online);
- a recommendation form completed by an advisor, teacher or work supervisor. (available to download and print)
An interdisciplinary interview will be conducted with qualified applicants.
Individuals with disabilities, family member of children with disabilities, and/or people from racial/ethnic minority groups are encouraged to apply. Applications received by April 25, 2011 will be considered for spring review and decision. Additional applications will be accepted until August 6, 2011.
Anne B. Harris, PhD
The Waisman Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1500 Highland Avenue, Room S101C
Madison, WI 53705‐2280
608–263–5796