Family and Advocate/
Self-Advocate Opportunities
The LEND program has long recognized the value of including family members of individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as advocates/self-advocates in its interdisciplinary training of future healthcare leaders. By providing their unique perspective, family members and advocates/self-advocates help ensure that policies and practices reflect a commitment to family-centered care. If you are a family member of someone with a disability and/or an advocate/self-advocate and are motivated by your experiences to improve systems of service for people with disabilities and their families, you can participate in our LEND program.
Areas of Involvement for Families
and Advocates/Self-Advocates
Panel Speaker
Hearing from caregivers outside of the clinical setting is vital to the development of family-centered care skills.
Family Mentor Project (FMP)
The purpose of the Family Mentor Project is for LEND trainees to gain a better understanding of the lived experience of raising a child with a disability. Family Mentors meet virtually with trainees and share their perspectives of navigating medical, educational and community spaces. This experience offers Mentor Families a way to share their stories with future providers and teaches trainees the value of forming collaborative partnerships with the families they serve. If you are interested in volunteering with LEND in this capacity, please contact lendtraining@cchmc.org.
Become a LEND Family Trainee
Take your advocacy skills to the next level by being a LEND Family Trainee.
Become a LEND Advocate/Self-Advocate Trainee
Take your leadership skills to the next level by being a LEND Advocate/Self-Advocate Trainee.