Abstract
Problem:
There is a critical need for high quality leadership training in the provision of family-centered, culturally and linguistically responsive, interdisciplinary services to improve the health and well-being of individuals who have or are at risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) and their families in South Dakota and the Midwest.
Goals and objectives:
Goal 1: SD LEND educates pre-service trainees to assume leadership roles in the provision of services for individuals who have or are at risk for developing ASD/DD and their families.Objective 1: 80 graduate student trainees will complete the SD LEND training curriculum.Objective 2: 5 parents/family members and 5 self-advocate trainees will complete SD LEND.Objective 3: Within five years of completion, 70% of graduates will be working in MCH fields.Objective 4: Within five years of completion, 70% of graduates will be in leadership roles.Goal 2: SD LEND will enhance the capacity of providers across the region to serve individuals with ASD/DD and their families through continuing education and technical assistance.Objective 1: SD LEND will conduct 15 continuing education activities.Objective 2: SD LEND will participate in 5 continuing education activities addressing evidence-based practices for screening, early identification, differential diagnosis, and treatment of ASD/DD.Objective 3: 4000 practicing healthcare professionals will receive continuing education/technical assistance provided by, or in collaboration with, the SD LEND Program.Goal 3: SD LEND will promote collaborative relationships to enhance the care of individuals with ASD/DD and their families in the state of South Dakota and the Midwest.Objective 1: SD LEND will continue its collaboration with the Title V program of the SD DOH.Objective 2: SD LEND will continue to actively negotiate for improved systems of care.Objective 3: SD LEND will continue partnership with the Midwest LEND Consortium.Objective 4: SD LEND will continue to develop a pipeline of future professionals from underrepresented and underserved populations.Goal 4: Research, the pursuit of new knowledge and best practices, and the dissemination of findings will continue to be an integral part of the SD LEND Program at all levels.Objective 1: SD LEND trainees will complete training in the basics of clinical research design.Objective 2: SD LEND trainees will be required to conduct a research project.Activities Undertaken: SD LEND will continue to provide yearlong graduate training in the provision of services for individuals who have or are at risk for developing ASD/DD and their families.
Coordination:
SD LEND is conducted by the Center for Disabilities of the USD SSOM with South Dakota State University, Augustana University, SD Department of Health Title V Program, Sanford Children's Hospital, Lifescape, and Tribal Colleges.
Evaluation:
SD LEND is evaluated on the basis of the number of trainees who complete the program and on the basis of the national MCHB LEND Performance Measures.