Apply to the LEND Program

Thank you for your interest in applying to the OSU LEND Program at the Nisonger Center. Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the purpose of LEND is to prepare leaders to improve the health of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families.

LEND trainees participate in at least 300 hours of training to develop leadership skills in interdisciplinary practice, cultural and linguistic awareness and sensitivity, family centered care, and health equity.

Who Should Apply?

  • Advanced Master’s students
  • Doctoral students
  • Post-Doctoral students
  • Community professionals who have completed the basic professional level of training in their discipline
  • Family members and self-advocates interested in policy and advocacy

Application

Applicants to LEND should email the LEND faculty from their discipline and submit and letter of interest and resume by March 1st of the academic year. Family advocate and self-advocate applications are due by May 1st of the academic year.

To apply to the LEND Program, you should submit a letter of interest and resume to the LEND faculty member from your discipline (see below). If you have questions about who should receive your application, contact Dr. Andrea Witwer. Your letter should include the following:

  1. Why you are interested in becoming a LEND trainee.
  2. Your goals and objectives while in the LEND program.
  3. How participation in LEND matches your future plans.

Primary Disciplines and Faculty Contacts

Community applicants (and students from any additional related disciplines) should contact Dr. Andrea Witwer.

Apply to be a LEND Family Advocate

Apply to be a LEND Self-Advocate