Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities

The Georgetown LEND (GULEND) is an interdisciplinary training program focused on strengthening the local services and supports for people with disabilities and their families across the lifespan. GULEND trains clinicians and related service providers at any level of their career alongside advocates and family members with lived experiences of disabilities. LEND is administered by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)  of the Health Resources and Services Administration. GULEND is part of a national network  of programs across the country that shares information and resources. LEND training began in the 1960s, and there are currently 60 LEND programs in 44 states, jurisdictions, and territories.

Applications for long-term trainees will be open from April 15th to June 15th of each academic year. Applications for the GULEND program for the 2025-6 academic year will be opening on April 15, 2025. In addition to providing an in-person class on Fridays from September to June that is co-taught by people with lived experiences of disabilities, GULEND partners with local, community-based providers who comprehensively serve children and youth with disabilities and their families. GULEND has a unique focus on disability policy and leadership for cultural and linguistic competence, and many of the GULEND faculty who contribute to our program are also involved in the work of the Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GUCEDD).

In collaboration with other universities and LEND programs regionally and nationally, GULEND offers:

  • Training that advances racial and health equity
  • Opportunities to enhance clinical skills for fellows who are clinicians or practitioners, or who are pre-service and preparing to enter clinical practice
  • Learning and observation opportunities in places where people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families are served across the lifespan
  • Critical inquiry and research
  • Advocacy training for people with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and family members and caregivers.

For more information, please contact Pamala Trivedi , GULEND Project Director.