Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Project Abstract
Problem: In Kentucky (KY), many children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and
other developmental disabilities (DD) receive poorly coordinated healthcare, with considerable
variability across the state. Healthcare inequities for children and families are further exacerbated
for those with multiple identities. Effective family centered, culturally competent, and community
responsive care for children and youth with ASD/DD requires leadership, innovation, and
commitment to the implementation of evidence-based practices.
Goals: KY’s LEND will 1) provide a unique emphasis on persons with multiple identities, their
mental health, and the perspectives of self-advocates; 2) increase the clinical expertise and
leadership skills of practicing KY professionals and families who care for children and youth with
ASD/DD; and 3) increase collaboration with universities, agencies and statewide health and
employment initiatives across KY that train students and professionals to serve children and youth
with ASD/DD.
Methodology: KY’s LEND curriculum includes required components for long-term trainees taking
part in this one year experience: 1) four Core Courses that comprehensively cover ASD/DD,
interdisciplinary care, family-centered care, health equity and diversity, leadership skills,
partnership-based research skills, quality improvement, emerging issues in the field of ASD/DD,
public health communication, and teaching skills; 2) the Family and Self-Advocacy Collaboration
Program to enhance trainees'' understanding of multiple identities and family and self-advocate
perspectives, providing community experiences with family members, individuals with NDD and
advocacy organizations; 3) the LEND Clinical program (emphasizing technology and telehealth)
involving interdisciplinary ASD/DD clinical evaluations and medical services for children and
youth; and, 4) the LEND Research Leadership Program, which is a set of mentored research
activities culminating in the completion of a research project and formal presentation.
Collaboration: KY’s LEND will combine the expertise of faculty and professionals from three
major universities for a broad reach across the state, including the University of Kentucky (UK),
the University of Louisville (UL), and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Collaborating partners
include UK’s Developmental Pediatrics; College of Health Sciences; and Early Childhood, Special
Education, and Counselor Education; as well as KY’s Department for Behavioral Health and
Kentucky’s Act Early Ambassador program. National partnerships include the Center for Dignity
in Healthcare, National Training Center on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and
National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources
Evaluation: We will evaluate the progress of the LEND program through trainee, clinical
supervisor, and faculty reports. We will use self-report, observational, and clinical supervisory
measures for LEND core competencies that are administered pre- and post-LEND training. These
measures will demonstrate the influence of LEND trainees on the advancement of ASD/DD
knowledge and practice across the Commonwealth.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 7/1/21 → 6/30/24 |
Funding
- Health Resources and Services Administration: $573,064.00
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