LEND Program
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities
VIUCEDD partners with the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD)
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Program to provide training opportunities for professionals and emerging leaders in
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each year, VIUCEDD recruits two trainees from St. Croix to
participate in the program, with Dr. Patsy Guthrie, NCC, NCSP serving as the local
LEND facilitator.
LEND is an interdisciplinary training program that brings together trainees from fields
such as education, psychology, social work, health care, rehabilitation, and other
disciplines that support children and adults with developmental disabilities and their
families.
Trainees make a significant commitment to the program, participating in
weekly Thursday sessions, interdisciplinary learning activities, and other program
requirements throughout the training year. Each trainee also completes a research
project focused on an area related to developmental disabilities, health, services, or
community needs.
Through the WIHD LEND partnership, Virgin Islands trainees have an opportunity to
strengthen their professional knowledge, learn alongside professionals from different
disciplines, and apply what they learn to the needs of individuals with disabilities and
families in the territory.