URLEND

Utah Regional Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Utah Regional LEND, also known as URLEND, covers the five-state area of Utah, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and WyomingIt is conducted jointly by the University of Utah Health Sciences Center - Department of Pediatrics and Utah State University - Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice and the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence.  


  Professionals, graduate students, and community members are trained to move beyond discipline boundaries to provide optimal services to children with special health care needs within a family-centered, culturally-responsive framework.  Self-Advocates and Parents/Guardians increase leadership and advocacy skills and provide invaluable lived insight. 

LEND programs are located throughout the United States.  Training in LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) philosophies is based on the nationally developed goals and objectives from Maternal & Child Health Leadership Competencies, a part of the Health Resources and Services Administration.   LEND's are funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.  

MCH Leadership Competencies


Find out more Utah Regional Lend and our unique partnership that conducts URLEND: 

University of Utah Health Sciences Center - Department of Pediatrics

Utah State University - Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice

Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence


More About Us 

Former Trainees Say ...

 "LEND ingrained in me the need to make appropriate referrals.  Because of my training, particularly with youth with hearing loss and autism, I better understand what to observe ."

 "LEND was the first place to open my eyes to the importance of policy involvement.  I've learned to be involved through my national and local professional organizations.  My voice is much louder when joined by these types of groups."


 "Through LEND partnerships, we were able to obtain and create wonderful videos to support families and early interventionists in providing quality care to children with hearing loss."