ADVANCING JUSTICE Integrating L aw and Policy into AUCD Network Training Programs

1. For over 40 years, the UCEDD/LEND training programs have focused on enhancing the knowledge of professionals who positively impact the lives of people with disabilities through evidence-based, family-centered, and culturally competent clinical experience as well as promoting leadership in clinical services, research, policy and advocacy, and teaching. UCEDDs and LENDs have a unique opportunity to train future lawyers and policymakers in the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Such training allows for students to perform groundbreaking research on federal and state legislation and to become well-versed in the law and policies affecting individuals with disabilities in their state. Throughout the last three years, over 15 Centers have trained at least one law and/or policy trainee, while other Centers are currently in the process of developing curriculum to incorporate these fields into their leadership training programs. AUCD applauds, and continues to support, the efforts of UCEDDs and LENDs in advancing justice and opportunity for individuals with disabilities through these trainee programs. “Our law and policy trainees not only understand the law and policy pertaining to the rights of children with disabilities, they also have the opportunity to apply that understanding by consulting on systemic problems, teaching colleagues about the law, and writing about legal issues. The LEND fellowship has also enabled our trainees to understand the work of other professionals—pediatricians, speech, physical and occupational therapists, social works and others—who work with children with disabilities and to develop their own cadre of experts to consult for future cases.” Sheryl Dicker, J.D. , Assistant Professor, Albert Einstein School of Medicine ADVANCING JUSTICEIntegrating Law and Policy into AUCD Network Training Programs • “I am a Law Trainee at the Cincinnati LEND Program and the mother of two children with disabilities.   The LEND Program offers me an in-depth look into the numerous legal and policy aspects concerning children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan. LEND is a great experience for attorneys and law students who want to become legal experts and advocates for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.” Sara Bitters, 2012 LEND Law Trainee, Cincinnati UCEDD “I worked as a UCEDD trainee while enrolled in a Public Administration graduate program.  Some of my trainee activities provided opportunities to explore my academic interests in understanding the intersection of disability, health, and policy issues.  For example, as a requirement for my degree, I completed a policy analysis paper on reducing barriers to health care for patients with disabilities using data, research and insight gained from my experience as a trainee. Working with a UCEDD while learning about public administration allowed me to see the importance of policies and programs affecting people with disabilities in real life.” Sharon Romelczyk, 2011 Trainee, Delaware UCEDD “Having a LEND trainee who is an attorney adds a new dimension to the program.  Now, discussions in seminars, in team meetings, and in project teams are enriched by an additional perspective. We are fortunate to have as a LEND trainee an attorney who is also the parent of two children with disabilities.  Her contributions to  LEND discussions from this dual perspective are extraordinarily helpful.” Dr. Karen Edwards, UCEDD/LEND Director, University of Cincinnati UCEDD