Curriculum - Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Va-LEND) Curriculum for Academic Track Long-Term Trainees (300 hours minimum – 12 credit hours)
IDDS 604 LEND Seminar I (4 credit hours): This semester-long seminar focuses on interdisciplinary teamwork practices and leadership skill development. Historical perspective of developmental disabilities and introduction to disability culture and policy are included. A family - centered approach is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Seminar I must be completed before enrolling in Seminar II. Seminar I meets in the Fall Semester, Wednesdays, 4:30 - 8:00 pm.
IDDS 605 LEND Seminar II (4 credit hours): This semester-long seminar focuses on evidence-based practices of assessment and intervention for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay/intellectual disability, sensory disabilities, motor disabilities, and congenital disorders. The seminar also addresses the life course of people with disabilities, and transition issues. A Data Workshop, included in the Seminar, examines how to use a large data set to answer a question as a lens to interpreting research literature about children with disabilities and their families. Trainees develop a conference quality research poster and present it at a symposium. Seminar II meets in the Spring Semester, Wednesdays, 4:30 - 8:00 pm.
IDDS 672 Practica and Leadership Project (4 credit hours) includes the following components which are completed across the LEND experience: The Clinical and Community Practicum offers trainees an opportunity to function as interdisciplinary team members and leaders in addressing the needs of children with disabilities or other special health care needs within the framework of family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care through participation in Va LEND interdisciplinary clinics. Additionally, trainees also have the opportunity to observe a number of clinical sites at VCU Health System MCV Campus, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, VCU Child Development Clinic. The Clinical and Community Practicum offers trainees an opportunity to function as interdisciplinary team members and leaders in addressing the needs of children with disabilities or other special health care needs within the framework of family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care through participation in Va LEND interdisciplinary clinics. Additionally, trainees also have the opportunity to observe a number of clinical sites at VCU Health System MCV Campus, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, VCU Child Development Clinic. In the Policy Practica, trainees investigate current and proposed public policy initiatives as they apply to children and youth with disabilities and their families throughout their LEND experience. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC. or in other state or national advocacy experiences. The practicum consists of at least 20 hours of policy-related activities. Each trainee, supported by their mentor, develops an individualized Leadership Project, provide experience in community and systems-level work. This capstone experience offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills and to use strategies developed in the leadership seminar series.

Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Va-LEND)

Curriculum for Academic Track Long-Term Trainees

(300 hours minimum – 12 credit hours)

IDDS 604 LEND Seminar I (4 credit hours): This semester-long seminar focuses on interdisciplinary teamwork practices and leadership skill development. Historical perspective of developmental disabilities and introduction to disability culture and policy are included. A family - centered approach is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Seminar I must be completed before enrolling in Seminar II. Seminar I meets in the Fall Semester, Wednesdays, 4:30 - 8:00 pm.

IDDS 605 LEND Seminar II (4 credit hours): This semester-long seminar focuses on evidence-based practices of assessment and intervention for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay/intellectual disability, sensory disabilities, motor disabilities, and congenital disorders. The seminar also addresses the life course of people with disabilities, and transition issues. A Data Workshop, included in the Seminar, examines how to use a large data set to answer a question as a lens to interpreting research literature about children with disabilities and their families. Trainees develop a conference quality research poster and present it at a symposium. Seminar II meets in the Spring Semester, Wednesdays, 4:30 - 8:00 pm.

IDDS 672 Practica and Leadership Project (4 credit hours) includes the following components which are completed across the LEND experience:

The Clinical and Community Practicum offers trainees an opportunity to function as interdisciplinary team members and leaders in addressing the needs of children with disabilities or other special health care needs within the framework of family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care through participation in Va LEND interdisciplinary clinics. Additionally, trainees also have the opportunity to observe a number of clinical sites at VCU Health System MCV Campus, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, VCU Child Development Clinic.
The Clinical and Community Practicum offers trainees an opportunity to function as interdisciplinary team members and leaders in addressing the needs of children with disabilities or other special health care needs within the framework of family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care through participation in Va LEND interdisciplinary clinics. Additionally, trainees also have the opportunity to observe a number of clinical sites at VCU Health System MCV Campus, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, VCU Child Development Clinic.
In the Policy Practica, trainees investigate current and proposed public policy initiatives as they apply to children and youth with disabilities and their families throughout their LEND experience. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, DC. or in other state or national advocacy experiences. The practicum consists of at least 20 hours of policy-related activities.
Each trainee, supported by their mentor, develops an individualized Leadership Project, provide experience in community and systems-level work. This capstone experience offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills and to use strategies developed in the leadership seminar series.