New Jersey Leadership Education In Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Interdisciplinary Fellowship (NJLEND)

This micro-credential provides graduate-level interdisciplinary training, fostering clinical, research, and community leadership in the disability field. Trainees engage in experiential learning, policy advocacy, and family-centered care while developing a deep understanding of public health systems, cultural competency, and evidence-based practice. Awarded for the completion of NJLEND, which is NJ Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program and is part of a national network of LEND programs.

This program provides graduate-level interdisciplinary training, fostering clinical, research, and community leadership in the disability field. Fellows, consisting of graduate level students and members of the disability community such as family members and self-advocates, engage in experiential learning, policy advocacy, and family-centered care while developing a deep understanding of public health systems, cultural competency, and evidence-based practice. Through collaborative learning and direct engagement with individuals with lived experience with disability, NJLEND fellows strengthen their ability to contribute to equitable, inclusive healthcare, educational, and community systems.

Competencies and Assessments

1. NJLEND Fellows will increase their understanding of the essential elements of leadership, build their leadership skills, and reflect upon their unique leadership path, using the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Leadership Competencies and its structure of self, other, community.
   Assessment: Pre/post Leadership self-assessment, Leadership Journey presentation, development and presentation of a personal leadership definition.

2. NJLEND Fellows will explore and practice interdisciplinary teamwork.

   Assessment: Pre/Post NJLEND Competency Self-Assessment, development of cohort CREST, reflection about CREST experience.

3. NJLEND Fellows will be prepared to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent care addressing the complex needs of children with ASD and related disabilities and their families. 
   Assessment: Reflection papers, pre/post NJLEND Cultural Competency self-assessment, and pre/post NJLEND Competency self-assessment.

4. NJLEND Fellows will develop an understanding of the importance of advocacy on behalf of and by individuals with disabilities, as well as the knowledge of the policy process and key pieces of legislation that are critical for the disability community.
   Assessment: Policy meeting reflection, legislative advocacy activity, and participation in policy roleplay, and Pre/Post NJLEND self-assessment.