Oregon Health & Sciences University

Problem:

Meeting all the needs of and resolving the disparities plaguing children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families will require interdisciplinary training of strong and creative leaders who possess the knowledge, skills, vision and values necessary to effect change.

Goals and Objectives:

GOAL 1: Leadership training of individuals from a broad range of disciplines. Obj. 1.1: Maintain a highly qualified core faculty Obj. 1.2: Recruit top-notch long-term and short-term graduate trainees annually Obj. 1.3: Teach trainees about neurodevelopmental disabilities and develop their leadership capacities GOAL 2: Collaboration with specified agencies on training and research. Obj. 2.1: Collaborate with other UCEDDs, other LEND programs, and Title V for exemplary service provision and provide staff training and consultation Obj. 2.2: Collaborate with the OODH on population-based disability activities Obj. 2.3: Develop cooperative projects through a partnership among the six western LEND programs (the PacWest Consortium) GOAL 3: Collaboration with the above groups and other agencies to provide continuing education, technical assistance, and consultation to the community Obj. 3.1: Collaborate with Title V and others to develop distance-learning opportunities Obj. 3.2: Collaborate with other local and national agencies to provide continuing education for community-based providers and consumers Obj. 3.3: Collaborate to expand participation in community assessment and service with Title V community-based clinics, school districts and with rural medical homes GOAL 4: Influence and advance policy and clinical practice. Obj. 4.1: Promote and expand parent and family involvement Obj. 4.2: Develop a long-range recruitment plan focusing on multicultural populations Obj. 4.3: Participate in research activities and research training GOAL 5: Implement Healthy People 2010 objectives. Obj. 5.1: Emphasize oral health (focus 21) by creating joint training and advocacy activities in collaboration with the OHSU Pediatric Dentistry residency Obj. 5.2: Address disability and secondary conditions (focus 6) by teaching interdisciplinary approaches to the application and acquisition of appropriate assistive devices and technology for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities Obj. 5.3: Address maternal, infant, and child health objectives (focus 16) by educational efforts aimed at promoting pre-natal care, folic acid supplementation, and advocating establishment of a medical home for every child with special needs

Methodology:

The Project is advantageously placed in the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) which has long been closely allied with Oregon Title V. Resources for training include a CDRC faculty of more than 60 individuals, a large and diverse clinical program, and numerous complementary grants and projects. The LEND Project further draws upon the resources of other OHSU departments and facilities, plus those of nearby universities, community agencies, and local and national organizations. The interdisciplinary leadership core curriculum of the Project is designed by the Training Coordinators representing 15 professional disciplines plus family faculty. The Project annually recruits long-term trainees of high quality and great potential for leadership from 14 of the 16 represented disciplines (including family). These trainees are provided a core of experiences essential for professionals who will become leaders at every level, focusing on children with special needs and their families. Mentored leadership experience is infused throughout the curriculum, and a value system that emphasizes cultural competence and family-centered and community-based care pervades all activities. Training formats include didactic instruction, supervised clinical service, community-based practica, and mentored research experiences.

Coordination:

The Project, now completing its 38th year, maintains collaborative relationships with Oregon's Title V program. The Project provides in-service training and technical assistance to Title V and places trainees in various Title V programs for clinical and leadership practicum experiences. The Project maintains on-going partnerships with the AUCD, specific LEND collaborations (the Pacific West Consortium), OHSU allied health programs, and numerous community agencies.

Evaluation:

The Project evaluation plan stems from the objectives and addresses both formative (process) and summative (product) informed variables. Measures address project outputs including numbers and types of trainees, clinical services, and community education events. The NIRS data system is fully utilized. Assessments of trainee competencies, leadership skills, and knowledge, are accomplished. The national MCH performance measures and consumer satisfaction are also assessed. Long-range outcomes are measured through follow-up surveys of long-term trainees.