There remains an unmet need for quality health care systems for children with, and at risk for, neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families in Ohio. Severe disparities persist in the availability and quality of health services depending on the families’ income, ethnic background and geographic location. Through its own activities and the impact of its graduates, the LEND Program at Nisonger Center UCEDD; The Ohio State University (OSU) contributes to the development of systems of care for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families. These efforts will advance the state, region and nation towards the goals articulated in Healthy People 2010 and Bright Futures.
Goals and Objectives:
GOAL 1: To provide long-term leadership training in caring for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities to a wide range of health and health related professionals at the graduate and post-graduate level.
GOAL 2: To prepare health professionals with advanced clinical skills necessary to provide care for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.
GOAL 3: To enhance training in caring for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities at all levels of higher education.
GOAL 4: To provide Continuing Education, Consultation and Technical Assistance which promote systems of care that improve the health and well-being of children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and provide needed services and supports for their families.
GOAL 5: To prepare health professionals who have the knowledge and skills with regard to the provision of health care to vulnerable populations with limited access to health care.
GOAL 6: To prepare professionals who have the knowledge and skills required to integrate fully the family into systems of care and training.
GOAL 7: To prepare professionals who have the knowledge and skills to advance the care of young women with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.
GOAL 8: To prepare professionals who have the knowledge and skills to provide culturally and linguistically competent health and related care for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families.
GOAL 9: To prepare professionals who have the knowledge and skills to evaluate, design and conduct research and other projects of Possible National Significance related to the care of children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.
Methodology:
The training program uses innovative approaches in the design of systems of health care and training which focus on developing leadership, advancing scholarship and promoting partnership with educators, multi-disciplinary academics, community organizations, practitioners, policy makers, parents and families. There is an emphasis on the provision of community based, family centered, culturally competent services, program administration, public policy and advocacy. The core curriculum consists of three core courses, other discipline related didactic courses, clinical experiences in a variety of settings, leadership development and research seminars. The training program addresses nine major competency areas, which reflect the knowledge and skills that future professional will need to improve the health and quality of life for children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families.
Coordination:
The program’s activities are closely coordinated with the Ohio Department of Health, Division of Family and Community Health Services (the state Title V agency), the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Ohio Department of Human Services and other state and local agencies. Nisonger Center has linkages with all major health agencies and most MR/DD agencies in central Ohio.
Evaluation:
The Nisonger Center conducts program evaluation using formative and summative evaluation procedures. Individual Training Plans consisting of faculty assessments, self assessments, and a WEB based portfolio representing training experiences, knowledge and skills form the basis of evaluation of trainee progress. Nisonger Center continues to evaluate the impact of its programs.
Experience to Date:
During the past year 14 long-term trainees from health care administration, social work, audiology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, nursing, developmental pediatrics, law, and special education participated in the program. The program continues to extend its training to include family members in its academic courses and clinical training and services. This year the program participated in the development and implementation of regional Early Intervention Eligibility Determination Clinics in 2 rural counties in Appalachia. During the past 9 months 7,665 clients were served. The faculty published 49 scholarly works. There were 38 continuing education events benefiting 16,647 individuals.
