the Illinois LEND program prepares you to serve as a leader and improve the lives of children and families with disabilities, with a focus on autism.
What is LEND?
Advanced training for graduate students, professionals, self-advocates, and family members to address the needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Who is a LEND trainee?
LEND trainees are graduate students, working professionals, family members, and self-advocates from 15 different disciplines across the State of Illinois.
What is Self-Advocacy in LEND?
Self-Advocates bring to LEND the disability point of view and educate other trainees how to interact with people with disabilities.
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Meet the Team
Our team includes our discipline and training coordinators, 9 core staff members, and 12 consultants that work together to create the best training experience possible.
Meet Our Trainees
IL LEND brings together trainees from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences.
Meet Our Partners
The IL LEND Program is housed in the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has community and academic partners throughout the state.
