CT LEND

11/14/2025

Our LEND students spent today learning about the role and responsibilities of nurses in interdisciplinary care, as well as how factors like oral health, and communication challenges can impact dental care for individuals with disabilities.

We were fortunate to welcome several guest speakers. Mimi Snyder, PhD, MSN, RN, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Partnerships at the UConn School of Nursing, shared insights on nursing care for children and adults with disabilities and walked students through the discipline’s unique perspective.

Steven M. Lepowsky, D.D.S., Dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, spoke about oral care, dentistry’s role on interdisciplinary teams, and ways to support patients with a wide range of needs.

To close the session, Chris Blake, LEND Self-Advocate Faculty Member, shared his family story and highlighted the transportation challenges many individuals with disabilities face. Offering students a meaningful perspective on barriers that often go unseen.

11/10/2025

Last week, the Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CT LEND) program hosted a seminar exploring the vital roles of speech language pathologists and audiologists in supporting individuals with hearing loss.

Dr. Tammie Spaulding, PhD, Associate Professor of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science at the University of Connecticut, joined the session via Zoom, sharing her expertise and perspective on advancing communication outcomes for children with developmental differences.

Dr. Kathy Cienkowski, PhD, engaged with UConn students to discuss topics including hearing assessments, intervention strategies, and cochlear implants, highlighting how interdisciplinary collaboration strengthens outcomes for children and families with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

UCEDD’s Paula DeMichiel brought a personal touch to the seminar, sharing her family’s story and reminding students of the importance of compassion in leadership and care.

We’re grateful to our speakers and participants for advancing CT LEND’s mission to prepare future leaders who promote inclusive, person-centered care.

11/08/2025

Lets Play Together! The Young Athletes app is a fun way for children to stay active and establish healthy habits for the future. Get personalized activities based on your child’s development, access health resources, and chat directly with other families in your area. The Young Athletes app is for families and caregivers of young children, with and without ID, ages 0-7 years old. Download on the Google Play or Apple app stores today.

Special Olympics Young Athletes program is an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for children with and without intellectual disabilities from ages ...

11/06/2025

“It’s a strain.” That’s how one Connecticut retiree describes being forced to scramble when her daughter—who lives with multiple disabilities and depends on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—didn’t receive her benefits because of the federal shutdown.
Connecticut Public
This isn’t just politics—it’s about feeding children, supporting fixed-income parents, and protecting those who are the most vulnerable.https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2025-11-05/its-a-strain-ct-residents-who-rely-on-snap-stymied-by-benefits-stoppage

More than 360,000 Connecticut residents are going without their usual food assistance payments amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

11/05/2025

Happy National Stress Awareness Day! Let’s embrace tranquility and spread positivity! Take a moment to breathe deeply, enjoy a cozy cup of tea, or share laughter with loved ones. Remember, it’s okay to pause and recharge. Share your stress-relief tips below & let’s lift each other up!

11/04/2025

CT launches new 'Guide for Navigating Dementia Care' for caregivers; Caregivers of loved ones with dementia can access a no-cost guide launched Monday by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS). The guide contains warning signs of dementia, a caregiver checklist and advice about what to expect at every stage of the disease. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/

10/31/2025

Finishing up our day today with a focus on Motor Development and Disabilities: with Dr. Sudha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy, UConn and Characteristics and Goals of Physical Therapy with Vaishnavi Shahane, PT, MS, Research Associate, UConn UCEDD
Together, we’re strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing inclusive practices for children and families across Connecticut.

10/31/2025

It is a SPOOKY LEND today! Our trainees brought the Halloween spirit to class today.

10/31/2025

It’s ! 🎃
Students engaged with Dr. Brandi Simonsen for an insightful session exploring Special Education, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

We also heard the inspiring parent story of Laurie Cantrell, CT LEND Family Faculty, whose family perspective reminded us why this work matters every day. 💙

10/31/2025

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