LEND offers opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways to projects and programs that will beneficially affect our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Here are the top 10 reasons our trainees say someone should become a LEND trainee.

1. Make a difference in the lives of children and families
2. Learn leadership and advocacy skills for working with children and families
3. Develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of different disciplines to meet the needs of people with disabilities
4. Learn how to become a positive agent of change in systems which affect people who experience disabilities
5. Expand networks and resources to use in your career
6. Advance your career and expand your job searches
7. Learn what “interdisciplinary” really means and looks like
8. Participate in research opportunities in collaboration with LEND faculty
9. Share an experience with a child with disability and his/her family
10. Continue life-long learning and skill development

“The LEND program has pushed me in directions professionally that I never would have pursued without this experience. I have gained a great deal of confidence and knowledge about the resources we have in Alaska and access to resources outside Alaska through the internet and through networking with other LEND programs and participants.”

2011/12 Speech Pathology LEND Trainee