The Hawaiʻi MCH LEND Program is for Hawaiʻi-based individuals with an interest in assuming leadership roles to improve the care, support, and services of infants, children, and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Trainees are recruited from a variety of disciplines and include:
| Graduate & Post-Graduate Students | Community Professionals | Self-Advocates & Family Advocates |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate students in the last phase of their master’s or doctoral program. Also includes post-master’s and post-doctoral fellows | Practicing professionals with graduate degrees or commensurate work or leadership experience | Individuals who have lived experience with disabilities, either personally or as family members |
In our program, trainees are given opportunities to work with each other in interdisciplinary pairs and groups to develop interdisciplinary team building skills and partnerships. They are also given opportunities to share their unique knowledge, expertise, and perspectives and learn from one another. Individuals from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
The latest program cohorts included trainees from disciplines including:
What Will You Learn?
Trainees will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in the field of maternal and child health (MCH) by participating in training activities and completing assignments and projects.
Leadership ability grows as the knowledge, skills, and experience of the individual expands and deepens.
The graphic to the right illustrates the widening spheres of influence that leaders experience as they develop—from self to others to the wider community – and the leadership competencies that fall under each sphere.
How Will You Learn?
Over the academic year, trainees complete 300+ hours of leadership training, which include hours dedicated to synchronous program sessions, asynchronous training/activities/assignments, and application of concepts, knowledge, and skills gained through the program.
Some examples of training activities and topics include:
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities
Exploring Neurodiveristy
Community Site Visits
Interdisciplinary Team Building
Mental Health & Wellness
Cultural Understanding
Communication Skills
Advocacy
Supporting Families
Honoring Lived Experience
Understanding Service Systems
Training is delivered through a variety of teaching methods:
– Presentations
– Seminars
– Discussions
– Workshops
– Site Visits
– Peer-to-Peer Learning
– Clinical Observations
– Group & Pair Work
– Self-Assessment
– Problem-Based Learning
– Mentoring
– Asynchronous Lessons
– Games, Videos
– Projects & Assignments
– Following Legislation
Program Schedule
The Hawaiʻi MCH LEND Program follows the Fall and Spring academic schedules at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa and adapts a hybrid learning model, with weekly virtual and in-person synchronous sessions throughout the academic year.
Weekly, synchronous sessions are scheduled on Fridays throughout the academic year. Typically, in-person sessions are from 8/8:30am to 4:30pm HST and virtual sessions are from 8/8:30am to 1:30pm. Activities may also be held on a couple weekends and other weekdays throughout the academic year.
All accepted applicants will be notified of the program schedule upon their acceptance into the program.
Who Will You Learn From?
The Hawaiʻi MCH LEND faculty members reflect the program’s interdisciplinary approach and represent a variety of disciplines including health administration, psychology, special education, pediatric dentistry, medicine – pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics, social work, and family advocacy. Trainees also learn from other leaders in our community who advocate for and support individuals with developmental disabilities.
Interested in becoming a Hawaiʻi MCH LEND Program trainee?
Click on the button below to learn more about our application requirements and process.
Connect with Us!
Mailing Address
Hawaiʻi MCH LEND Program
1319 Punahou St, Rm 745
Honolulu, Hawaii, 96826
Contact Information
If you have any questions about our program, please give us a call or send us an email at:
Phone: (808) 369-1240
Email: mchlend@hawaii.edu