The Self-Advocate Discipline

Become a UW LEND Self-Advocate Trainee

Why?

Because your neurodiverse voice and perspective is a much-needed one that healthcare professionals don’t often get to hear!

What is UW LEND?

A 9-month training program for students, clinicians in medical and education professions, self-advocates and family members.

UW LEND located at the University of Washington at the Institute for Human Development and Disability.

What will I do as a trainee?

• Learn about child and young adult disabilities like autism, Down syndrome, and many others
• Learn how to use your voice for advocacy and to make change
• Be a learner alongside trainees of all different backgrounds
• Be a teacher by sharing your personal experiences of having a disability
• Self-advocate trainees earn a stipend for participating!

What experience do I need?

• Be an individual who identifies as having a developmental or related disability
• Have passion for disability self-advocacy and making the lives of fellow disabled people better
• Have a desire to become more involved in the disability community and become a leader
• Have some post-high school experience

How do I apply?

Contact:   Ivanova Smith, Self-Advocate Faculty

or Ben Moore, Self-Advocate Faculty

or Kathleen Lehman, Associate Director

• You will get help filling out the application forms, if you need it, so don’t worry!
• You will get help scheduling an interview
• You will contact two people you know to write a letter of recommendation

Hear the voice of Self-Advocate Faculty Ivanova Smith

Hear the voice of Self-Advocate Trainee John Wennberg

Hear the voice of Self-Advocate Trainee Isaac Shiu