Leadership Education

The Mid-Tennessee Interdisciplinary Instruction in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (MIND) Training Program prepares graduate-level health professionals in 14 disciplines to assume leadership roles to serve children with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.

It is funded by LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Grant No. T73MC00050, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The purpose of the MIND Training Program is to reduce and prevent NDRD (neurodevelopmental disabilities and related disabilities) in children and to increase access to family-centered, community-based, culturally competent, interdisciplinary services.

The program focuses on preparing health professionals to assume leadership roles and develop interdisciplinary team skills, advanced clinical skills, and research skills, in order to meet the complex needs of children with NDRD.

The program is federally funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau LEND Grant. A five-year grant was awarded in July 1999. The five-year renewal grant was awarded in July 2004.

The MIND Training Program includes faculty from Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, Meharry Medical College, and the University of Tennessee.

Program Focuses

The MIND Program provides interdisciplinary leadership training for advanced graduate students and post-graduate professionals representing the fields of:

Audiology
Deaf Education
Nursing
Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Parent/Family Resources
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatrics
Physical Therapy
Psychology
Social Work
Special Education
Speech and Language Pathology

Professionals from these disciplines represent the core faculty and provide mentorship in the implementation of the training program. A parent advisor and technology specialist serve on the faculty as well.