Each year, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with The Arc Tennessee and AbleVoices, produces a collection of stories and images that highlight the challenges individuals with disabilities and their families face as they navigate service systems and supports in the state of Tennessee. Kindred Stories of Disability highlights a different topic in each issue and is shared with Tennessee legislators and policymakers to educate them with first-hand accounts from constituents in their districts.

MN LEND fellow Caroline Roberts is studying self-injury among adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite their busy schedules, psychiatrists and behavioral therapists are eager to participate in the research.

Kim Baker (MN LEND 2019-20), a special education supervisor and parent of three students with disabilities, was elected to the Lakeville (Minn.) Area School Board in November. Her four-year term begins January 1, 2023.

Mr. Scott Dent, a 2nd year genetics counseling masters student and South Carolina LEND trainee has been recognized for excellence in his field.. The Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship Student Research Award is intended to support research in the profession that addresses advances in genetic technology, along with the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of genetics in medicine.

A new article was published by Dr. Sharon Milberger and MI-LEND Program colleagues from both Wayne State University and Michigan State University. The article, entitled "Using a LIFE Framework to Develop MCH Leaders", examines the impact that the MI-LEND 'LIFE' framework has on the development of essential competencies identified within the leadership program.

The MN UCEDD jointly offers the Disability Policy and Services Certificate to students who want a deeper understanding of disability. Akeem Anderson, a University of Minnesota J.D./Ph.D. student interested in the intersection of race, health, and law, is adding the Institute's Disability Policy and Services Certificate to his already hefty academic pursuits.

Summary: After completing a master's degree at Harvard University, Julia Anderson (MNLEND 2016-17) is turning her experience in disability policy to a new task: innovating state programs for Massachusetts.

Every two years, Community Crossroads hosts a premiere Biennial Community Partnership Celebration, and this year, it was held on October 13 at the Atkinson Country Club & Resort. Student Kate Lonergan of UNH College of Health and Human Services was in attendance and won the Outstanding DSP Award, as was UNH-4U student Andrew. Two NH Leadership Series grads also took home awards: Regan Lamphier ('17) won the Kathleen Murphy Community Partnership Award and James Watson ('14) won the Outstanding Achievement Compass Award.

The MN LEND at Institute on Community Integration is mentoring community members, providing resources, networking connections, and technology to help Minnesota families. Projects have included online resources for providers supporting new Somali mothers.