Self-Advocates in LEND (SAIL)

Self-Advocates in LEND (SAIL) is open to current LEND trainees, alumni, faculty and staff who identify as people with disabilities.

History

Sail boat origami in different colors

SAIL was formerly the PWD Peer Subcommittee. The subcommittee was formed for peer-to-peer network support between current and former LEND Self-Advocate trainees. Self-Advocate trainees, are at times, the only one in their discipline, and it can feel isolating. This group can help connect current and former Self-Advocate trainees across the network through virtual meetings and social media. In January 2022, the subcommittee decided to become it's own workgroup and voted on the name Self-Advocates in LEND.

Leadership

Co-Chairs

  • Edward Esbeck, Iowa LEND and Rebecca Lloyd, Delaware LEND

Steering Committee

  • Jairo Arana, Mailman Center, Robin Ennis, Colorado LEND,
  • Melanie Davis, Nebraska
  • Kiki Godfrey, UC Davis MIND Institute
  • Michael Thornton, Arkansas LEND.

Purpose

The purpose of SAIL is to provide a safe space for self-advocate trainees and alumni to:

  • Connect with other self-advocates across the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) network;
  • Learn mentoring and problem-solving skills with their peers;
  • Share about their projects and LEND program; and,
  • Maintain connections long after their LEND training has concluded.

Meetings

SAIL meets bi-monthly on the first Wednesday, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastern Time, in February, April, June, August, October, and a special meeting during the AUCD conference.

Login Information

For more information or to be added to the listserv, please email the AUCD ITAC team at [email protected].