The Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program at the University of New England (UNE) provides training to health professional trainees, special education trainees, and family and self-advocate trainees. One of LEND’s training activities is called the Family Interprofessional Team (FIT). We are seeking families who might benefit from participating in this activity. We have provided more information below.
Who is the Family Interprofessional Team (FIT)?
The FIT can include trainees specializing in Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Language Pathology, Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Special Education, School Psychology, Audiology, Family-advocacy, and Self-advocacy.
Who does the FIT serve?
The FIT provides family-centered, culturally appropriate evaluation and consultation services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND) such as cerebral palsy (CP) or genetic conditions. Children are given preference if they have complex needs which are currently considered a challenge by their family, are from underserved areas, low socioeconomic groups, and/or are from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups. Children are selected based on need and compatibility with LEND Program training objectives.
Where does the FIT meet?
The FIT can provide these services in any environment. With permission from you and service providers, FIT can take place within your home, school, clinic, and work settings. The FIT services will NOT take the place of services your child is already receiving.
What is the purpose of FIT?
The purpose of these services is to provide evaluations and consultations for children and their family and a learning experience for Maine LEND trainees to practice teamwork, leadership, and best practice skills. The LEND team will provide a final report with recommendations addressing the concerns you identify concerning your child.
Does this cost anything?
There is no fee for FIT services.
If you are interested, please call Lianne Lissauer at 207-221-4582 or email her at llissauer@une.edu to schedule a meeting with the LEND interview team.
Eileen Ricci Lianne Lissauer
Eileen Ricci, PT, DPT, MS, PCS Lianne Lissauer
Maine LEND Program Director Maine LEND Program Coordinator