Several of MMI’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program faculty and students recently attended the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
During the three-day trip, students Malinda Childers, Taylor Johnson and Alena Skrundevkiy and faculty Kellie Ellerbusch, Graciella Sharif and Jennifer Brock attended several seminars about government policy and advocacy relating to disabilities and had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Ben Sasse and staff members from Sen. Deb Fischer’s office.
“This is an all-encompassing conference,” Brock said. “It’s not just aimed at the general public or professionals. They want people affected by all sorts of disabilities to come and learn about what is going on in government and how it may affect them, and then go advocate, create and deliver a message so we can create positive change and get outcomes that favor individuals with disabilities.
“It also empowers individuals who are serving that population,” she added.
Brock said the meeting with the Nebraska senators’ offices went very well.
“We provided information on LEND and the importance of continuing to fund programs link LEND, as well as support policies that affect health care for people with developmental disabilities.”