2026 Year-end celebration showcases scholarship and leadership

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Photograph of a group of people attending a poster presentation event in an indoor setting, with multiple research posters displayed on easels. Attendees are engaged in discussions, with posters featuring titles related to health topics, and individuals wearing casual to business casual attire.

The annual LEND Capstone Poster Session and Year End Celebration was held in May at the University of New Hampshire. Trainees presented 18 posters describing their projects and activities during their leadership placements with disability organizations across the states of Maine and New Hampshire.  Culminating 8 months of hard work, trainees conversed with each other, faculty, and community partners. They had the opportunity to reflect on the impact of a full year of learning and professional development as disability leaders.  

Photograph of a scientific research poster presentation titled "A Tiered Approach to Infant Rehabilitation: Addressing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)." Two women discuss the poster

LEND Trainee Maggie Maloney discusses her poster with Carly Ireland, NH Family Voices.

There was a broad range of topics encompassing policy and advocacy, lived experience and empowerment, research and evaluation, access to care, community engagement, and postsecondary education. 

The following trainee posters can be found on the UNH Graduate Research Conference webpage.

  • Disproportionate Suspension and Multi-Tiered Supports
  • Exploring the Intersectionality of Justice-Impacted Women and Individuals with Disabilities
  • “Nothing About Us Without Us”: Self-Advocate Perspectives on Direct Care Services and Advocacy
  • Peer Supports in Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities    
  • Mental Health in Adults with Disabilities: A Needs Assessment
  • Leadership Development Through the NH Family Support Conference
  • Maternal Health Patient Toolkit: Supporting Language Access as a Strategy for Addressing Maternal Racial Health Disparities
  • Layperson’s guide to Legislative Advocacy
  • Elevating Lived Expertise in NH Policy
  • Library Outreach: Fostering Developmental Growth

“True to the purpose of LEND programs, the 2026 LEND graduates moved the needle in impacting the system of care in Maine and New Hampshire. Their capstone posters objectively reflect the hours engaged in stakeholder work that both enhances their leadership skill and knowledge and supports state partners in advancing important disability initiatives for children with autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Congratulations to our graduates!”
~ Sarah Smith, NH-ME LEND Program Director

Photograph showing three women engaged in a presentation of award ceremony, with one woman holding a microphone and another holding a certificate.

Stacy Driscoll and Sarah Smith present Olivia Barron her NH-ME LEND certificate.

The event concluded with the presentation of LEND certificates, well-earned accolades, and a celebratory lunch.  We wish the 2026 Cohort farewell and look forward to seeing the impact of their leadership throughout the system of care supporting people with disabilities. 

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