Creating Interdisciplinary Leaders in Northeast Tennessee
The CILNT project, funded by the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, trains graduate scholars in special education and speech language pathology (SLP) in an interdisciplinary approach to use Evidence Based Practices for students with high intensity support needs (SwHISN; e.g., multiple disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant physical disabilities, significant autism, significant sensory disabilities) in order to fill major shortages of personnel qualified to serve this population.
CILNT uses a unique model where the selected graduate scholars receive seminars and shared clinical experiences, on top of their program of study, from faculty in diverse fields (nutrition, pediatrics, early childhood, and physical and occupational therapy) who are experts in their discipline on working with SwHISNs. Special education and SLP graduates of the CILNT project become highly trained professionals prepared to implement evidence based practices, using an interdisciplinary team model to best serve students with the most complex needs.
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2023. Please view the needed materials checklist and FAQs before beginning your application. Applications for the special education track are due May 31, 2023.
For more information about the application process or questions about the program, please contact Dr. Pamela Mims (mimspj@etsu.edu).
Meet the CILNT Faculty Team:
Dr. Christy Isbell
Occupational TherapyMilligan College
Interested in applying?
- Admission is competitive.
- Must apply to a graduate program in special education or speech-language pathology
for Fall 2023 to participate in CILNT.
- Selected students receive tuition reimbursement as well as funds to cover books and
travel. In return, the student commits to working in the field after graduation for
a period of two years for every year of funding received by serving students with
high intensity support needs.
- FAQs can be found here.