Group Programs

Leadership Training & Development

You’re already making a difference in people’s lives. But imagine what becomes possible when you’re connected to a community of leaders who share your commitment to human rights, understand your challenges, and amplify your impact.

NLCDD’s cohort-based programs bring together professionals at all levels to build practical leadership skills through collaborative learning. We believe leadership isn’t about your title—it’s about your capacity to create change within your three spheres of influence:

You Grow → Your Organization Transforms → Systems Change

When you build confidence and effectiveness in your role, policy changes take root in your organization. As leaders across multiple organizations collaborate and share what works, entire systems advance toward more individualized, person-directed supports. Together, we strengthen our collective impact and create change that none of us could achieve alone.

Find Your Program

Leadership Institutes

For current and emerging leaders in the IDD field at all organizational levels

Our flagship multi-day intensive Leadership Institutes run virtually and in-person, combining expert speakers, interactive exercises, leadership assessments, and a structured leadership challenge. You’ll gain clarity on your leadership style, build actionable plans, and join a community of practice that provides ongoing support long after the program ends.

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Frontline Leadership Training

For direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors in the IDD field

Leadership exists at every level, especially where it matters most—in daily interactions with people who have IDD that shape quality of life. Our Leadership, Empowerment, Advancement & Development (LEAD) program recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities facing those who work directly with people receiving supports, building leadership capacity on the front lines.

Learn About LEAD

Workshops

For professionals in the IDD field at any level seeking tactical skill development or collaborative thought partnership

Targeted sessions on specific leadership topics—such as communication, conflict resolution, workforce challenges, and team building—as they relate to the IDD field. Offered as single sessions or multi-part series, in person or virtually.

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Catalyst Labs

For IDD field change makers interested in creating innovative solutions to address some of the field’s most critical challenges

You bring your experience, ideas, and dedication to solve our field’s biggest challenges. We’ll bring in the experts, facilitate the learning, connect you with forward-thinking leaders, and provide the resources and tools you need to move from ideas to action in this 2.5-day intensive.

Find Out More about Catalyst Labs

Why Cohort Learning Works

Shared challenges, collective solutions. Learning alongside professionals facing similar obstacles creates immediate relevance and practical problem-solving.

Lasting connections beyond the program. Your cohort becomes your professional support network—people you can rely on for advice, perspective, or encouragement.

Diverse perspectives strengthen innovation. Hearing how leaders from different states, organization types, and roles approach challenges expands your toolkit and sparks new ideas.

By the Numbers

of proven outcomes
leaders creating change after attending our programs
of program attendees find the content useful and applicable to their roles

Ready to Grow Your Impact?

Explore Leadership Institutes

Learn About Frontline Leadership Programs

View Upcoming Workshops

Learn More About Catalyst Labs

NLCDD Alumni Network

When you complete an NLCDD program, you join a community of changemakers who stay connected for years. Alumni access ongoing resources, return as faculty and mentors, and collaborate across organizations to create exponential impact in the field. If you are an alumnus of a NLCDD program, access the NLCDD Alumni Network below.

Alumni Network Login