Reflections
As part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's 50th anniversary celebration, families, researchers, staff, trainees, and others shared their reflections. View a sample below, and select "more" to view additional comments.
| A reflection from a family |
| I have had a 21-year personal relationship with those who have special needs [because of our son, adopted at birth]. I do not know what my husband and I, both eggheads, would have done without the practical and research-based wisdom of the VKC. Nicholas’s first VKC program was TRIAD, a place where we all learned how to live with structure, what to attend to, what to let go. We also learned that we were not alone and that the professionals at VKC were actively working to make my family’s and other families’ lives better. That matters when your child is nothing like any other child you know. But my child could do more….The VKC has showed us how another way is possible. That our children can and will have another way. Robbie Pinter - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | My interests in studying reading disabilities began when I got a job out of college working at a school for children with dyslexia. The year I spent teaching raised so many questions that I decided to go back to school and get a Ph.D. in Communications Disorders and Learning Disabilities. My research revolves around helping to improve the long-term literacy outcomes of children who struggle to develop reading skills. This focus fits well within the core mission of the Kennedy Center. Being a VKC investigator has provided me with opportunities to extend my research that would not have been possible without the relationship. I value the multidisciplinary research opportunities afforded by being a VKC member. Donald Compton, Ph.D. - Special Education See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| I was introduced to the Kennedy Center in 1975 when I was an undergraduate at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. It changed my life, and set me on my career path. I left as a graduate, and I came back for graduate studies. And I work in disability and I still count on the Kennedy Center every day. Carol Westlake - Tennessee Disability Public Policy Advocate See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I was a trainee with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities]. This experience was invaluable to my current work as a clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing very young children with autism. My LEND training enhanced my abilities to understand families’ perspectives, to collaborate across disciplines, and to maintain cultural competence, all of which helps me provide better care to children and parents at a very difficult moment in their lives. Amy Weitlauf - VKC Member and Former LEND Trainee See More... |
Submit your reflection here