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
John Donovan - Brother

For 50 years, the Center has searched for ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. One of those ways is sponsoring the Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) sibling network….The VKC has many projects and programs that assist and empower our siblings, families, and us to provide the best life possible.

John Donovan - Brother

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A reflection from a professional
Nina Harris - VKC Disability Professional

In my role, I assist families who have children with autism spectrum disorder. I have the opportunity each day to hear directly from families about their struggles and triumphs. Even the simplest of daily routines can be difficult for families who have children with autism. I feel lucky that families choose to share their stories with me. I also feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center where many talented researchers are trying to determine the best interventions and treatments for the families I speak with. Daily, I listen to families, validate their concerns and feelings, and hopefully offer them a service or resources to address their needs. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a true asset to these families as well as to the University, the greater Nashville community, and others who are much farther away.

Nina Harris - VKC Disability Professional

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A reflection from a trainee

I am the proud parent of four young children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Besides benefiting from their vast array of supports and services, I am currently receiving valuable research experience as a doctoral student in special education and receiving specialized disability-specific training through the VKC.

Thomas Boehm - Parent, Doctoral Student in Special Education, and VKC UCEDD Trainee

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A reflection from a researcher
Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D. - Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics

My father was a psychiatrist, and as a young child, I spent Saturdays at his clinic and so was accustomed to being with people with disabilities. Later, we lived on the grounds of a state mental health hospital, where I had many friends with different types of developmental and psychiatric difficulties. I wanted to better understand their lives and stories. At the Yale Child Study Center, my experiences with children with fragile X syndrome started me on the path of looking at other genetic syndromes, since they offer unique windows for understanding the connections among genes, brain, and behavior, as well as specific ways to optimize interventions with individuals and families. My husband and I moved to Vanderbilt because we wanted to be part of a community of researchers and others dedicated to understanding people with developmental disabilities on a number of different levels—genetics, brain science, treatments, supporting families, public policy, and advocacy. The VKC embodied all of that in one place.

Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D. - Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics

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